Ch 2: The Church Grows in the Midst of Persecution Flashcards
Council of Jerusalem
the first church council, which was called to resolve the growing controversy over whether or not Gentiles would have to observe Jewish law (i.e. be circumcised) before being baptized to become Christian
Pagan
someone who is polytheistic (believes in many gods)
Deities
higher beings or gods based on the belief
Catechumens
people who are undergoing a period of study and spiritual preparation before receiving the Sacrament of Baptism
Church Fathers
men from the 1st-8th centuries AD who were given this title based on their monumental contributions to the Church, especially their extensive teaching and writing about the Faith in order to help it grow and develop
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Apostolic Father; bishop of Antioch; follower of the apostle John; martyred in Rome; preached the faith on his way to his execution; fed to the lions in the Colosseum.
St. Polycarp of Smyrna
bishop of Smyrna (Turkey); defender against heresies; refused to worship the emperor or other Roman gods; set on fire but didn’t die
St. Justin Martyr
apologist; connected philosophy to Christian morality; sentenced to die with some of his students
St. Irenaeus of Lyons
follower of St. Polycarp; defender against heresies like Gnosticism; died of natural causes not martyrdom
St. Cyprian of Carthage
The bishop of Carthage who addressed the controversy of how to treat Christians who had denied their faith in order to avoid persecution. First bishop of Carthage to be martyred
Deacons
In the early church, those appointed to serve the poor and needy. Today, an ordained man who assists priests and bishops in carrying out the work of the Church.
Bishops
(episkopoi) “overseers”; Main responsibilities - preside at the Eucharist, baptize and forgive sin
Priests
Priests (presbyters)
Hierarchy
the sacred leadership of the Church that is made up of the Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons
