HIST 205 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Crisis Of The Third Century, Alexamenos Graffito, Shapur I

• School: McGill University
• Department: History
• Course: HIST 205
• Professor: Alexander Mc Auley

Document Summary

Despite a variety or belief and practices there was a focus on continuity in early christianity. Christ is a half man - half god figure. The crucifixion was so that the resurrection could be fulfilled. There was both eternal damnation and eternal salvation. Early christian communities believed that christ had founded a church so that his message could be spread. The end times were coming, but no one knew when. There was a strong emphasis on missionizing. Christ picks special people who are blessed, and they perform miracles and such. Each person kind of starts their own church, and thus spreads the good word . Theological belief in the early church that the bishops are descendants of the apostles, and are carrying on the apostles mission. When they undergo the rites to become a priest or bishop, they are fundamentally changed and become more.