The Patristic Period

Introduction
“Historical theology acts a major resource to those studying church history, allowing them to understand the specific nature of the ideas which affected the church at critical periods in that history” (McGrath, 1998, P.12). However, the implications of historical theology extend much beyond the classroom as, “Christianity often unconsciously absorbs and values from its cultural backdrop” (McGrath, 1998, P. 13). In doing so, culture begins to define the lessons of the Bible, rather than the original messages defining how we view culture. To constantly keep this problematic viewpoint in check, the church and its ministers must be dedicated to the topic of historical theology through their studies. In studying historical theology one realizes that, “it is virtually impossible to do theology as if it had never been done before. There is always an element of looking over one’s shoulder, to see how things were done in the past” (McGrath, 1998, P. 12). To achieve this we begin by recognizing the four distinct time periods, which mark when significant changes took place in theological thought. These time periods are, the Patristic period; the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period; the Reformation and Post-Reformation period; and finally, the Modern period.

Periods of Historical Theology
The Patristic period (c. 100 – 451) was the first, and arguably one of the most influential periods of church history. Credited to this time period was the formation of apologetics, the adoption of Rome, the recognition of theology as a disciple in itself, as well as specific issues and people that had long lasting impacts upon the Christian faith. Then, the Middle Ages and Renaissance period (c. 500 – 1500), marked a time of volatility. The fall of Rome shook Europe, while the tension within the Christian world that led to a, “final break between the Catholic west and Orthodox east [churches]…[in conjunction to] the rise of the monasteries” (McGrath, 1998, P. 95). Next came the Reformation and Post-Reformation period (1500 – 1750). This period was marked by a time of new ideas. “The most significant development was the Reformation, a movement which sought to return the western church to more biblical foundations in relation to its belief system, morality and structures” (McGrath, 1998, P. 156). Finally, we enter the Modern period (1750 – Present Day). As an ongoing reality many churches seek to continually accomplish that which defines this period, a rescue of Christianity from crisis and indifference. Each of these historical periods have had positive and negative impacts on Christianity as a whole, but special attention must be give to the Patristic period as it laid the foundation for the spread of the Christian faith throughout various cultures and lands in Europe

The Patristic Period
The impacts of the Patristic period can be seen within the culture it suffered and thrived in. During this time the Roman Empire comprised of most of the Mediterranean world. This included the birthplace of Christianity, the region of Judea. Under the Romans, Christianity laid its foundation and was met with apathy, fear, persecution, and finally acceptance. The Roman Emperor Constantine converted from paganism to Christianity after a “decisive battle [that] took place on October 28, 312” (McGrath, 1998, P. 20). From this establishment of Christianity as an accepted religion, “theology thus emerged from the hidden world of secret church meetings, to become a matter of public interest and concern” (McGrath, 1998, P. 20). Due to the public interest, contention began to surface as the once independent churches began to debate on who’s theology was correct. Subjects such as, Christology (the person of Christ), the Trinity (God, Son, and Holy Spirit as one), and Church consensus became the specific issues, which the Churches disagreed and Constantine sought to rectify. Through individuals such as, Justin Matyr (c. 100 – c. 165), Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130 – c. 200), Origen (c. 185 – c. 254), Tertullian (c. 160 – c. 225), Athanasius (c. 296 – c. 373) and Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430) (McGrath, 1998, P. 24-26) who became the voices of wisdom through letters and debates. These influential people challenged doctrine (correct and incorrect), establishing the New Test Cannon, developing apologetics against the rise of Gnosticism, establishing sanctioned traditions, the giving argument to the validity of scripture as a whole, and developing creeds recognized by the Christian religion as a whole. Each of which has lasting impacts upon every church today.

Conclusion
Historical Theology seeks to fill the gaps where Churches, or Church-goers, accept something as truth even though they have little understanding of why it is accepted as so. By understanding the progression from the Patristic period; to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period; to the Reformation and Post-Reformation period; and finally into the Modern period, we are able to see how our Christian beliefs were formed and the influence great thinkers have had upon those beliefs. Most notably was the Patristic period as it was the first building block for the Christian churches. Aspects such as the New Testament Canon and the creeds are commonly accepted with little or no objection. Also belief in the Trinity, disbelief in Gnosticism, and the teaching of apologetics is also common teachings for Christians of all denominations. Through all of this one can see that variances in beliefs have been debated, but settled throughout time. Today we must follow the example of the Patristic period and continue to seek a more harmonious consensus as we are all praising the same God.

References
McGrath, Alister E. (1998) Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. Blackwell Publishing. Malden, MA.

~ by Brad Raburn on May 10, 2009.