In this six-part Lenten series, we trace the influence of the early Christian Church on the Roman Empire and the subsequent division of the Church. The Early Christians transformed a cruel, oppressive Empire as a result of the Incarnation of Christ and the formation of Churches with a sacramental life centered on Christ and a heavenly vision. When the Church was united, it had a spiritual power, like a Beacon of Truth, that transformed the Pagan cultural values to align with those taught by Christ. This was due to the faithful who practiced the faith in its fullness and established churches, ensuring the presence of Christ throughout the Empire. Later, after the split, this unity was lost, and changes were introduced first through the Papal reforms in the West and subsequently through further reforms following the Reformation. This heavenly focus was lost and replaced by a more intellectual form of faith, downgrading the work of the Holy Spirit and causing a shift from a heavenly view to a worldly one. Throughout these changes in the West, the Orthodox Church remained unchanged, maintaining its faith and practice as they had existed in the Apostolic Church. This series traces these developments and then asks: Does the Orthodox Church stand today as a Beacon of Truth in our current culture, which holds values that are not congruent with Gospel values and that bring about change?
Videos from this series:
Session 1: The Pagan World and the Christian Revolution:
Articles:
Are the Gospel Values Compatible with the American Culture?