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451
The Council of Chalcedon 451AD
The Council of Chalcedon was the fourth ecumenical council of the Christian Church, held from October 8 to November 1, AD 451 in Chalcedon. The council's ruling arose as a result of confusion/debate particularly focused on the critical issue of Jesus' identity which consequently questioned both his humanity and divinity. This event was ultimately an essential step in further clarifying a key teaching to the Church that Jesus had "two natures" and was "fully human and fully divine in one Person". -
Period: 451 to
Key Significant Events of Church History Timespan 451 - 1965AD
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Jul 16, 1054
East - West Schism 1054 AD
The East-West Schism of 1054 was the event that precipitated the final separation between what is now known as the "Orthodox & Catholic Churches", hence a "significant development" in Church organisation. The separation was due to social, theological, cultural and political differences which dated back when Byzantine and Roman officials excommunicated each other which thus led to a shift in "church practice" mainly attributed to how no inter-Communion exists between these two churches to date. -
Oct 1, 1347
The Plague/Black Death 1347AD
The Black Death was an enormous epidemic that consequently "struck" Europe and dated back to the 13th century. The Church could also not save people from the disease which hence, led to a shift in "ideas" as Europeans began to question their beliefs and lost their faith. Likewise, religious fear led to persecutions of minorities such as Jews, which they also then became the "primary scapegoats" for the Plague due to often being "merchants". Ultimately, infected rats were carried by merchants. -
Jul 10, 1509
Significant Historical Figure - John Calvin
John Calvin, another significant historical figure, was initially inspired by his contemporary Martin Luther. He was born in France in 1509, and was educated in law and humanity. He was widely recognised for his use of "Protestant principles" which hence established a religious government. This idea is in conjunction with his logical approach to "faith" which hence gave Protestantism's theological basis. This strongly reveals John Calvin's "motivation" together with "what he hoped to achieve". -
Oct 31, 1517
Significant Historical Figure - Martin Luther's Publication of 95 Theses 1517 AD (The Reformation Significant Event #1)
Martin Luther, a German priest/professor, was one significant historical figure who used the power of press communication to spread his "distinctive ideas" especially through the creation of the "95 Theses". He initiated and led the Reformation through this "document" which challenged the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially on the nature of penance, papal authority, together with the usefulness of "indulgences". Hence, this reinforces Luther's "motivation and what he hoped to achieve". -
Oct 31, 1517
Significant Historical Figure - Martin Luther (continued)
Martin Luther's "95 Theses" was also believed to have been posted on a door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. However above all, Luther's "95 Theses" primarily concerned the "selling of indulgences" which consequently gave the bearer forgiveness of past or future sins. Hence, this led many priests to "spend more time selling indulgences than teaching theology" which reinforces another concern raised by Luther, hence linking to his goals and motivations. -
Oct 31, 1517
The Reformation 1517-1648 AD
The Reformation was the 16th-century upheaval considered to be one of the most profound processors of development in Europe. Significant historical figures such as Martin Luther, Henry VIII and John Calvin questioned the Catholic Church's ability to define Christian practice and challenged papal authority. It was a call to purify the church with the Bible being a source of spiritual authority. Thus people were able to worship God as they believed without guidance of the Catholic Church. -
Dec 13, 1545
The Council of Trent 1545-1563AD
The Council of Trent was one of the Catholic Church's most significant ecumenical councils held between 1545 and 1563. Essentially it was the Church's response to the issues of the Reformation which also re-affirmed the doctrine. The council declared that "salvation came from faith and good actions" thus a key teaching/idea which arose as a result of this event. The council also developed the Church practice/organisation as it "forbade many corrupt practices amongst priests and bishops". -
Sep 25, 1555
Peace of Augsburg 1555AD
The Peace of Augsburg, which was a result of the Reformation was signed into effect on September 25, 1555. It was essentially the "legalisation" of Lutheranism and Catholicism in the country of Germany. A distinctive idea/practice was that German priests were able to choose between these religions reaffirming the independence they had over their states. The main aspect of this significant event was the idea that "Peace was to be prolonged between both Lutheran and Catholic practitioners" -
The First Vatican Council 1869-1870AD
The First Vatican Council was held between 1869 and 1870 which ultimately summarised and reviewed Catholic faith, as well as it dealt with the authority of the Pope. The Council raised due to issues of rationalism, liberalism and materialism. It also led to a shift in the distinctive "ideas" and "teachings" that the "Pope has supreme power over the whole Church, and as the successor of Peter, he is "infallible" meaning "free from error" which reinforces the idea of "papal infallibility". -
The Second Vatican Council 1962-1965AD
The Second Vatican Council was held between 1962 and 1965. It ultimately became a 'turning point' in the Church's sincerity to the modern world. It raised to promote active participation in the Liturgy and peace and unity among humanity. The event had more than 2600 bishops worldwide in attendance. Essentially, it also led to distinctive practices, ideas and organisation through new prayers and songs, new canonisation procedures, new rites for ordination and baptism and a new Bible translation.
