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451
The Council of Chalcedon
The Council of Chalcedon was a gathering of 500 bishops to determine the true nature of Jesus. The Council spoke about Jesus having the form of two natures- a human nature and divine nature. The Council of Chalcedon took place after the Council of Nicea which confirmed Jesus was completely divine. However, this lead to issues of people having different perspectives of Jesus' forms. After centuries, the church clarified these issues, and came to an understanding Jesus was both fully God and man -
May 3, 1054
East-West Schism
The East-West Schism was the seperation between the Eastern Christian Church and Western Churches. The church was seperated due to the many differences of beliefs and practices such as church structure and style of spirituality. The Western Church (Roman Catholic Church) is still lead by the Pope to this day, however Eastern Churches believe their spiritual head is the Patriarch of Constantinople. -
May 3, 1346
The Black Death
The Black Death/Plague was a disastrous event killing almost one-third of the population during the time. It is believed that the plague was a result of the spread of pestis carried in the gut of fleas. Many people believed that the plague was brought by God as a punishment for sinners. The world was afraid of dying and believed that they were not purified for the afterlife. As a consequence, the selling of indulgences was introduced. Indulgences was a release from punishment of sins. -
Oct 31, 1517
The Protestant Reformation
By the 1300's, many people felt that the church had become too corrupt. The Protestant Reformation was a movement to reform the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. This was due to the reason that many priests and nuns made vows to not marry or have children, but many of them broke their vows. This was the time which priests sold indulgences in order to raise money. The purpose of the Reformation was to fix the corruption of the Church and end the selling of indulgences. -
Oct 31, 1517
Martin Luther's Publication of 95 Theses
Martin Luther published ninety-five theses (statements) consisting about aspects of Church life and teachings, particularly about indulgences. The theses express his concerns about the sales of indulgences by the Catholic Church. Luther created these theses because he thought the act of indulgence preaching was wrong and would create corruption of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther also believed indulgences did not absolve believers from punishment as God himself could only grant forgiveness. -
May 3, 1545
The Council of Trent
The Council of Trent was a significant event in the church's history as reformed the clergy. The Council brought to end the selling of indulgences and forbade corrupt practices among priests, bishops and cardinals. Practices such as tax and receiving money from visiting parishes were forbidden. The Council also re-affirmed the doctrine, stating human salvation comes from faith and good actions. The Council of Trent was influenced by Martin Luther's 95 Theses. -
Sep 25, 1555
Peace of Augsburg
Peace of Augsburg was a document to allow both Lutherism and Catholicism to coexist in Germany. The purpose of the document was to prevent and stop conflict between the religions which arose from the Reformation. -
The First Vatican Council
The First Vatican Council was called by Pope Pius IX and was attended by 744 Bishops. The reason for this event was to review the Catholic faith and the authority of the Pope. The Council agreed that as a Pope, and successor of St Peter, any statements made by him are to believed and agreed upon. The Council also agreed that the Pope was infallible. The Council also raised issues such as rationalism which is the loss of faith. The event reminded people of the preaching of God and the Word. -
The Second Vatican Council
The Council was a gathering of over 2600 bishops, 63 observers, and 52 laymen and women. Reasons for the Second Vatican Council included- promotion of participation in liturgies, preaching of the Gospel and faith and the promotion of peace and unity. The Church implemented new ways to proclaim and present the Catholic faith particularly to non-catholics. The purpose of the Council was to carry out the Catholic faith and continue the works of Vatican l
