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100
Conversion Of Paul
One of the most significant people in this era was Paul. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of Paul’s conversion. Saul (Paul) was a Jewish Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was even involved in the stoning of Stephen (Christianity’s first martyr). On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, Jesus appeared to Saul, and challenged him (Acts 9:4):
Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?
Saul was blinded by the vision. -
1054
Great Schism
As the Roman Empire began to split permanently into a western and an eastern side, so too did the Church.
Out of this separation two distinct expressions of Christianity began to emerge. First there was an administrative split followed by a political separation. When the western part of the empire came under serious threat from different Germanic tribes, the Roman Empire as it was known in the west, collapsed. In the east, Emperors continued to rule. In the west, where much turmoil existed. -
1558
The Reformartion
The reformation in England was led by King Henry VIII, who had entirely different motives in comparison to Martin Luther and the protestant reformers. The English reformation created conflict among the people of the United Kingdom, as some stayed loyal to their Catholic identity, whereas some embraced the reformation and the developing Church of England. -
Vatican II
Pope John XXIII anounced on 22 january, 1959, that had been moved by the holy spirit to call the second vatican council, he opened the council on 11 october 1962, approximately 2500 bishops from all around the world participated in the council, its purpose was to renew the church so that it could play the role christ intended for his church in the modern world.