-
33
Jesus is executed and resurrected
The beginning of Christianity -
Period: 49 to 50
Council of Jerusalem
Council of Jerusalem rules that Gentile converts are not required to follow the Jewish law. -
64
Great fire in Rome blamed on Christians
Rome was destroyed by a great fire: only four of its fourteen quarters remained intact. The people of Rome blamed Nero the emperor, and Nero blamed the Christians. -
Period: 69 to 70
Jewish revolt against Rome; Temple destroyed; Jews and Christians scattered
The Jews revolted, and the Roman military came to suppress the revolt. After days of siege, the Romans entered Jerusalem, taking riches, burning everything, taking what they wanted from the temple and than destroying it. The Christians had left Jerusalem before, and the Jews were taken captive and sold as slaves. -
90
Rise of Gnostic heresies. Some deny Jesus’ humanity.
Claims that Jesus wasn't a human were being made. Many argued that God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good and other scriptures, but because it denies the Incarnation. If matter is evil, then Jesus Christ could not be true God and true man, for Christ is in no way evil. Thus many Gnostics denied the Incarnation, claiming that Christ only appeared to be a man, but that his humanity was an illusion. https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-great-heresies -
144
Marcion excommunicated for heresy
Marcion was a dangerous heretic that taught false teachings. Marcion believed that the God of the Old Testament was an evil creator god that Jesus came to destroy. Marcion believed that this evil god did in fact reveal his will through the Old Testament. Thus he believed in the "inspiration" of the Old Testament from divine sources, although from an evil source.He would "cut out" any Old Testament quote or anything else that contradicted his theological views. -
Period: 235 to 270
Roman persecution under several emperors. Christianity grows rapidly
Christians increased and conquered the Roman Empire, despite the constant persecutions that they suffered by idolaters for three continuous centuries. -
312
Constantine sees a vision of the cross that he credits for his victory in battle
Constantine called on God with earnest prayer to reveal to him who he was, and stretch forth his right hand to help him in his present difficulties. An extraordinary sign appeared to him from heaven. He saw with his own eyes the sign of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription, “By this symbol you will conquer.” He was struck with amazement by the sight, and his whole army witnessed the miracle.
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/constantine -
313
Edict of Milan, ends persecution of Christians
The Western emperor, Constantine, met with his rival and counterpart, the Eastern emperor, Licinius, in the city of Milan, Italy. This proclamation protected full rights for Christian citizens of the Empire, restoring their property, releasing them from prisons, and effectively banning government persecution of their faith. It also declared a general state of religious tolerance, allowing for the expression of virtually any spiritual belief. -
325
Council of Nicea is convened in response to numerous heresies.
It condemns Arianism and produces an early version of the Nicene Creed—a clear definition of the Trinity. -
Period: 395 to 430
Augustine, bishop of Hippo in North Africa
Author of numerous influential theological works. His writings dominate Christian theology in the West for centuries. -
476
Fall of the western Roman Empire. Beginning of Middle Ages.
Rome’s fall ended the ancient world and the Middle Ages were borne. These “Dark Ages” brought the end to much that was Roman. https://www.ancient.eu/article/835/fall-of-the-roman-empire/ -
529
Benedict of Nursia, father of Western monasticism, writes his famous Rule
He was a patron saint. Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Lazio, and Italy. He also wrote Rules, which is a book of precepts written by Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_of_Nursia -
610
Muhammed founds a new religion called Islam
Muhammad was a so called prophet who believed he himself was God's final prophet. He instilled beliefs in people that aren't true, but today thousands and millions of people still believe in him and his teachings. His belief is the central of Islamic belief. http://www.ushistory.org/civ/4i.asp -
800
Charlemagne crowned Roman emperor by Pope Leo III
On Christmas Day, as King Charles of France knelt in prayer before the altar of the church of St. Peter's in Rome, Pope Leo III suddenly placed a golden crown on his head. With this ceremony, the King of the Franks became a Roman Emperor, with a vast swath of Europe under his rule. https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/601-900/charlemagne-crowned-as-holy-roman-emperor-11629758.html
http://www.dw.com/en/charlemagne-is-crowned-emperor-december-25-800/a-4614858-1 -
1054
Great Schism (split) between the church in the West and the East
The Byzantine split with Roman Catholicism came about when Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, King of the Franks, as Holy Roman Emperor in 800. Eastern Orthodox Catholics and Roman Catholics are the result of what is known as the East-West Schism (or Great Schism) of 1054, when medieval Christianity split into two branches. http://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-split-that-created-roman-catholics-and-eastern-orthodox-catholics/ -
Period: 1097 to 1099
The First Crusade to capture Jerusalem from the Muslim Turks
The Crusades were holy wars fought between Christians in Europe and Muslims in the Middle East between 1095 and 1291. The main goal of the Crusades was to take control of Jerusalem away from the Muslims. All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the [Muslims], shall have immediate [forgiveness] of sins.- Pope Urban II. This was told to the crusaders to encourage them to go fighting.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/jerusalem-captured-in-first-crusade -
Period: 1140 to 1217
Peter Waldo and the Waldensians
He was a wealthy man and was visting his friends one day, and during this time, one of them collapsed and died, making a great impression on him. He knew he was a sinner and could also die, so he went to the Roman Catholic priests, asking them how he could become righteous before God, but they had no answer. So he started seeking the truth, interpreted the bible, and started teaching it to other people. The Waldensians were formed. -
1209
Francis of Assisi gives away his wealth and starts group of traveling preachers known as Franciscans
Saint Francis of Assisi was a unique spiritual personality who gave up a life of wealth and social position to embrace a life of poverty and chastity – With the approval of the Pope, he founded a new Monastic Order, commonly known as the Franciscans. https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/st-francis-assisi.html -
1255
Thomas Aquinas writes Summa Theologiae
He was the most influential medieval theologian. It was in the midst of his university studies at Naples that Thomas was stirred to join a new religious order known as the Order of Preachers or the Dominicans, after their founder, St. Dominic de Guzman (c. 1170-1221), an order which placed an emphasis on preaching and teaching. At first, his family tried everything to stop him, but in the end they relented, and he joined the Dominicans. http://www.iep.utm.edu/aquinas/ -
Period: 1348 to 1351
Spreading of the Black Death
It killed a third of the European population after fleas from overseas spread it throughout the nation. The plague created a series of religious, social, and economic upheavals, which had profound effects on the course of European history.The Black Death is thought to have originated in the dry plains of Central Asia, where it then travelled along the Silk Road, reaching Crimea by 1343 and was carried on by fleas from rats. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death -
1371
John Wycliffe stirs the church
John Wycliffe, English priest, challenges church doctrines and begins project to make Scriptures available to common people.John Wycliffe was an English Protestant theologian in the 1300s known best for his role in translating the Bible into the common language. As a critic of the Catholic Church, Wycliffe is usually considered an early reformer. https://study.com/academy/lesson/john-wycliffe-biography-facts-quotes.html -
1413
Jan Hus of Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) pushes reforms similar to Wycliffe’s
He was convinced of the teachings of Wycliffe and the truth they held, and he himself began to teach them in the university and preach them in the pulpit.Soon the fury of the Roman Catholic church was upon him and the reformers.
http://www.reformedspokane.org/Doctrine_pages/Doctrine_Intro/Portraits%20of%20Faithful%20Saints/Portraits18.html -
1453
: Fall of Constantinople to Turks
Constantinople, bridging Europe and Asia, was the most important city in the world until 1453. Constantinople was greatly weakened by the 4th Crusade and the brutal Latin occupation from 1202 to 1261. Old Rome was finally able to eliminate her Eastern rival in 1453. After fighting heroically for 1000 years, the Empire finally came to an end. http://www.reformation.org/fall-of-constantinople.html -
1533
Jacob Hutter Accepted as Shepherd
Simon is found guilty and excluded. A search for a new leader is made, and everyone prays to God to provide someone. John Hutter is chosen. As they persevered in prayer, God gave them all a united heart and mind. They accepted Jakob as a gift from God to be their shepherd, and were all united in great love. -
1535
Münster rebellion
The Münster rebellion involved revolutionary Anabaptists. Next to the Peasants’ War, the event that affected the fortunes of the Anabaptists the most during the 16th century was the Anabaptist take-over of the city of Münster in Northern Germany. This region had not experienced the upheaval of the Peasants’ Wars but authorities would still have heard about it. -
1536
Jakob Hutter is burned at the stake in Innsbruck
Jakob adhered steadfastly to his Anabaptist beliefs. King Ferdinand had already declared that there was no pardon for him. King Ferdinand demanded a public execution as an example for others. Jakob Hutter was burned at the stake in Innsbruck. “Come closer, those of you who contradict me!” he called out. “Let us test our faith in the fire. This fire will harm my soul as little as the fiery furnace harmed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” -
1536
Menno Simons becomes leader of Mennonites, restores pacifist direction
He was to join the Roman Catholic priesthood. He embarked upon a routine of masses, infant baptism, and services for the dead.Outwardly conformed to his church, he struggled inwardly to believe that bread and wine became Christ's literal body and blood. He did not break with the church. Menno pored over his Bible, studying baptism, and concluded the Anabaptists were right; but he did not join them. Gradually the Scriptures became the authority for Menno, and the source of his sermons. -
Period: 1536 to 1542
Hans Amon
Hans Amon was the bishop of the Hutterian Brethren in Moravia, was the successor of Jakob Hutter. From 1530 to 1534 he worked with Jakob Hutter in Tyrol, when the persecution of the Anabaptists was at its height. In 1535 Hutter transferred to him the leadership of the Hutterite congregations, which he retained for seven years. Before his death he named Leonhard Lanzenstiel as his successor. At February 2, 1542 Amon died at Schäkowitz in Moravia. -
1542
Peter Ridemann
He was born around 1506. He wrote two documents while imprisoned. He wrote Liebe Brennt wie Feuer and the Rechenshaft. Riedemann also wrote dozens of letters found in the hutterische Episteln collection and 45 Lieder published in the Die Lieder der hutterischen Brüder. He had a pastoral gift for healing divisions within the church and drawing people together. He was an effectve minister. He is refereed to as the second founder of the Hutterites. He was a capable leader. He passed away 1556. -
Period: 1542 to 1565
Leonard Lanzenstiel, Vorsteher
His wife was seized and drowned, and in that same year, Lanzenstiel was chosen preacher. After the death of Hans Amon, he was entrusted with the leadership of the entire brotherhood. It is said he was a "pious, honorable man and faithfully looked after the church of God." His leadership began under the most favorable auspices. His time was marked the beginning of the "good time of the brotherhood," which continued until his death. During his time, the brethren prospered. He died 1565. -
1555
Peace of Ausburg - Emperor Charles V Outlaws Lutherism - Diet of Worms
Charles V sent word that Catholicism was to be restored everywhere in Germany. Cites and princes protested. These were called the "Protesting estates" and from them we got the name "Protestant.“ Although Lutherans were given legal standing, Anabaptists and Calvinists were not. The Peace of Augsburg did, however, permit people to transplant to a region whose faith was more congenial to each. The Peace of Augsburg offered the merest hint of toleration. The treaty brought increased stability. -
Period: 1556 to 1578
Peter Walpot, Vorsteher, Hutterites are 50 years old
He was an organizer, a stern and upright character, who did much to bring the brotherhood to that spiritual and moral height which attracted many converts during the second half of the 16th century. He was well-read, not only in the Scriptures, but also in church history and in contemporary polemics and apologetics. He wrote Fünf Artikel des grössten Streites zwischen uns und der Welt," a summary of theological and practical positions of the Hutterites in which they differ from the "world.” -
1557
Handbüchlein wider den Prozess
It was a writing, considered with the Rechenschaft by Peter Riedemann and the Article Book as one of the most significant doctrinal books of the Hutterites of the 16th century.It was an official pronouncement of the brotherhood, prompted by a document which a number of Lutheran theologians had issued at Worms in 1557. The Anabaptists are accused of a number of damnable doctrines and practices,their teachings declared blasphemous. -
1560
Kaspar Braitmichel begins writing Chronicle
He was the first chronicler of the Hutterite Brethern in Moravia.He joined the Hutterite brotherhood during its hardest time in the 1530s, perhaps as early as 1533. In 1538 he was chosen Diener der Notdurft. He was captured during a religious service at Steinabrunn together with 150 others and taken to nearby castle Falkenstein where they were sent to Trieste for work on Venetian galleys. He managed to escape and returned to the community.In 1548 He was chosen by the lot to be preacher. -
Period: 1565 to
The Hutterite Golden Period
The period is between 1565-1592 is the Golden Period. It was the peak of Hutterite history. Upon the outbreak of the Turkish War in the year 1593, the Golden Period came to an end for the Hutterites. The brethren continued to be dominant in Moravia and Slovakia. A rich correspondence with missionaries all over the countries of German tongue came in and went out. A number of Ordnungen were drawn up, both for the general conduct of the brotherhood and for the different crafts or trades. -
Period: 1578 to
Hans Kräl, Vorsteher, one of the most courageous Hutterite preachers
He was one of the most active itinerant preachers until the spring of 1557, when he was seized in Taufers in the Puster Valley. The Geschicht-Buch gives an extremely graphic and detailed description (from his pen) of his capture and of what he went through.He went to Moravia, where he was chosen Diener der Notdurft in 1560, and Diener des Evangeliums in 1561, confirmed the following year. He held office in the "golden time of the brotherhood" in Moravia. He died at Neumühl, 14 November,1583. -
Period: to
Klaus Braidl, Vorsteher and War Taxes
The Hutterites could not pay taxes for reasons of conscience. Many things were stolen from them. This happened year after year. At the age of eighty-two Braidl passed away in peace and under the Lord's blessing.He had been a brother for more than sixty years; the Lord's church had been entrusted to him for nearly twenty-eight years. He was Vorsteher throughout the Turkish War. [The Chronicle of the Hutterian Brethren. Plough Pub. House/Hutterian Brethren, 1987] -
Period: to
Turkish War: renewed persecution; beginning of decline
It was an indecisive land war between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire, primarily over the Principalities of Wallachia, Transylvania and Moldavia.The conflict consisted in a great number of costly battles and sieges, but with very little result for either side.The savage war raged between Turkey and the Holy Roman Empire along a frontier roughly identical with that between Czechoslovakia and Austria.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Turkish_War
]