The Evolution of Christian Doctrine: How PBSs Program Sheds Light on the Early Church

Introduction

The question of why PBS TV refers to their program concerning the history of Christianity is an intriguing one. This article delves into the historical and theological context that has shaped the first 1500 years of the Christian faith, with a particular focus on how the Roman Catholic Church dominated Christian history and how that influence gradually changed with the onset of the Reformation.

Early Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church

For the first 1500 years, the line between Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church was nearly indistinguishable. This period, spanning from the birth of Christianity in the 1st century AD until the start of the Reformation in the 16th century, saw the Roman Catholic Church as the sole authoritative Christian institution. The 2000-year history of Christianity is often coterminous with the history of the Roman Church, which controlled the direction and development of Christian doctrine.

The Significance of the 11th Century Schism

A major schism in 1054 between the Eastern and Western Churches, known as the East-West Schism, was a significant event that marked the beginning of the fragmentation of Christian unity. However, it is important to note that this event did not alter the dominant narrative of the first millennium, where the Roman Catholic Church remained the unchallenged voice of Christian doctrine and practice.

The Role of Key Reformers

It wasn't until the 16th century with figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII that the landscape of Christianity began to change. Key events such as Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517 marked the beginning of the Reformation, a movement that challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. This period also saw the emergence of Protestantism, which gradually spread across Europe and beyond, reshaping Christian doctrine and denominations.

The Reformation represented a pivotal shift in Christian history. The doctrines of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the rejection of papal authority became central to Protestant teachings, fundamentally altering the landscape of Christian thought and practice.

The Solidification of Core Christian Doctrines

Despite the advent of Protestantism, the core Christian doctrines—including the divinity of Christ, the Holy Trinity, and the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds—were primarily established during the first 300 years of Christian history. During this period, the early Church councils, such as the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, played a crucial role in defining and standardizing these beliefs.

These councils laid the foundation for the Christian faith that would shape the next two millennia. Even though some small sects may have developed and propagated alternative views on issues like premillennial dispensation or varying interpretations of the rapture, the mainstream Christian denominations were largely influenced by the early Church's teachings.

Conclusion

The PBS program undoubtedly delves into the complex and intricate history of Christian doctrine, highlighting the pivotal role the Roman Catholic Church played in the formative years of Christianity. As viewers gain insight into this period, they can appreciate the profound impact of the early Church on modern Christian thought and how the Reformation transformed Christian history in significant ways.