How interesting that as early as the 1st century A.D., you could have holy water...for a price! Wonder where that holy water came from exactly?
Whether or not that device was ever used in a Christian church, I can’t say, but this interesting bit of trivia is the opener into our continuing study of the structure of the church and the spiritual gifts, with the current posting focusing on what is known as “dogma”.
Dogma as defined by Webster’s dictionary is: "1a) something held as an established opinion; especially : a definite authoritative tenet; 1b) a code of such tenets
All churches whether Catholic or Protestant have dogma. But I want to point out especially the definition under 1c above: “a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds”. Some dogma has begun as that, and then became 1a “something held as an established opinion (or tenet)”, or worse yet, it became definition number 2: “a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.”
“Adequate grounds” for a Christian would be the Word of God. Anything set into doctrine or as a tenet of faith that does not find its origin in the Word is “dogma”, another name for something man came up with rather than God. Dogma begins outside the Word of God but then sometimes ends up competing for authority equal with the Word of God, or even more seriously, ABOVE the Word of God. Given that fact, dogma can be extremely dangerous, spiritually speaking, especially if the dogma leads one away from the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ alone.
So what does dogma have to do with our study? Well, as we continue we will see that what the apostles established as church structure (elders and deacons and believers, with the elders being “homegrown” or coming from the local church family rather than being imported outside of the local church, and with the elders being in plurality) began to change very shortly after the deaths of the apostles (and in a few cases, even before the last one, John, passed away). Men began to create and impose upon the church doctrines that “looked like” biblical teaching, but were not, thereby changing the biblical plurality of elders into an unbiblical monarchical bishopric; and changing the local church previously viewed as the extended “family of God” into an institution having a hierarchy.
The men responsible for these dogmatic principles were known as “the Early Church Fathers” (not to be confused with the apostles - plus Paul - that were placed in their ministries directly by Jesus Christ). The men known as the “early church fathers “were comprised of Christian church leaders, theologians and apologists who came into the church after the deaths of most of the disciples, excluding John.
It is extremely likely that none of these well-known church leaders had a copy of the New Testament tucked under their arm. In fact, I believe it was another hundred years or so after the death of John before the canon of the New Testament was compiled, printed and circulated. They might have had a copy of a letter from Paul here and one from James there, but most likely not ALL that we have in the form of the New Testament. Therefore it is understandable that they might have gotten some things wrong. And as most of these men were martyred for their faith, we cannot doubt the sincerity of their faith. We, ourselves, might not respond as easily with that kind of courage if called upon to do so. Remember also that SOME things being in error does not constitute ALL things being in error.
One truth that is impossible to escape, however, is that once the New Testament was compiled, printed and circulated, and the church leaders (at that time) had access to a full copy, they did not CORRECT their mistaken notions, but continued on in them. THAT then became serious error. And one serious error left unchecked, creates more serious error, so that eventually the church (after the time of the apostles) continued to be built up by laying one false brick upon another.
We will look at some of the writings and teachings of the Early Church Fathers over the next few days, so that we can clearly see at what point departure from the Word began, and when we are done, we will have a fairly complete picture of what the church became...and in many ways still is today.
Before we dig in, however, let me just say this: I have had access to these facts for a few years now, and the truth is that there just aren’t that many truly biblical churches. Some Christians have chosen to walk away from all churches because they are not biblical. I, on the other hand, believe that there are churches that are “striving” to be biblical, and at least have the structure and good portion of their substance laid out as the Word directs. In these types of churches, with time and prayer, what is not biblical, but based only on traditions of men, will be brought to light and changed to bring it into line with the Word of God...IF the hearts of the elders (and the believers) in the church are indeed more interested in pleasing God than man. I believe such is the case with my church. I hope that you are in a similar church yourself.
But there are some churches so ensconced in their traditions, or the traditions of their denomination’s hierarchy, that they will not hear the truth no matter who is speaking it. They are content to remain in their traditions of men. They do not want to rock the boat. What has been good enough for centuries past is good enough for today. I am thankful to not be in that type of church today, although I have been in one or two like that in the past.
Over the next few days, I’d like to review some of the writings of the Early Church Fathers, during which time you will see at what point in church history certain dogmas appeared...and remained. The men we will be reviewing will be:
- Polycarp: 1st century bishop (elder) of Smyrna (circa 69-155 A.D.)
- Ignatius of Antioch: 1st century early church father; became the 3rd Bishop of Antioch around 67A.D.
- Clement of Rome: 1st century early church father; a leading member of the church at Rome during the latter part of the 1st century.
- Irenaeus of Lyons (France): 2nd century early church father and apologist.
- Tertullian: early Christian Berber author and apologist (c. 160-220)
- Cyprian, bishop of Carthage in 250 AD.
- Justin Martyr (c. 100-165) early Christian apologist.
In the next posting, we will learn a bit more about each one and begin to review some of their writings.
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