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Cities of Earth & Heaven:Cities of Earth & Heaven:Christian Faith, Christian Faith, Secular Government,Secular Government,And Religious FreedomAnd Religious Freedom

Week 1:Week 1:Parsing Parsing Religious Religious FreedomFreedom

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Prayer for our National Life (Prayer for our National Life (BCPBCP))• Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for

our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.

– Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.

– Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

– Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

– Imbue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.

• In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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True or False?True or False?

•The United States Constitution The United States Constitution guarantees guarantees separation of church and stateseparation of church and state..– False.False.

• 11stst Amendment forbids Congress to Amendment forbids Congress to establishestablish a religion.a religion.• This is not separation of church and state.This is not separation of church and state.• 1803-1946: efforts by various groups to add 1803-1946: efforts by various groups to add separationseparation

language … fail.language … fail.– Or is it Or is it True?True?

• 1946: Supreme Court rules that separation is and always 1946: Supreme Court rules that separation is and always has beenhas been a constitutional principle. a constitutional principle.

• An unprecedented legal development.An unprecedented legal development.

• Confused? Confused? • Well, it’s a long, complex story. To understand it, Well, it’s a long, complex story. To understand it,

one needs …one needs …

A Sense of Historical Context!A Sense of Historical Context!• Terms associated with the issue:Terms associated with the issue:

– Freedom of Conscience; Separation of Church & State; Freedom of Conscience; Separation of Church & State; EstablishmentEstablishment of a religion of a religion

– All of these terms have complex historical backgrounds.All of these terms have complex historical backgrounds.• So where does the historical context begin?So where does the historical context begin?

– Well, the Founding Fathers were thinking of recent Church Well, the Founding Fathers were thinking of recent Church history:history:• Sectarian conflicts—i.e. wars—after the ReformationSectarian conflicts—i.e. wars—after the Reformation• E.g. E.g. English Civil War: English Civil War: Catholic v Anglican v Presbyterian v BaptistCatholic v Anglican v Presbyterian v Baptist

– What was the Reformation about?What was the Reformation about?• Augustine’s theory of the Cities of Earth and Heaven, … Augustine’s theory of the Cities of Earth and Heaven, … • Appropriated for a 1,000 years by popes trying to rule the world for Appropriated for a 1,000 years by popes trying to rule the world for

Christ, …Christ, …• Was challenged by Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Henry Was challenged by Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Henry

VIII:VIII:• All of whom developed alternative models of church-state relations.All of whom developed alternative models of church-state relations.

– Enlightenment theories of government that influenced the U Enlightenment theories of government that influenced the U S Constitution reacted to Catholic, Lutheran, and Reform S Constitution reacted to Catholic, Lutheran, and Reform theories of Church and government.theories of Church and government.

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To understand the relationship To understand the relationship between Church and State in between Church and State in America …America …

We must return to the We must return to the time when Churches time when Churches first embraced secular first embraced secular power:power:

The late Roman The late Roman Empire.Empire.

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Introductory quiz:Introductory quiz:

Parsing Religious Liberty:Parsing Religious Liberty:Question 1—what do you Question 1—what do you think?think?(Note: you can choose (Note: you can choose more than 1!)more than 1!)

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Most obvious challenge Most obvious challenge to religious freedom:to religious freedom:

Religious Religious Persecution!Persecution!When did the When did the Roman Empire Roman Empire start persecuting start persecuting Christians? Christians?

July 19, 64 A.D.:July 19, 64 A.D.:Fire Ravages RomeFire Ravages Rome

• All the lavish gifts of the emperor [Nero] and the propitiations of the gods, did not All the lavish gifts of the emperor [Nero] and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, … Nero fastened the guilt … on a class hated for their abominations, Consequently, … Nero fastened the guilt … on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians…. called Christians….

• Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.

• A most mischievous superstition … again broke out not only in Judaea, the first A most mischievous superstition … again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular.every part of the world find their centre and become popular.

• Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind….the city, as of hatred against mankind….

• Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illuminationillumination (Tacitus (Tacitus Annals 15Annals 15.44)..44).

Siemiradzki, Henryk. Pochodnie Nerona. 1876

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Quiz question 2:Quiz question 2:

• During the 2nd and 3rd centuries During the 2nd and 3rd centuries after Christ, persecution of Christians after Christ, persecution of Christians by the Roman emperors was …by the Roman emperors was …– Massive and relentless.Massive and relentless.– Sporadic and localized.Sporadic and localized.– Triggered by subversive activities Triggered by subversive activities

planned by the churches.planned by the churches.– Ineffective, since virtually no Christians Ineffective, since virtually no Christians

renounced their faith under threat renounced their faith under threat

• (We’ll look at items 3 & 4 next week.)(We’ll look at items 3 & 4 next week.)

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Was persecution of Christians relentless Was persecution of Christians relentless under Roman rule?under Roman rule?

• Emperor Trajan to a Emperor Trajan to a governor, Pliny:governor, Pliny:– You observed proper You observed proper

procedure, my dear Pliny, in procedure, my dear Pliny, in sifting the cases of those who sifting the cases of those who had been denounced to you had been denounced to you as Christians…. as Christians….

– They are not to be sought out; They are not to be sought out; – If they are denounced and If they are denounced and

proved guilty, they are to be proved guilty, they are to be punished…. punished….

– [Yet] whoever denies that he [Yet] whoever denies that he is a Christian and really is a Christian and really proves it—that is, by proves it—that is, by worshiping our gods—shall worshiping our gods—shall obtain pardon (Pliny obtain pardon (Pliny Letters Letters 10.97)10.97)

• In the 19th year of the In the 19th year of the reign of Diocletian … reign of Diocletian … royal edicts were royal edicts were published … published … commanding that the commanding that the churches be leveled to churches be leveled to the ground and the the ground and the Scriptures be destroyed Scriptures be destroyed by fire, and ordering by fire, and ordering that those who held that those who held places of honor be places of honor be degraded, and that the degraded, and that the household servants, if household servants, if they persisted in the they persisted in the profession of profession of Christianity, be Christianity, be deprived of freedom deprived of freedom (Eusebius (Eusebius Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical HistoryHistory VIII.VIII.3.4-5).3.4-5).

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Persecution was spotty and Persecution was spotty and intermittent.intermittent.

Some emperors Some emperors persecuted.persecuted.Some didn’t.Some didn’t.Some persecution was Some persecution was local: e.g. Lyons, Gaul.local: e.g. Lyons, Gaul.

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Quiz Question 3:Quiz Question 3:

• The persecution of Christians in The persecution of Christians in the Empire ended …the Empire ended …– Because of the effectiveness of Because of the effectiveness of

Justin Martyr’s Justin Martyr’s Apology.Apology.– By the vote of the Council of Nicea.By the vote of the Council of Nicea.– Because of the reprimand of Because of the reprimand of

Emperor Theodosius by St. Emperor Theodosius by St. Ambrose.Ambrose.

– By order of the Edict of Milan.By order of the Edict of Milan.

312 AD: Constantius, 312 AD: Constantius, Augustus of the Augustus of the Western Roman Empire, dies in Britain.Western Roman Empire, dies in Britain.

•Son Constantine must fight for his father’s title.Son Constantine must fight for his father’s title.– Before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, he sought divine aid.Before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, he sought divine aid.– He called on [the Christian God] with earnest prayer…. He called on [the Christian God] with earnest prayer….

And while he was thus praying … a most marvelous sign And while he was thus praying … a most marvelous sign appeared to him from heaven… . About noon, … he saw appeared to him from heaven… . About noon, … he saw … the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the … the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription, sun, and bearing the inscription, CONQUER BY THISCONQUER BY THIS (Eusebius, (Eusebius, Life of Blessed Constantine Life of Blessed Constantine 1.27-32).1.27-32).

•Emperor Constantine re-unifies a fractured empire … Emperor Constantine re-unifies a fractured empire … leading armies to victories in battle with the sign of the cross.leading armies to victories in battle with the sign of the cross.

313 AD: Edict of Milan313 AD: Edict of Milan

• Now any one of those who wish to observe Now any one of those who wish to observe Christian religion may do so freely and Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without molestation…. openly, without molestation…. – We have given to those Christians free … We have given to those Christians free …

opportunity of religious worship…. opportunity of religious worship…. – We have also conceded to other religions the We have also conceded to other religions the

right of … free observance of their worship for right of … free observance of their worship for the sake of the peace of our times, that each the sake of the peace of our times, that each may have the free opportunity to worship as may have the free opportunity to worship as he pleaseshe pleases (Emperors Constantine and (Emperors Constantine and Licinius).Licinius).

• Religious persecution was over!Religious persecution was over!

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Or was it? Or was it? ((Sozomen, Sozomen, Ecclesiastical History, Ecclesiastical History, 2.5-2.6)2.5-2.6)• As many nations … throughout the whole realm of his subjects As many nations … throughout the whole realm of his subjects

retained … fear and veneration towards their vain idols, which retained … fear and veneration towards their vain idols, which led them to disregard the doctrines of the Christians, … it led them to disregard the doctrines of the Christians, … it appeared necessary to the emperor to teach the governors to appeared necessary to the emperor to teach the governors to suppress their superstitious rites of worship….suppress their superstitious rites of worship….– Christian men belonging to the palace went from city to city Christian men belonging to the palace went from city to city bearing bearing

imperial letters. imperial letters. – The people were induced toThe people were induced to remain passive from the fear that, if they remain passive from the fear that, if they

resisted these edicts, they, their children, and their wives, would be resisted these edicts, they, their children, and their wives, would be exposed to evil….exposed to evil….

– [Temples] were stripped … and others were … allowed to fall into ruin, [Temples] were stripped … and others were … allowed to fall into ruin, or destroyed. ... or destroyed. ...

– The efforts of the emperor succeeded … for on beholding the objects of The efforts of the emperor succeeded … for on beholding the objects of their former reverence and fear boldly cast down … the people were led their former reverence and fear boldly cast down … the people were led to despise what they had previously venerated…. to despise what they had previously venerated….

– Others, envious at the honor in which Christians were held by the Others, envious at the honor in which Christians were held by the emperor, deemed it necessary to imitate the acts of the ruler; emperor, deemed it necessary to imitate the acts of the ruler;

– others devoted themselves to an examination of Christianity, and by others devoted themselves to an examination of Christianity, and by means of signs, of dreams, or of conferences with bishops and monks, means of signs, of dreams, or of conferences with bishops and monks, were convinced that it was better to become Christians.were convinced that it was better to become Christians.

• Power evangelism steadily converted the peoples of the Power evangelism steadily converted the peoples of the empire.empire.

• Religious freedom? Religious freedom? For whom?For whom?

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What basic religious freedom are What basic religious freedom are we talking about here?we talking about here?

Freedom to openly Freedom to openly practice one’s faith.practice one’s faith.But wait—who chooses But wait—who chooses for the people?for the people?

6th Century: 6th Century:

• Western Roman EmpireWestern Roman Empire falls to falls to barbarian warlords.barbarian warlords.

• Rome and the Church there are in Rome and the Church there are in trouble!trouble!– They’re beset by Lombards, Goths, VandalsThey’re beset by Lombards, Goths, Vandals– They desperately needs a powerful ally.They desperately needs a powerful ally.

• Powerful Powerful FrankishFrankish King Clovis: King Clovis: – A pagan believing in the old Norse GodsA pagan believing in the old Norse Gods– But husband of a Christian Wife.But husband of a Christian Wife.

Narrative of Gregory of Poitiers:Narrative of Gregory of Poitiers:

• In 496 …In 496 …– A war arose ... in which … A war arose ... in which …

Clovis's army began to be in Clovis's army began to be in danger of destruction….danger of destruction….

– ““Jesus Christ, whom Clotilda Jesus Christ, whom Clotilda asserts to be the son of the asserts to be the son of the 1iving God, who art said to … 1iving God, who art said to … bestow victory on those who bestow victory on those who hope in thee…. [I] vow that if hope in thee…. [I] vow that if thou wilt grant me victory over thou wilt grant me victory over these enemies, ... I will believe in these enemies, ... I will believe in thee and be baptized in thy thee and be baptized in thy name. name.

– I have invoked my gods but … I have invoked my gods but … they have withdrawn…. I now call they have withdrawn…. I now call upon thee.” …upon thee.” …

– And so the king confessed … God And so the king confessed … God in the Trinity, and was in the Trinity, and was baptized…. And of his army more baptized…. And of his army more than 3000 were baptized.than 3000 were baptized.

• Baptism of Clovis laid the Baptism of Clovis laid the foundation…foundation…– For Germany and FranceFor Germany and France– For the Dream of Christendom:For the Dream of Christendom:

• Christian Europe administered Christian Europe administered at Romeat Rome

• A world Empire ordained by A world Empire ordained by ChristChrist

– For centuries of war over the For centuries of war over the disputed middle: Italy, disputed middle: Italy, Burgundy, the NetherlandsBurgundy, the Netherlands

• The baptism of Clovis also The baptism of Clovis also became a model for the became a model for the Christianization of Europe!Christianization of Europe!– How do you convert a pagan How do you convert a pagan

people?people?– Convert the king!Convert the king!

Baptism of Clovis. West front, Notre Dame Cathedral, Baptism of Clovis. West front, Notre Dame Cathedral, Rheims, FranceRheims, France

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Saxon England?Saxon England?

• Augustine of Canterbury led aAugustine of Canterbury led apapal mission to England:papal mission to England:– King Edwin … with all the King Edwin … with all the

nobility of the nation, and nobility of the nation, and a large number of the a large number of the common sort, received common sort, received the faith, and the washingthe faith, and the washingof holy regeneration, in …of holy regeneration, in … the year of our Lord 627 the year of our Lord 627 (Bede (Bede Ecclesiastical History Ecclesiastical History of England IIof England II.8)..8).

– Augustine converted kings—the people Augustine converted kings—the people obediently followed.obediently followed.

• We worship in a church descended from We worship in a church descended from Augustine’s power evangelism.Augustine’s power evangelism.

• Emperor Charles V wants to suppress the Emperor Charles V wants to suppress the Reformation.Reformation.– ““Germany” was divided into 200+ Germany” was divided into 200+ principalities.principalities.– And Charles needed his princes to fight invading And Charles needed his princes to fight invading

Turks!Turks!• So, Charles negotiated the Peace of So, Charles negotiated the Peace of

Augsburg (1555):Augsburg (1555):– To bring peace to the Holy Roman Empire of the To bring peace to the Holy Roman Empire of the

Germanic Nation … let neither his Imperial Majesty Germanic Nation … let neither his Imperial Majesty nor the Electors, Princes, etc., do any violence … nor the Electors, Princes, etc., do any violence … on the account of the Augsburg Confession….on the account of the Augsburg Confession….

– But let them enjoy their religious belief, liturgy and But let them enjoy their religious belief, liturgy and ceremonies as well as their estates and other ceremonies as well as their estates and other rights and privileges in peace.rights and privileges in peace.

• Who gets to “enjoy religious belief in peace”?Who gets to “enjoy religious belief in peace”?• PrincesPrinces do! do!

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Today, princes are nearly extinct.Today, princes are nearly extinct.

• We have representative government. We have representative government. • So did 1530s Geneva—a “free city” with an elected So did 1530s Geneva—a “free city” with an elected

council.council.– Troubled by Reformation turmoil, Geneva invited Jean Troubled by Reformation turmoil, Geneva invited Jean

Cauvin (Calvin) to town.Cauvin (Calvin) to town.– Eventually, Calvin worked out a deal with the council.Eventually, Calvin worked out a deal with the council.

• Calvin advocated Separation of Church & State:Calvin advocated Separation of Church & State:– Consistory Consistory of Reform ministers enforced a “godly” of Reform ministers enforced a “godly”

lifestyle among the people.lifestyle among the people.• Ministers (most of them French immigrants) could not serve on Ministers (most of them French immigrants) could not serve on

the council.the council.• But ministers advised the council … especially concerning But ministers advised the council … especially concerning

behavior of townspeople!behavior of townspeople!– Secular Council (native Genevans) had no ministers!Secular Council (native Genevans) had no ministers!

• Calvinist theology said that only the few elect could ever be godly.Calvinist theology said that only the few elect could ever be godly.• However, Mosaic law was imposed on the whole city, including the However, Mosaic law was imposed on the whole city, including the

non-elect.non-elect.• The council enforced Reform orthodoxy and Mosaic law.The council enforced Reform orthodoxy and Mosaic law.

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What was Calvinist Geneva like?What was Calvinist Geneva like?

Selections from the Selections from the Ordinances Ordinances of Geneva developed by Calvin:of Geneva developed by Calvin:– Times of Assembling at ChuTimes of Assembling at Church: the temples be closed for the rest of the time, in rch: the temples be closed for the rest of the time, in

order that no one shall enter therein out of hours, impelled thereto by superstition order that no one shall enter therein out of hours, impelled thereto by superstition ; ; • and if anyone be found engaged in any special act of devotion therein … he shall be and if anyone be found engaged in any special act of devotion therein … he shall be

admonished…: admonished…: • if it be found to be superstitious … he shall he be chastised.if it be found to be superstitious … he shall he be chastised.

– BlasphemyBlasphemy: whoever shall have blasphemed, swearing by the body or by the : whoever shall have blasphemed, swearing by the body or by the blood of our Lord, ... shall be made to kiss the earth for the first offence ; for the blood of our Lord, ... shall be made to kiss the earth for the first offence ; for the second to pay 5 sous, and for the third 6 sous, and for the last offence be put in second to pay 5 sous, and for the third 6 sous, and for the last offence be put in the pillory for one hour.the pillory for one hour.

– DrunkennessDrunkenness: no one shall invite another to drink under penalty of 3 sous…. : no one shall invite another to drink under penalty of 3 sous…. • If anvone be found intoxicated he shall pay for the first offence 3 sous and shall be If anvone be found intoxicated he shall pay for the first offence 3 sous and shall be

remanded to the consistory ; remanded to the consistory ; • For the second offence he shall he held to pay the sum of 6 sous, and for the third 10 For the second offence he shall he held to pay the sum of 6 sous, and for the third 10

sous and be put in prison…. sous and be put in prison…. – Songs and DancesSongs and Dances: if anyone sings immoral, dissolute or outrageous songs, ... he : if anyone sings immoral, dissolute or outrageous songs, ... he

shall be put in prison for three days and then sent to the consistory.shall be put in prison for three days and then sent to the consistory.– UsuryUsury: no one shall take upon interest or profit more than five per cent., upon : no one shall take upon interest or profit more than five per cent., upon

penalty of confiscation of the principal and of being condemned to make penalty of confiscation of the principal and of being condemned to make restitution as the case may demand.restitution as the case may demand.

– GamesGames: no one shall play at any dissolute game or at any game whatsoever it : no one shall play at any dissolute game or at any game whatsoever it may be, neither for gold nor silver nor for any excessive stake, upon penalty of 5 may be, neither for gold nor silver nor for any excessive stake, upon penalty of 5 sous and forfeiture of stake played for (Ordinances)sous and forfeiture of stake played for (Ordinances)

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What church/state model …What church/state model …

• Guided the Pilgrims in Massachusetts?Guided the Pilgrims in Massachusetts?• Calvin’s!Calvin’s!

– As in Calvin’s Geneva, ministers could not be As in Calvin’s Geneva, ministers could not be magistrates.magistrates.

– Yet magistrates enforced Mosaic law on the whole Yet magistrates enforced Mosaic law on the whole society.society.

• Selections from the Massachusetts Body of Selections from the Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641):Liberties (1641):– 1. 1. If any man after legal conviction shall … worship If any man after legal conviction shall … worship

any other god but the lord god, he shall be put to any other god but the lord god, he shall be put to death death

– 2. 2. If any man or woman be a witch, ... or consulteth If any man or woman be a witch, ... or consulteth with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death.with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death.

– 8. 8. If any man lyeth with mankind as he lyeth with a If any man lyeth with mankind as he lyeth with a woman, both of them have committed woman, both of them have committed abomination, they both shall surely be put to deathabomination, they both shall surely be put to death (from The Massachusetts Body of Liberties).(from The Massachusetts Body of Liberties).

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What religious liberty What religious liberty are we discussing here?are we discussing here?

The liberty to live the lifestyle The liberty to live the lifestyle of one’s choice.of one’s choice.

Lifestyle—what did Jesus have Lifestyle—what did Jesus have to say about that?to say about that?

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How did the early church live?How did the early church live?

• All the believers were together and had All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had needand goods, they gave to anyone as he had need (Acts 2.43-45). (Acts 2.43-45).

• Justin Martyr(100-165 AD) Justin Martyr(100-165 AD) ApologyApology LXVII:LXVII:– The wealthy among us help the needy; and we always The wealthy among us help the needy; and we always

keep together; and for all things wherewith we are keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all…. supplied, we bless the Maker of all….

– And there is a distribution to each ... and to those who And there is a distribution to each ... and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit….fit….

– And what is collected is deposited with the president, And what is collected is deposited with the president, who succors the orphans and widows and those who, who succors the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want … through sickness or any other cause, are in want … and ... takes care of all who are in need.and ... takes care of all who are in need.

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Who was Peter Waldo?Who was Peter Waldo?

• Anonymous Anonymous ChronicleChronicle (circa 1218): (circa 1218):– [In 1173] [In 1173] at Lyons … Waldo … had made himself much money by wicked at Lyons … Waldo … had made himself much money by wicked

usury. usury. – One Sunday, … he was smitten by the [story of] the holy Alexis … [and ] One Sunday, … he was smitten by the [story of] the holy Alexis … [and ]

hurried to the schools of theology to seek counsel for his soul…. The hurried to the schools of theology to seek counsel for his soul…. The master answered him with this text: “if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell master answered him with this text: “if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast” (Matthew 19.20)all that thou hast” (Matthew 19.20)

– Then Waldo went to his wife and gave her the choice of keeping his Then Waldo went to his wife and gave her the choice of keeping his personal property or his real estate… She was much displeased at having personal property or his real estate… She was much displeased at having to make this choice, but she kept the real estate. to make this choice, but she kept the real estate.

– From his personal property he made restitution to those whom he had From his personal property he made restitution to those whom he had treated unjustly…. treated unjustly….

– But the greatest of his money he spent for the poor. A very great famine But the greatest of his money he spent for the poor. A very great famine was then oppressing France and Germany. The prudent citizen, Waldo, was then oppressing France and Germany. The prudent citizen, Waldo, gave bread, with vegetables and meat to every one who came to him…. gave bread, with vegetables and meat to every one who came to him….

– At the Assumption of the blessed Virgin, casting some money among the At the Assumption of the blessed Virgin, casting some money among the village poor, he cried, “No man can serve two masters, God and village poor, he cried, “No man can serve two masters, God and mammon.” mammon.”

– Then his fellow-citizens ran up, thinking he had lost his mind. Then his fellow-citizens ran up, thinking he had lost his mind. – ““My fellow-citizens and friends, I not insane … but I … I do it … so that … My fellow-citizens and friends, I not insane … but I … I do it … so that …

you may learn to place hope in God and not in riches.”you may learn to place hope in God and not in riches.”• Waldo believed that Jesus was calling him to live a lifestyle of Waldo believed that Jesus was calling him to live a lifestyle of

poverty, …poverty, …And to lead others to join him.And to lead others to join him.

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Did Waldo become a saint?Did Waldo become a saint?

• Excerpts from an inquisitor’s account of the “errors” claimed by Excerpts from an inquisitor’s account of the “errors” claimed by the Waldensians: the Waldensians: – That they are the true poor in spirit, and suffer persecution for That they are the true poor in spirit, and suffer persecution for

righteousness and faith. righteousness and faith. – That the Church of Rome is the Harlot in the Apocalypse, [for] its That the Church of Rome is the Harlot in the Apocalypse, [for] its

superfluous decoration. superfluous decoration. – That tithes are not to be given, because first fruits were not given to the That tithes are not to be given, because first fruits were not given to the

church. church. – That the clergy ought not to have possessions.That the clergy ought not to have possessions.– That the Bishops and Abbots ought not to have royal rights. That the Bishops and Abbots ought not to have royal rights. – That no one is to be forced into beliefThat no one is to be forced into belief (Reinarius Saccho, (Reinarius Saccho, Sects of the Sects of the

Modern Heretics Modern Heretics 1254)1254)

• The 12The 12thth Century Church heavily persecuted people choosing a Century Church heavily persecuted people choosing a lifestyle of poverty.lifestyle of poverty.– In 1211, 80 Waldensians were burned.In 1211, 80 Waldensians were burned.– A crusade was called against the A crusade was called against the CatharsCathars—”The Pure”—in Southern —”The Pure”—in Southern

France.France.– In 1209, 200,000 people were killed in the the siege of Béziers.In 1209, 200,000 people were killed in the the siege of Béziers.– The papal legate: “Kill them all, for God knows His own.” The papal legate: “Kill them all, for God knows His own.”

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Another area of Another area of religious freedom:religious freedom:

Freedom to life the Freedom to life the lifestyle one chooses.lifestyle one chooses.Note: religious challenges Note: religious challenges to the idea of privilege to the idea of privilege through personal through personal property have always property have always been harshly suppressed!been harshly suppressed!

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What is the Nicene Creed?What is the Nicene Creed?

• A statement of A statement of orthodoxorthodox doctrine.doctrine.– What What authorityauthority supported that orthodoxy? supported that orthodoxy?

• The Council of Nicea:The Council of Nicea:– Called by Constantine to resolve a debate about Called by Constantine to resolve a debate about

Christ:Christ:•Apostolic tradition:Apostolic tradition: Jesus seen as Jesus seen as consubstantialconsubstantial with with

God.God.•Arius and his disciples at Alexandria: Jesus was created Arius and his disciples at Alexandria: Jesus was created

by God.by God.– Constantine acted as an umpire during the debate.Constantine acted as an umpire during the debate.

• The vote went against the Arians, producing an The vote went against the Arians, producing an orthodoxy:orthodoxy:– Authorized theologically by the bishops.Authorized theologically by the bishops.– Authorized and enforced politically by the emperor.Authorized and enforced politically by the emperor.

What happened to Arian Christianity?What happened to Arian Christianity?

• Constantine backed off his enforcement Constantine backed off his enforcement of Nicea for political reasons.of Nicea for political reasons.– The emperors who succeeded him were The emperors who succeeded him were

Arians, so …Arians, so …– Further church councils vacillated between Further church councils vacillated between

Nicene and Arian views of Christ. Nicene and Arian views of Christ. • Arian missionaries converted barbariansArian missionaries converted barbarians

—Goths and Vandals—to Christianity.—Goths and Vandals—to Christianity.• Rome and the Western Empire fell in Rome and the Western Empire fell in

412:412:– Gothic King Theodoric ruled Italy in the 5Gothic King Theodoric ruled Italy in the 5thth

Century.Century.• Theodoric’s captital was Ravenna.Theodoric’s captital was Ravenna.• Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo:Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo:• An Arian church with a mosaic of Theodoric’s An Arian church with a mosaic of Theodoric’s

palace.palace.– After Justinian recaptured Italy for the Roman After Justinian recaptured Italy for the Roman

Church …Church …– Theodoric’s image was blotted out!Theodoric’s image was blotted out!

• Worship in Ravenna depended on who was king Worship in Ravenna depended on who was king or emperor!or emperor!

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What’s an Auto da Fe?What’s an Auto da Fe?

• An instrument of the Inquisition:An instrument of the Inquisition:– A religious rite of condemnation and penance.A religious rite of condemnation and penance.– Directed at Directed at hereticsheretics—people who thought and believed —people who thought and believed

things condemned by church authoritythings condemned by church authority

• 1212thth Century: papacy establishes Inquisitions Century: papacy establishes Inquisitions – Inquisitors were prelates trained in theology …Inquisitors were prelates trained in theology …– And interrogation: And interrogation:

• Torture was used to extract confessionsTorture was used to extract confessions• And thereby purify the heretic (if possible) and the Church.And thereby purify the heretic (if possible) and the Church.• Condemned writings were burned.Condemned writings were burned.• So were persistent heretics … and Jews suspected of lapsing So were persistent heretics … and Jews suspected of lapsing

into Judaism.into Judaism.

– But inquisitors never tortured or executed anyone.But inquisitors never tortured or executed anyone.• They directed local soldiery in administering the penance.They directed local soldiery in administering the penance.• Imposition of an orthodoxy requires secular powers of Imposition of an orthodoxy requires secular powers of

enforcement!enforcement!

Pedro Berruguete. Saint Dominic Presiding over an Auto-da-fe. 1495. Retrieved from Wikipedia, 4/15/2008.

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Fortunately, the Reformation ended Fortunately, the Reformation ended the Popish practice of persecuting the Popish practice of persecuting people for “heresy”!people for “heresy”!

RighRight?t?

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Predestination: a key Reformed ThemePredestination: a key Reformed Theme

• Synod of Dordt (1619):Synod of Dordt (1619):– Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace, Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace,

according to the free good pleasure of his will, [God] according to the free good pleasure of his will, [God] chose in Christ to salvation a definite number of particular chose in Christ to salvation a definite number of particular people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by its own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin. its own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin.

– Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving than the others, but lay with them in the common than the others, but lay with them in the common misery….misery….

– And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be saved, and to call and draw them effectively into Christ's saved, and to call and draw them effectively into Christ's fellowship through his Word and Spirit. fellowship through his Word and Spirit.

– In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in Christ, to justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after Christ, to justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to glorify them.glorify them.

– God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the praise of the riches of his glorious grace.praise of the riches of his glorious grace.

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Did all Protestants embrace Did all Protestants embrace this view of Predestination?this view of Predestination?• Well, no.Well, no.• Dordt was called in reaction to Jacob Arminius.Dordt was called in reaction to Jacob Arminius.

– Arminius was a Reformed pastor who questioned extreme Arminius was a Reformed pastor who questioned extreme statements of Calvinist predestination.statements of Calvinist predestination.

– After he died, his ideas shook the Dutch Reformed Church:After he died, his ideas shook the Dutch Reformed Church:• The The Remonstrants Remonstrants challenged extreme views of predestination …challenged extreme views of predestination …• And the meddling of Reform ministers in the development of a And the meddling of Reform ministers in the development of a

fledgling state resisting Catholic Spanish rule. fledgling state resisting Catholic Spanish rule.

• Dordt: the usual mixture of politics and theological Dordt: the usual mixture of politics and theological zealotry.zealotry.– The leader of the Remonstrants was condemned and The leader of the Remonstrants was condemned and

executed.executed.– An extreme view of Cavlinist predestination was An extreme view of Cavlinist predestination was

established as orthodoxy.established as orthodoxy.• Note: Dordt’s orthodoxy was embraced by many Note: Dordt’s orthodoxy was embraced by many

Cavlinists.Cavlinists.– E.g. Scots PresbyteriansE.g. Scots Presbyterians– Who in turn heavily influenced Christianity in America!Who in turn heavily influenced Christianity in America!

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Orthodoxy is generally based …Orthodoxy is generally based …

on a secular power to on a secular power to enforce obedience!enforce obedience!

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A basic religious freedom:A basic religious freedom:

Freedom to express one’s Freedom to express one’s understanding understanding of faith.of faith.What shapes one’s What shapes one’s understanding?understanding?

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Available reading options!Available reading options!

• Council of Trent: Council of Trent: Rules on Prohibited BooksRules on Prohibited Books (1586) (1586)– All books which have been condemned either by the supreme All books which have been condemned either by the supreme

pontiffs or by ecumenical councils before the year 1515 … shall pontiffs or by ecumenical councils before the year 1515 … shall be considered condemned in the same manner as they were be considered condemned in the same manner as they were formerly condemned. formerly condemned.

– The books of … those who are or have been the heads or leaders The books of … those who are or have been the heads or leaders of heretics, as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin … and others like these … of heretics, as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin … and others like these … are absolutely forbidden. are absolutely forbidden.

– Book dealers who sell or in any other way supply Bibles written in Book dealers who sell or in any other way supply Bibles written in the vernacular to anyone who has not this permission, shall lose the vernacular to anyone who has not this permission, shall lose the price of the books … and in keeping with the nature of the the price of the books … and in keeping with the nature of the crime they shall be subject to other penalties which are left to crime they shall be subject to other penalties which are left to the judgment of the same bishop. the judgment of the same bishop.

– All book-dealers … shall have in their libraries a list of the books All book-dealers … shall have in their libraries a list of the books which they have for sale subscribed by the said persons, and which they have for sale subscribed by the said persons, and without the permission of the same appointed persons they may without the permission of the same appointed persons they may not under penalties of confiscation of the books and other not under penalties of confiscation of the books and other penalties.penalties.

• Another freedom: right to publish, sell, and read books. Another freedom: right to publish, sell, and read books.

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Enough for 1 day?Enough for 1 day?

• Aspects of religious freedom:Aspects of religious freedom:– To practice one’s faith without persecutionTo practice one’s faith without persecution

• Is freedom from persecution found when it Is freedom from persecution found when it shifts to the “other side”?shifts to the “other side”?

– To choose one’s faith—but who chooses?To choose one’s faith—but who chooses?• Prince? Government? Ministers?Prince? Government? Ministers?• The people? The individual?The people? The individual?

– To live the life style that reflects one’s To live the life style that reflects one’s faithfaith

– To think about faith as one choosesTo think about faith as one chooses– To read the books one wishes to readTo read the books one wishes to read

• Any thoughts?Any thoughts?

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Looking AheadLooking Ahead

• 4/27: Christendom—the City of Heaven on 4/27: Christendom—the City of Heaven on EarthEarth– Augustinian theoryAugustinian theory– Medieval disillusionmentMedieval disillusionment

• 5/11: the Reformation Heritage5/11: the Reformation Heritage– Magisterial and Independent models of FaithMagisterial and Independent models of Faith– The English Civil War and its American HeritageThe English Civil War and its American Heritage

• 5/18: Covenants and Disestablishment in 5/18: Covenants and Disestablishment in American LifeAmerican Life– Covenant Society in New EnglandCovenant Society in New England– Sectarian Tension and the 1Sectarian Tension and the 1stst Amendment Amendment

• 6/1: The Separation Ruling and its Discontents6/1: The Separation Ruling and its Discontents– The 1946 Separation Ruling and its Nativist rootsThe 1946 Separation Ruling and its Nativist roots– Yearning for Establishment in contemporary Yearning for Establishment in contemporary

AmericaAmerica