Faith & Reason Nexus

The timeline you’ve shared highlights the key events in the history of Christianity, showing both the departures from the faith and the restoration efforts. It begins with the early centuries of Christianity and progresses through significant apostasy and church divisions. Here’s a clearer breakdown

• A.D. 251 – Infant Baptism: The practice of infant baptism was introduced.
• A.D. 251 – Pouring for Baptism: The practice of pouring water instead of immersion for baptism became common.
• A.D. 394 – Latin Mass: The mass began to be conducted in Latin, separating it from the common language of the people.
• A.D. 593 – Purgatory: The doctrine of purgatory was introduced.
• A.D. 667 – Instrumental Music: The use of musical instruments in worship services began to be accepted.
• A.D. 1054 – Great Schism: The division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox (Greek Catholic) Church.
• A.D. 1063 – Celibacy: The imposition of celibacy for priests.
• A.D. 1248 – Indulgences: The selling of indulgences was introduced as a practice.
• A.D. 1311 – Sprinkling Authorized: The practice of sprinkling water for baptism was formally authorized.
• A.D. 1545 – Veneration of Images: The veneration of images and relics was declared as acceptable.
• A.D. 1870 – Pope Declared Infallible: The doctrine of papal infallibility was formally declared at the First Vatican Council.
• A.D. 606 – First Universal Pope: The title of “Pope” became universally recognized as having supreme authority in the church.

Reformation and Restoration Movements:

• A.D. 1521 – Lutheran Movement: Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to the founding of the Lutheran Church.
• A.D. 1535 – Church of England (Anglican): The Church of England was established following the break from the Roman Catholic Church.
• A.D. 1609 – Baptist Church: The Baptist denomination began to emerge.
• A.D. 1608 – Congregational: The Congregational Church was established.
• A.D. 1536 – Presbyterian: The Presbyterian Church was established by John Calvin’s teachings.

Departures in Doctrine and Practices:

• A.D. 1539 – Episcopal: The Episcopal Church was formed, having connections to Anglicanism but with its own unique structure and practices.
• A.D. 1739 – Methodist: John Wesley’s teachings led to the formation of the Methodist Church.

This timeline points to several significant events where doctrines and practices diverged from the early Christian faith. These departures are critical to understanding the history of Christian denominations and the restoration movement, which sought to return to the original teachings and practices of the New Testament church.

The Restoration Movement is central to the desire to return to Biblical authority, with figures like Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone seeking to restore the New Testament church without the innovations introduced through the centuries.

The Spirit of Departure:

• 1 Timothy 4:1 warns that in latter times, some will depart from the faith, influenced by deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. This scripture highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the foundational truths of Christianity.

Would you like to explore more on the Restoration Movement or specific historical events related to these departures?