Church Matters: Retrieving the Great Tradition

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Chur ch Mat ter s : Ret r i ev i ng the Great Trad i t i on

What You Should Know about Christian History: AD 496-1291, continued

Five Terms You Should Know 1. Monotheletism : From the Greek monothelos (“One-Will”). One-Will thinkers taught that Jesus had two natures, but only his divine nature could make choices. In 681 the Third Council of Constantinople affirmed that Jesus had two wills—one human, one divine. But, they added, his two wills never disagreed. 2. The Donation of Constantine : A document, forged around 800, which claimed Constantine gave the pope power over all other bishops, as well as large portions of Italy. 3. Holy Roman Emperor : The title which, in theory, made someone the heir of the ancient Roman emperors and the ruler of the Western Empire. In reality, Holy Roman Emperors only ruled portions of central, Europe. German kings possessed the title from AD 962 until 1806, when Napoleon abolished it. 4. Albigensians : Heretical sect, named after Albi, the French town where they arose. Also called “Cathars” (“Pure Ones”). Condemned by the Fourth Lateran Council for their Gnostic teachings. 5. Transubstantiation : Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox belief that the Lord’s Supper elements become Jesus’ body and blood, even though their outer appearance never changes.