Western Culture

Influence of Christian history on Western Culture 

Why Church History is important:  It exposes us to some of the issues faced by the church in every age.  It helps us see further than we naturally can on our own.  It gives us insight into our own culture.  It provides warnings about what to look out for and what not to do.  "Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).

Western Christian culture begins in First century Judea with none other than Jesus Christ, followed by the Apostles Peter, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  This culture spread to Europe and grew in the Middle Ages forming the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.  Many significant European rulers acknowledged Christianity, like Constantine (c.300) (see my Prezi and video), Theodosius I (c.379), Clovis I (c.481), Justinian I (c.518), and Charlemagne (c.800). 

 

Probably most influential were Constantine and Charlemagne, that had impacted the western world with Christianity.  Western thought would culminate in the reformation that spread to America.  From this Christian cultural and biblical influence, advanced ideas of law, freedom, democracy, humanitarianism, and egalitarianism flourished.

Charlemagne Explained in 8 Minutes | Captivating History

Charlemagne and the Carolingian revival | Smarthistory, Khan Academy

Who was Charlemagne? | Dr. Ryan Reeves

An introduction to Medieval scripts | Smarthistory, Khan Academy

Charlemagne's Letter | Voices of the Past

In this video you will see the importance that the Carolingian Minuscule script played on writing the Bible; making it easier to read opposed to Gothic.

Charlemagne, King of the Franks wrote a letter to Offa, King of Mercia, and this primary source stands as a reflection of Jesus's principle of love.  Charlemagne instills a sense of unity in the bond of love.  As one listens, make note of his many references to the topic as documented by Hygeberht, Archbishop of Lichfield (787-799 A.D.).