The New Testament and Canon Formation
Between the 1st and 4th centuries, texts such as the Gospels, Pauline Epistles, and other writings were composed and gradually canonized into the New Testament.
Theological Debates and Councils
Early Christianity faced internal debates on the nature of Christ and the Trinity.
- The Arian controversy questioned whether Jesus was divine or subordinate to God the Father.
- The First Council of Nicaea (325 CE) and subsequent ecumenical councils sought to resolve these disputes, defining orthodox doctrine.
Institutionalization
Christianity gradually developed hierarchical structures—bishops, presbyters, deacons—and became more organized, culminating in its recognition as the Roman Empire’s state religion under Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century. shutdown123