Which worldview embraced both faith and reason?
Christianity, and Judaism before it. The Christian faith was most assuredly supernatural and other-worldly, but it was also reasonable and plausible.
Who were the zealots?
The zealots were freedom fighters and patriots or terrorists, depending upon one’s viewpoint. They were unhappy with the Roman occupation of Israel and sought to resist their rule.
Who were the Sadducees?
They were a sect of Judaism that was powerful and theologically liberal. They tended to be Hellenized Jews.
Who were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a sect of Judaism that were Bible teachers and were theologically conservatives.
Who were the Essenes?
The Essenes were a sect of Judaism who were separatists and quasi-monks.
How was the early Church counter-cultural?
The early Church was counter-cultural because it had a worldview completely at odds with the Greco-Roman worldview. Christians refused to engage in emperor-worship and condemned popular amusements like the public baths, gladiator fights, and circuses. They opposed homosexuality, adultery, prostitution, and divorce, all of which were common in Rome. Many Christian leaders instructed Christian men to not serve in the Roman army. Christian women were taught to forego lavish cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing. Finally, the Christians proclaimed that the multitude of Roman gods were actually wicked demons in disguise, in a culture in which dishonoring the gods risked bringing disaster upon society.
What is the Doctrine of Petrine Supremacy?
The Doctrine of Petrine Supremacy states that the Roman bishop should be preeminent above all other bishops in the Church because he has spiritual descent from Peter.
Who were ascetics?
Ascetics were monks who went to the desert to escape the popular compromised Christianity and pursue a pure faith.
