Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries by Adolf Von Harnack - Research Paper Example

01 February A Critical Review of the Book Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries By Adolf Von Harnack Introduction: Adolf Von Harnack (1851-1930) is one of the most popular western theologians. He uses historical critical method for the study of initial history of Christianity and church dogma. F.C. Baur and Albrecht Ritschl have also contributed to Harnack's theological understanding. Besides, he has worked on Marcion's theology as well. Adolf Harnack's book, “Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three centuries”, carries out a survey, opening up the life, message, context, literature, and history of the early Christians. Thus, the religion of Christianity has “become a power” (Harnack 312). Initially, Christianity has been known as a part of Judaism; subsequently, it has become one of the most dominant religions in the world. In its evaluation as a popular religion, it has attained a powerful grip on humanity. Harnack, by analyzing both historical developments of dogma and of the relation of the church to the state, along with missionary movement of Christians, investigates the expansion of this religion. Christianity has received a strong foundation to grow and the time too has been perfect in a certain sense, despite the stiff oppositions, constant attacks, enemies, unfavorable rulers and authorities. Harnack’s work is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the humble but dynamic beginning, with the background of Judaism, and the emergence of Jewish religion. Then it goes on to the mission, consequently segregating from the mainstream. The second section concerns with the contents of the message that influenced the Christians with such a powerful force. The third section dwells on different methods employed, and hostility suffered in the voyage of the mission until it attained the recognition of the masses. This paper offers a critical analysis of Harnack’s work in relation to the mission and the expansion of Christianity. Review: Right at the beginning, in Book 1, Harnack brings to the attention of his audience Christianity’s germination on the fertile land of Jews and examines how it has fared then on. The context has remained favorable for Christianity’s growth. Jewish foothold has been very firm and their propaganda profound. Judaism gradually kept transforming in a philosophical context. However, afterwards, the religion has “presented itself in the eyes of the law and the authorities as a religion distinct from that of Judaism, its character as a religio illicita was assured” (Harnack 302). Simultaneously, the religion has blended itself into the lives and other aspects of the society in the east. This was syncretism, which looked like a unity from distance but is heterogenous in reality. When “Christianity came to formulate ideas of God, Jesus, sin, redemption, and life, it drew upon the materials acquired in the general process of religious evolution standing against polytheism.” Harnack showed that Jesus’ preaching and works are the base for further mission work and the impulse given by His genuineness worked as its spirit. The earliest followers, especially Paul, got this profound consciousness of being an apostle to the world. He was driven till the western ends of Roman Empire. The transition from Jewish mission to gentile mission is clearly shown by Harnack. In between, he argues against the Jews’ evilness and unworthiness of God’s grace. He takes it to extremes. In the gospels, first of all, one can find the obligation to go to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Jesus, however, did not give an explicit command for this, which remained further a field to think upon. However, His message was for the whole humanity. Harnack depicted Christianity as a syncretistic religion. But it is not clear to what extent this syncretism or the acceptance of ideas from others, and employing them for own understanding, was present in the words of Jesus and the theology of Paul. However, “the extent to which Judaism was prepared for the gospel may also be judged by means of the syncretism into which it had developed” (Harnack 18). Harnack’s arguments and suggestions become very challenging and revealing for the audience. In Book II, he explains that Christian message was simple, vivid, clear and profound in concept and application. Besides, the features that Christianity presented were appropriate to the needs of the time. Thus, the religion was able to fill the voids in human minds by displaying pure genuineness. Christian preaching was rigorous in essence which was about repentance, the Messiah, and was a reminder about their deliverance from the pagan state. The message was both objective and subjective. The false elements were condemned by the religion and the true upheld. Harnack emphatically states that Polytheism was confronted and defeated by Christians. He shows that Jesus’ mission was to save sinners, bear their pain, and give life unlike other religions condemning sinners and ignoring the sick. These were the need of those who belonged to the old religion which they never attained. Therefore, the old religion started fading away. Purity, consolation, expiation, moral health and healing characterized the new one. “The evidence for this change which passed over the religious temper lies in the writings of Seneca, Epictetus, and many others” (Harnack 72). Charity and service became a great influence on people’s heart which very few or, perhaps, no other religion practiced. Also the Churches were too supported by each other not only financially (Acts 11:27; II Cor. 8:9; Rom. 15:26), but also spiritually and psychologically through letters which became stronger by the end of the 2nd century and didn't cease even till the 5th century. Harnack explains exorcism and how it became instrumental in Evangelism. “The power of exorcism lies in the name of Jesus, which is uttered as the stories of his life are being narrated” (Harnack 79). Tertullian has said that demons are helpless and beg for mercy before Christians. Minucius Felix agrees with Tertillian. The use of Jesus Christ's name with a strong belief frees men from this dread of evil and its consequences, said Origen. Celsus too believed in it and even admitted Jesus' miracles, but debated it of being demonic power. However, the truth remained truth. The spirit’s witness, as well as the power, it imparted on the Christians made the mission very dynamic. The confrontation with polytheism and continuous syncretism is thought by Harnack as very effective growth factors. He said its syncretism was special. “Every force, every relationship in its environment, was mastered by it and made to serve its own ends” It included all diverse peoples and nations to its body. The final arguments of Harnack are concerning the missionary methods, strong organization and perseverance of Christianity, which made them continue their endeavor. He emphasizes the three offices which were prominent in the mission - Apostle, Teacher and Prophet. Apostles were wandering ministers. “In the world to which the apostles preached their new message, religion had not been intended originally for the sick, but for the sound” (Harnack 71). He further suggests that teachers were residential and reputed and prophets shared function to both offices. Christians united and became socially organized, aiming to edify each other, seeking common good for all and giving importance to individuals. These offices were very old and distinct and were assigned to Church by God, and His Spirit drove them. By AD 100, independent forms and monarchical episcopacy within the community were created locality wise which united them. Harnack also explores another area of Christian names, which were silent witnesses in the pagan world. He believes that names also were a symbol of novelty. Persecution tormented Christians to the core. Trajan and Nero became furious against Christians. Between AD 259 and 303 from Gallienus onwards, things became better. The persecution during Diocletian was the most horrible. Still, the author beautifully portrays it as merely a booster to the movement. Conclusion: Adolf Harnack evaluates the spirits of Christian mission and expansion during the first three centuries in an exhaustive manner, by dwelling on the positive aspects of the religion that makes it a favorite among masses. He investigates how Christianity came to earn the field to cultivate in. Though it was potent to stand of its own, the context, surrounding, the different impulses given by God, the message imparted by Christ and the hurdles on the way not only aided but accelerated its expansion. Jewish impact and propaganda, the impact of Jesus's life, message, death and resurrection were the starter levers. The scope which it gave for Gentiles' salvation, disclosed by Paul mainly added to its rapidity. However, the author tends to display unsavory bias with his calling the Jews as devil's people. Harnack goes on to say that Jews were never God's people and they never owned the OT. Thus, he seems to negate the literal meaning of OT. He further goes on to defend the stand of patriarchs as authentic people. Thus, he gives the impression of taking a warering stand or dual standard. In fact, God's Spirit is concerned also for the Jews and he will bring them back for sure. Anyway, in book II, he explores the essence of the preached messages and the dogmatic history. Their rigor, purity, message of redeeming Savior, heart of love, charity and service have inspired people. The spiritual power and authority of Jesus' name and the mysterious features quenched the thirst of people. Christianity confronted all polytheistic features and triumphed. It, however, was discreetly syncretistic and broad in perspective which was the real reason for the popularity it could gain. The Book III explores the authoritative and extensive works of apostles, prophets and teachers and different other offices. Training, catechism, baptism, interracial weddings, all contributed to the movement. Later on, the social and ecclesiastical organization further enhanced its popularity. Even though Christianity faced countless opposition, false accusation and persecution, its heart remained same and the momentum kept on pushing it foreward in the journey of attaining global identity. Harnack's work remains one of the primary resources in the field of Christian history. Also, it has disclosed several untouched arenas to be surveyed and discovered. Works Cited Harnack, Adolf von. Adolf von Harnack (1851-1930). Boston Collaborative Encyclopedia of Western Theory. 1994. Web. 30 January 2013. http://people.bu.edu/wwildman/bce/harnack.htm Harnack, Adolf. The Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Tree Centuries. 2005. Web. 30 January 2013. Print. Read More