Catholic versus Islam Fundamentalism in Politics - Thesis Example

The initial history of early Christianity speaks of a very loose and disorganized belief system and organization, often leading to different interpretations of the Bible and Christian teachings (MacCulloch 134). Partly to secure more consistent teachings, towards the latter period of the Second Century, Christians developed more organized groups and hierarchies, with a head bishop having jurisdiction over a specific clergy, and a Metropolitan bishop being installed (Duffy 10). In essence, the Church started to develop an organizational structure similar to an Empire with bishops assigned to the more important cities having more power over the bishops in the other cities (Markus 75).

In this case, Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome exercised the greatest powers over other cities (MacCulloch 134). At the start of the second century, the bishops usually grouped into the regional synods in order to manage various policy and doctrine concerns (Chadwick 37). By the third century, the bishop of Rome would soon become the court of appeals in the resolution of issues (Duffy 18). The doctrines of Christianity were later improved by various theologians and scholars known as the Church Fathers (MacCulloch 141).

The Proto-orthodox teachers including Ignatius of Antioch and Irenaeus considered Catholic doctrines to be contrary to different beliefs including Gnosticism (Davidson 169). During the initial centuries of the Catholic Church, it developed its doctrines and teachings as a systematic system supported by theological apologists including Pope Clement I, Justin Martyr, as well as Augustine of Hippo (Norman 27). In contrast to the other Roman Empire religions, Christianity called for its followers to reject all other gods and deities.

These Christians did not support pagan practices which indicated that they were not able to take part in public life, which made other non-Christians fear the anger of gods who may be offended by Christian beliefs. They believed that Christians may cause chaos in the Empire due to the retaliation of offended gods. Moreover, the secretive and intimate nature of Christian relations, especially in relation to their religious practices led to rumors of incest and cannibalism within their society.