The Origins Of Christian Corruption
Christianity is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world and has been subject to many corruptions throughout history. The development of corrupt practices began with the earliest days of the church with certain practices that were meant to appeal to pagans and seemed to contradict the teachings of Jesus and the other Apostles. Various Church Fathers and political rulers over the centuries developed further corruptions, with many pre-Reformation and post-Reformation churches introducing numerous doctrinal arrangements to keep control of the people.
In the earliest days of the Church, origin stories about Jesus’ life and teachings were adapted to fit Roman culture, including the introduction of the idea of a ‘Supreme Being’ as well as the glorification of Emperor Constantine’s rule. This process of ‘Christification’ had a concrete shape in the form of a hierarchy of priests and bishops that gradually began to resemble the hierarchical system of Roman civilization. The veneration of saints and the Church’s involvement in Roman politics and rituals eventually meant that Church should remain unified with Rome in order to survive.
At the same time, religious movements that conflicted with the emerging Christian orthodoxy – such as Gnosticism, Montanism and Donatism – were persecuted. This was due to their refusal to accept the authority of the Church Fathers, and instead choose to trust the guidance of the Bible and prayer. Over time, the establishment of church canon and traditions was largely replaced by Church tradition and enforced by political force.
The Development Of Church Doctrine And Practice
The corruption of Christianity continued to spread over the centuries, with certain church teachings and practices developing in order to maintain control of the population and ensure its dominance over the laity. The introduction of the idea of purgatory, various excommunications and indulgences widened the rift between the Church and its people. Furthermore, the belief in transubstantiation, which entails the transformation of the Eucharistic wafer into the body of Christ during communion, further encouraged the idea that Church authority should not be challenged.
Certain practices such as the sale of indulgences, whereby a person could receive a reduction of their sins after donating money to the Church, gained considerable popularity. The concept of the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ — that rulers are ordained by God and thus are answerable only to Him — was also adopted by the Church and propped up by the use of its doctrines and rituals.
The Corruptions Of The Pre-Reformation Period
By the time of the pre-Reformation period, many of the Church’s corrupt practices had become commonplace. The sale and collection of indulgences was rampant, as was the practice of Simony (buying or selling positions in the Church hierarchy) and celibacy, which removed the importance of family life and the institution of marriage.
The concept of ‘Hell’ as a physical place of punishment and the idea of confession as a way of confessing one’s sins and obtaining absolution were also key components of the corruption of Christianity during this period. The dependence of the Church on the monarchy, which entailed the increased control of the people by the Crown, further perpetuated these corruptions.
The Reformation And Counter Reformation
The Protestant Reformation aimed to reform the Church, and although its leaders had initially denounced all corrupt practices, the overly rigid and restrictive techniques of the Church Fathers and their justification of ‘merits of works’ eventually caused the Reformation to become more focused on personal salvation and the discouragement of works-based salvation.
On the other hand, the Counter Reformation adopted an anti-Protestant stance, defending the Catholics’ practices, yet in the process becoming stricter and stricter. The result was a comprehensive ban on such activities as reading the Bible in one’s own language and the issuance of censures and excommunications against those who opposed the Pope’s authority.
The Corruptions Of The Modern World
Many of the same practices that were adopted during the pre-Reformation and Counter Reformation periods can still be seen today, albeit in different iterations. The sale of indulgences has been replaced with the donation of large sums of money to the Church in exchange for its services, while the Divine Right of Kings has been replaced with the concept of a ‘democratic theocracy’ where religious leaders are the main political figures.
Despite this, there has also been some progress in the fight against these forms of corruption, with the Orthodox Church in particular denouncing a number of questionable doctrines and practices. Elsewhere, some tensions between liberal and conservative factions have caused a variety of splits within the Protestant churches.
The Impact Of History On Today’s Churches
Unfortunately, despite widespread attempts to purify the church from corruptions, many of these legacies have stayed with Christianity throughout its history. The idea of papal infallibility, the ‘Chain of Being’ and the notion of the Church being above the law have all enabled the corruption of Christianity to endure for centuries.
Today, many denominations within the Church still abide by some of these doctrines, while many who have exclaimed to be ‘running away from the Church” are still influenced by its long history of corruptions. Issues such as the ordination of gay individuals, the role of women in liturgy, and many other issues still present uncomfortable realities that challenge the way we understand Christianity today.
How Politics Affects Christianity Today
Christianity today is affected by politics in many ways. Politicians during the pre-Reformation and Counter Reformation used the Church hierarchy to gain the support of their population and maintain political power. As a result, Christianity was co-opted and its ways of thinking and teachings were leveraged for personal gain.
Today, politicians and governments still invoke the power of the church to gain support, either as a way of unifying a nation or to legitimize certain oppressive laws, such as denying LGBTQ+ rights. Certain denominations and religious groups are particularly targeted by certain ideologies which aim to impose their particular view of Christianity.
Religious Pluralism In Christianity
The idea of religious pluralism – the belief that various religious and spiritual traditions are of equal value – has become more accepted by many Christians in recent times. This has lessened the potential for corruption, as it is less likely for any one religion or denomination to assume a dominant role in society.
The lack of a single orthodoxy and the recognition that people have a unique set of beliefs have allowed for a greater variety of interpretations and practices, preventing the Church from being abused for selfish, political gain. This can also allow for more minimal theological conflict, both within different denominations and between Christian and non-Christian religious practices.
The Divisions Within Christianity
The division between modern and traditional views, along with the various differing interpretations of Scripture, has caused Christianity to divide into various denominations. Despite attempts to find a common ground, there remain significant differences in doctrine that are often emphasised and exaggerated by the media and by certain groups.
This division can cause a lack of understanding and respect between different denominations and has caused some Christians to be alienated and alienated by others. The act of ‘othering’ creates a strong sense of division, leading to a decrease in unity and trust between the various denominations of Christianity.
The Challenges For Christianity In The 21st Century
As Christianity enters the 21st century it faces the challenge of reconciling its historical corruptions and divisions with the more progressive ideas of a modern society. Christianity must learn to embrace complexity, engaging with its past without becoming stuck in fixed points of view.
Moreover, Christianity must find a balance between modernity and tradition and actively seek dialogue between different denominations as well as between Christianity and other religions. Christianity must also find ways to celebrate diversity, instead of enforcing its beliefs onto others in order to maintain its relevance and its importance in the world today.
The Role Of Faithful Stewardship Within Christianity
The concept of faithful stewardship is essential to the ongoing corruption of Christianity. This involves showing respect towards all members of the church and honoring others customs and beliefs, regardless of one’s own opinions. The importance of this is obvious, as it can help to ensure that various denominations are not used to justify exclusion or abuse.
Furthermore, stewardship also encourages Christians to use their own beliefs to live ethically and take responsibility for their actions. This helps to ensure that Christianity is seen as an authentic faith, and not as a tool of domination or financial gain.
The Need For Christian Leaders To Accept Responsibility
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of Christian leaders to learn from the past and accept responsibility for the corruptions that have occurred. This does not mean that Christians must break with tradition, but rather that they should seek to understand their past and remain vigilant to prevent their faith from being exploited for political interests.
Christian leaders must also be open to criticism and recognize the importance of dialogue between different denominations and theological systems. This could help to restore the credibility and integrity of Christianity, allowing it to be taken seriously as a force for good in the world rather than a power to be feared or exploited.
