Abstract
Emperor Constantine is the Inventor of the „Trinitarian God“.
According to the documents, there is no other
conclusion.
Manifested in the Creed of Nicaea, the Trinitarian God
generated only confusion, hate, and destruction of freedom
and religious
wars.
Constantine thought to create a combination of the
heathen ideas of the godhead and Christian believes. Almost all of the 220
representatives of the church stood on the foundation of the doctrines of the
primitive church as taught by Origen (185-254 AD). Constantine didn’t like the
idea of Jesus being a different person than his father and that he in fact was
subordinated to him. In the end
Constantine thought it to be his right to force the opposing bishops to accept
his ideas: there shall not be three gods but one only. Only Arius (260-337) and
two of his friends refused to sign the “Creed of Nicaea”. 1800 Bishops chose
not to be present at the council. For many centuries followers of Arius (the
Arians) withstood persecutions and violence from the Catholic Church. All
important details of the teachings as recorded by Origen and Arius are to be
found in the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Introduction
At the council, Athanasius (296-373) proved himself to be a most passionate
defender of the views of his Emperor. His life’s ambition was to extend his
influence. Tireless his preaching’s and writings:
“God does not look like a human… Arius and his
people (the Arians) are enemies of God… They are blasphemers.” (1)
Hate among Christians would lead to outbreaks of battles in the streets of
Rome and Alexandria. In the year 380 the binding law of “Cunctos populos” was
declared. Every citizen of the Roman Empire had to accept faith as
prescribed by Constantine and Saint Ambrose. Relentless was the opposition
which Saint Ambrose exercised towards the Arians. The ever increasing spirit of
intolerance lead to much destruction. In the 6th Century Emperor Justinian
(483-565) eliminated the Ostrogoths, because of their Arianic faith. Into the
16th century many souls faced death by burning at the stake as did Michael
Servet for believing that God has a human face.
Then on the 23rd of January 2006 Pope Benedict partially rehabilitated
Arius by stating:
"Yes! God has a human face!” (2)
Little attention was given to this very important statement – how very
strange.
Discussion
1. Council of Nicaea
Constantine grew up
with the idea that roman Emperors are rulers of the Universe. At the court
of Emperor Diocletian he heard it over and over again that the Emperor was the
dominus et deus (Lord and God). The pagan priests praised him:
“You
Emperor are in the image of those that created you… you rule the world without
comparison. You are the “diis geniti et deorum creatores” (from God created and
creator of Gods) Within Thee live the “numina” (the spirits) and the power of
Jupiter and Hercules. We cry unto thee, we pray to thee for achieve every
victory for unto us it is holy with us you are the “praesens deus”– therefore
we are not afraid, for it is an honour to lay our lives at your feet. Hail be
unto thee. Your dominion is not confined to the regions of the earth, but reach
far beyond the realms of the eternal heavens.” (3)
As the masses
worshipped Diocletian - “the present God”– he often would not be present. In
which case the Jupiter-priest would hold up a picture of him. Prof. Demandt
says:
“It
was believed, the emperor and his picture are one… Athanasius compared the relationship between
God the Father and the Son of God to be of the same as the emperor and his
picture ...“(4)
Here we can recognize
the nucleus of the Nicene Creed. Later on Athanasius used the same comparison:
“Jesus is in the Father's picture”
Constantine was of
the stringent belief that the spirits of the Gods dwell within him even as
they dwell in heaven. His aim was to combine the Deity of the Roman Empire with
himself. To be with them consubstantial (greek: homousios). He insisted: God is
an absolute spiritual, a totally formless being! (homousios) instead homo I
usios. The bishops had only to take away the Jota.
As in his days –
especially in the church the Greek language was predominant.
Presbyter (Elder)
Arius insisted: Jesus is another heavenly Person subordinated to his father.
(greek: homoiusios) The pagan Emperor and deacon Athanasius refused: “No! They
are homousios” (They are one, the same).
Prof. Dr. Hans Küng, (by his catholic church reprimanded senior Theologian
openly denied that the pope is not really in the true succession of the
apostolic Peter) criticises the treatment
of the Elder Arius (260-337) in Nicaea 325:
“Constantine somehow allows himself to add the unbiblical word
“consubstantial” (“the same”), in Greek “Homo usios”… The
suborder (subordinate) of the son under the one God
and Father is (the God) as Origen and the theologian fathers in
Primitive Church had taught is now substituted with
“consubstantial” (“the same”) with the Father.” (5)
The famous German Historian A.
von Harnack stated:
“Basically, not only Arius was rejected - in Nicene -
but also Origen.” (6)
Origen (185-254) was the first systematic theologian and philosopher
of the Christian Church. Many bishops asked for him. His decisions
were accepted. Bishop Hippolytus (170- 235) - the most
important 3rd-century theologian in the Christian Church in Rome
- and Origen were always in harmony. He and the primitive
church taught the same:
„In our primordial state (pre-existence) we were all Logika
(bodiless spirits) and as such gods, attached to the “Logos”
(Jesus Christ).” (7)
But again, it seems, Constantine’s intention was to
convince the bishops to accept him as their only God.
Constantine contrary to Origen said: “even the Jews
have only one God. They are monotheists!”
Here too, he was wrong:
In 2012, Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin made it clear:
“Ancient
Jews believed that many gods exist but
felt that should only worship y-h-v-h- and maintained this notion for hundreds
of years, and this fact is found in hundreds of verses in the Hebrew Bible. This is not monotheism, but monolatry.
Monotheism is the belief that only a single god exists. Monolatry is the belief
that many gods exist but only one should be served.” (8)
The prophet (Joseph Smith) stated also,
“… there are
many gods… I will preach on the plurality of gods…” (9)
Joseph, the prophet, confirmed again:
“In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a
council of the Gods; and they came together and
concocted [prepared] a plan to create the world
and people it. When we begin to learn this way,
we begin to learn the only true God, and what
kind of a being we have got to worship.” (10)
However in the beginning Christians believed that the
great “I AM” and Jesus were one and the same Person.
Thus the great I’m sent
by his Father would refer to his calling throughout
his stay on earth.
There was a special discussion between Christ and the Pharisees:
They were angry with him. They answered him,
"Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and
demon-possessed?"
"I
am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honour my Father and
you dishonour me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks
it, and he is the judge. …
Jesus
replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you
claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I
know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him
and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my
day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old,"
the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you
the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At
this, the picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away
from the temple grounds.” (11)
It means, Jesus
was saying: “I AM” the “I AM”. This was Blasphemy! It was against Jewish law
and punishable by stoning.
This is the
reason why Jesus was crucified. In the Garden of Gethsemane the Pharisee’s were
shocked:
“Judas
came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the
chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them,
"Who is it you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus
said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said,
"I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked
them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of
Nazareth." "I told you that I
am he," Jesus answered.” (12)
The German theologian
Joh. Adam Moehler explained:
“According to Justin”
the son is not just a mere man.
He is not only an impersonal force. He (Jesus) is another (as the father). In
its strictest sense, he is the Son of God. He spoke to Moses from the burning
bush. I am who I am. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ... He is the Jehovah of
the Old Testament.” (13)
Jesus was the one and
only God Israel and all of us have to except as our Redeemer. Beside him, the
great “I AM”, they and all of mankind shall have no other Gods. However all our
prayers are directed to our Father in the name of Jesus Christ:
“Always
giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” (14)
All considered
the bishops at Nicaea did not wish to follow Constantine.
Emperor
Constantine rejected the traditions of the early church. The bishops were
unhappy. But, he was the chief priest of Rome (Pontifex maximus). He simply
expected their obedience and threatened the Bishops not to contradict him. All
these facts are well-known:
“He
worked via threats and reprisals to implement his Ideals. Each bishop is
interviewed individually. Each individual is committed to sign the “Nicene
Creed” or being exiled. At Nicaea all matters of Church organisation had to be
compatible to Roman law.” (15)
“More
than 30 Years later many would dismiss the rulings of the Council at Nicene
because of the forced approval of the bishops.” (16)
A modern
catholic Bishop said:
“Well known personalities such as Bishop
Basil, Participants of the 1st Ecumenical Council 325, of Nicaea … compared the
post-conciliar situation unto a naval battle at night, in which everyone would
fight against everyone. He stated that due to the conciliar Disputes only
confusion and appalling disorder reigned in the church. All just confusing
chatter.” (17)
In the year 2013 a
catholic Source professes:
“All
seemed to be in good order, even though many of the bishops had only rendered lip
service since Emperor Constantine had threatened the bishops with exile should
they not be willing to sign the documents (of Nicaea).” (18)
Don’t forget. It is
not a mere accident that Origen is called upon as a special witness to throw
light on the questions of the teachings of the Primitive Church. Origen’s
Picture of the Godhead may at times be cloudy. But, he makes it clear that
there are three separated Personages (Hypostases). (19)
This is the opposite
of the “Ecumenical Movements” point of
View: the “Creed of Nicene.”
Emperor Constantine’s
(280-337) goal was: one empire, and one God. He pursued all his ambitious plans
if necessary by force. Whoever stood in his way was eliminated, such as his son
Crispus, wife Fausta, brothers in law, Maxentius and Licinius, Father in law Maximian,
as well as all other Individuals or religious groups getting in his way.
Unconditionally he declared, that all Christians have to reject the arianic
version. The early writings of Arius and others were outlawed, all acts against
the law which Constantine had decreed were punishable by death. As for the
great and valiant Teacher of Christ’s doctrines Arius, was denounced and
forthwith branded to be a Heretic, an Enemy of God. Because he believed in
three divine Persons, like Origen.
“Furthermore
the early Greek theologians - Origen in particular - preferred the term `hypostasis' for the three
divine Persons” (20)
Arius stated again:
Each Christian will understand how Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ
and the Holy Ghost are separate beings, yet one in mind, power,
wisdom, and purpose.
Constantine published
now the following Edict against Arius and his followers:
“If
any writing composed by Arius should be found, it should be handed over to the
flames, so that not only will the wickedness of his teachings be obliterated,
but nothing will be left to remind anyone of him. And hereby make a public
order, that if anyone should be discovered to have hidden a writing composed by
Arius, and not to have immediately brought forward and destroyed it by fire,
his penalty shall be death. As soon as he would be discovered in this offense,
he shall be submitted for capital punishment.” (21)
This was the hour of
the birth of a Trinitarian God.
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| Picture Wikipedia: Constantine burning Arian books, illustration from a compendium of canon law, c. 825 |
Athanasius wrote:
“I
believe the hypocrites’ of the arianic folly would have after all I have
explained in regards to the truth laid all their opposition aside und regret
their views and the evil they have thought of the Saviour. They however in the
most amazing ways will not agree. Even as pigs and dogs they roll in their own
droppings and excrements and fabricate ever new ideas of their godlessness…” (22)
Force and threads of
death took their course. Athanasius used Bishop Alexander’s word:
“We
must resist Arius to his very blood.” (23)
Bishop Damasus
followed them.
2. Increasing
persecution among Christians
On that fateful morning of the 26th October 366, “Bishop Damasus from Rome was leading a
group of hired thugs armed with Clubs, Swords, Axes and Sticks to execute
justice his way. Driven by a mad rage towards his fellow Brother Bishop
Ursinus, he felt justified to have all of the worshippers which had gathered at
the Julii Chapel (today St. Maria in Trastevere) for their morning service to
face a most cruel death. (24)
Because they were
Arians and Damasus was a catholic. Only Bishop Ursinus and a few of his Friends
escaped the massacre, while 130 of his Congregation lay in their blood. Not one
of the hired mobsters were found among the dead. Bishop Ursinus (?-367) like
the “Mormons”, rejected particularly this part of the “Athanasian Creed”:
“For
as we are compelled by the Christian verity, to acknowledge every Person by
himself to be God and Lord, so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to
believe it.”
A prominent academic
within the theological faculty of Oxford states that
“Damasus
hired a gang of thugs that stormed the Julian Basilica, carrying out a
three-day massacre of the Ursinians.” (25)
3. “Cunctos populos”
Saint Ambrose of
Milan (337 – 397) didn’t protest against
such actions. On the contrary. He aggravated the situation. He became the
most powerful man in Rome. Young Emperors like Gratian and Valentinian II
feared him. Under his leadership the law of “Cunctos populus” was introduced.
There is a strong suspicion: Saint Ambrose created this law.
Text of Cunctos populos:
“It
is our pleasure that all the nations which are governed by our clemency and
moderation, should steadfastly adhere to the religion which was taught by St
Peter to the Romans, which faithful
tradition has preserved and which is now professed by the pontiff Damasus...
According to the discipline of the apostles and the doctrine of the Gospel, let
us believe the sole deity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, under an
equal majesty and in a pious Trinity. We authorize the followers of this
doctrine to assume the title of Catholic Christians; and we judge that all
others are extravagant madman, we brand them with the infamous name of
heretics, and declare their
conventicles shall no longer usurp the respectable appellation of
churches. Besides the condemnation of divine justice, they must expect to
suffer the severe penalties which our authority, guided by heavenly wisdom,
shall think proper to inflict upon them.” (26)
Cunctos Populos was directed mercilessly not only
against all non-Catholic Christians. Those who do not believe in the "Holy
Trinity", had to fear.
“It
ordered all subjects of the Roman Empire to profess the faith of the bishops of
Rome and Alexandria, making Nicene Christianity the state religion of the Roman
Empire.“ (27)
Millions of
Greek Citizen’s watched their pagan temples and other holy places ravished and levelled
to the ground. Their priests suffered persecution. The Arians lived growing in fear.
Cunctos populos brought to a total end a period of
widespread religious tolerance.
Many sources
confirm:
“The
period of relative religious tolerance in the Roman Empire ended as Pagan
temples were seized and converted for Christian use or would be destroyed.
Priests and Priestesses were exiled or killed.” (28)
“Paganism was now proscribed, a "religio
illicita" (unlawful)” (29)
This law caused 25
million citizens to become enemies of the state and the absolutely powerful
Catholic Church. Much as communistic rulers and in the times of Adolf Hitler
forced upon their subject in the 20th century. Pure terrorism.
Brave Arians protested in vain. The confrontation between non-trinitarian people and militant
fighters for Nicean Catholicism increased.
Even
Priscillian of Avila bishop of Ávila in 380, and his friends rejected this terrible law. Priscillian was a
wealthy nobleman of Roman Hispania, denounced at the Council of Zaragoza in
380.
Around 385, Priscillian was falsely charged with
sorcery - Priscillian in vain asked pontiff Damasus und Saint Ambrose for help.
They shrugged their shoulders. They didn’t protect him.
Because they’re preaching against the Constantinization of Christianity, forced by
Saint Ambrose (337-397). They became
beheaded with six of his companions, in Germany, Trier.
Prof. Ana Maria C.M.
Jorge Center for the Study of Religious History (CEHR). Portuguese Catholic
University (UCP) wrote:
“Priscillian
helps us to achieve a better understanding of the Christianization process and
the orthodox/heterodox debate in late antiquity. …Against a background of the
progressive “Constantinization” of the church, bishops become key figures who
centralize the main forces of the day. …” (30)
4.
Saint Ambrose
In the critical summer of 378 the Huns hunted the
Goths. Desperate, they sought refuge in the Roman Empire. But “Saint Ambrose”
Bishop of Milan said “no!” In vengeful defiance he stood against the fleeing
masses, refugees from the Ukrainian regions escaping the murdering hordes of
Asiatic Warriors (the Huns) equipped with reflex Bows, which no European Force
was able to oppose.
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| Picture Wikipedia: Huns in battle... An 1870s
engraving after a drawing by Johann Nepomuk Geiger (1805–1880) |
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| Bildunterschrift hinzufügen |
Picture Wikipedia: The Barbarian invasions of the 5th
century were triggered by the destruction of the Gothic kingdoms by the Huns in
372-375.
In the year 374 as adviser to the very young and
tolerate Emperor Gratian Saint Ambrose insists that the fleeing Ostrogoth are
not to enter the Realms of Roman territories. Why? Because a lot of these people are of the Arianic Faith and so, with in Saint Ambrose’s eyes
Antichrists.
Picture Wikipedia: Ostroths fleeing starts 374-376
Saint Ambrose wrote two books under the title of :(”De
fide”) to inform the young ruler Gratian that the
„Arians (in Italy and the Goths G.Sk.) have conspired
against the Church of God!" (31)
Heroic he prophecies that Emperor Gratian’s Army will
be victorious, that Jesus Christ Himself will lead the Roman Forces against
these desperate and homeless People because they, when it is all said and done
are the true followers of the faith. To
Ambrose, State and Church were Inseparable. As a representative of the
State he knew no mercy. Well he should have known that Jesus the Prince of
Peace, author of goodwill towards all men would have little to do with his
merciless attitudes. Undeterred he followed in the Pass set by Constantine,
believing and practicing all of Constantine’s prescribed Ideals. Fact is: That
many of the Gothic People had been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, which
in turn demands the keeping of all his teachings and the keeping of his
commandments.
Did Jesus not say:
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it
is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (32)
For that reason alone Ambrose should have taken
appropriate, diplomatic steps to lead the matter of immigration in a peaceful
manner. All these poor people desired was safety for their Families. Reflex
Bows as used by the advancing Asian Forces, were of such efficiency that no
European Army could stand against them. The young Emperor Gratian was convinced
by Ambrose’s relentless arguments, perhaps even acting against his own
conscience. We can only imagine the superiority of Ambrosia’s actions upon the
19 year’s old burdened ruler. Thus following the advice given by “Saint Ambrose”
the Gothic (Arianic) people were forbidden to enter the Roman Empire. “Saint
Ambrose” in order to add authority to his Arguments, called on Scriptures found
in the Bible
„Gratian armed with the Sword of faith shall march
towards victory. The war against the Gothic Nation and the impending Victory
were foretold by the Prophet Ezekiel. The (arianic) Gothic Nation are Gog of
whom Ezekiel had written. This is the reason why they with Gods assistance will
be destroyed. (In Opposition) The Catholics with Gratian’s efforts will be the
defenders of the true Faith. For Faith
in God and true allegiance to the Roman Empire must never be severed one from
another. (The Gothic People) are Heretics. They are “Antichrists”—this Heresy
is the Poison of all Heresies combined… (Judgment had been set in Concrete):
…Total destruction upon all Gothic People - They are Arians - They are Heretics—they
are Anti Christs.” (33)
Zosimus indicated: before Emperor Gratian was
tolerant:
“that change occurred in Gratian's character when he
fell under the influence of evil courtiers.” (34)
It remains to be seen: “Saint Ambrose” Bishop of Milan
was an “evil courtier”.
Coercion and Christianity are like fire and water.
S. Brumfield said:
“The church used the power of the state to begin programs
to oppress, exile or exterminate both Pagans and Gnostic Christians. By the end
of the century, Pagan temples had been either destroyed or recycled for
Christian use. Pagan worship became punishable by death. But government
toleration was not without its cost. The Emperor Constantine and later
political rulers demanded a major say in the running of the church and in
decisions on its beliefs.” (35)
5. The Ostrogothic Kingdom (400 ?
or 493-553)
Many believed that Arianism was
“A heresy which arose in the fourth century, by
denying the Divinity of Jesus Christ.” (36)
This is not
true. Let us have a closer look at the arianic Faith about Christs Divinity:
“I (Wulfila Missionary to the gotic people), have
always believed, and in this, the one true faith, I make the journey to my
Lord; I believe in one God the Father, the only unbegotten and invisible, and
in his only-begotten son, our Lord and God, the designer and maker of all
creation, having none other like him …he is the Son, subject and obedient in
all things to God who is his Father …“ (37)
The Goths had no choice. Saint Ambrose rejected them.
He was convinced: the Arians (the Ostrogoth’s) denied the Divinity of Jesus
Christ.
But, their fight was not in vain. They were
victorious. Soon they dominated the whole of Italy. There they created the
Ostrogoth (arianic) Kingdom.
Picture Wikipedia: The Ostrogothic (arianic) Kingdom at its
greatest extent.
From abt. 400 - 553 Ravenna was the Capitol of the
Ostrogothic Kingdom. In the 6th century fanatical Trinitarians (through Emperor
Justinian and his army) definitely destroyed not only the early Church, but also eliminated the Ostrogothic Kingdom.
6. Justinian I. (483 - 567)
He was now more than ever convinced that it was for the
best
“interests of the Western Catholics to get rid of the
Arian rulers and return to the unity of the Empire under the one ruler in
Constantinople Justinian embarked on a gigantic military campaign for the
recapture of the West. His first target was N. Africa and the kingdom of the
Vandals which was based in Carthage. A relatively small army headed by the
brilliant general Belisarius was enough to rout the Vandal troops and storm
Carthage itself (533). After a few months, Belisarius had gained control of the
greater part of N. Africa, Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands… When
Belisarius entered Rome, Silverius (536-537) was the Pope, a cleric who had
been installed with the help of the Goth rulers…. (38)
Goth rulers (all being Arians) never oppressed the
roman church! They rendered everyman to be free. Justinian (482 – 565), Emperor
of the east (Byzantine realm) lived in his own world of ideas. He tried to
revive the empire's greatness by reconquering the lost western land.
“Justinian considered it his duty to regain provinces
lost to the empire “through indolence,” and he could not ignore the trials of
Catholics living under the rule of Arians (Christian heretics) in Italy and in
North Africa. … Thinking that this was now his opportunity to support his
fellow Catholics and to reassert direct control over the province, Justinian
dispatched an army and sent Belisarius with a fleet to attack Sicily… After the
defeat of the Ostrogothic king Witigis and the capture of Ravenna in 540,
imperial administration was re-established in Italy (39)
“Justinian's
religious policy reflected the Imperial conviction that the unity of the Empire
unconditionally presupposed unity of faith, and it appeared to him obvious that
this faith could only be the orthodox (Nicaean Creed). … which would now
vigorously continue. The Codex contained two statutes that decreed the total
destruction of paganism, even in private life, these provisions were zealously
enforced. Contemporary sources (John Malalas, Theophanes, John of Ephesus) tell
us of severe persecutions, even of men in high positions.” (40)
Emperor Justinian one of the most unchristian like and
brutal rulers reinforced the law of Cunctos populos. - He
“denied apocatastasis, making it the ninth of the ten
doctrines in his edict against Origen in 545, and later that year, the doctrine
was the fourteenth of the fifteen at the council in Constantinople that
condemned Origen.” (41)
He denied “Pre-existence” as taught by Origen and
Arius:
“If any one says or thinks that human souls
pre-existed, that is, that they had previously been spirits and holy powers,
but that satiated with the vision of God, they turned to evil, and in this way
the divine love in them became cold and were condemned to punishment in bodies,
let him be anathema.” (42)
Here are the principle of Exaltation a main doctrine of the
primitive Church, as recorded by Origen:
"Only on the basis of virtue does one become a
child of God and only in the acquisition of virtue by their own zeal man
acquires the likeness of God. Indispensable for achieving the godlikeness is
the freedom of choice." (43)
Saint Ambrose with Cunctos populos and last not least
Justinian by his condemnation of Origen ended such noble Ideas. Justinian
commanded:
“If anyone does not anathematize Arius … and Origen,
as well as their impious writings, as also all other heretics already condemned
and anathematized by the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and by the a foresaid
four Holy Synods and (if anyone does not equally anathematize) all those who
have held and hold or who in their impiety persist in holding to the end the
same opinion as those heretics just mentioned: let him be anathema.“ (44)
Jesus taught that we should be humble, but in the
place of virtuousness emerged pompous “Church services”, which from year to
year became more extravagant.
In the place
of humble hearts they build golden altars and offered golden garments. The
antic world collapsed. The freedom to choose had to be surrendered.
7. The need of Restoration
Fear and superstition ruled the world.
”Obstinate heretics, refusing to abjure and return to
the Church with due penance, and those who after abjuration relapsed, were to
be abandoned to the secular arm for fitting punishment.” (45)
“When faced with a convicted heretic who refused to
recant, or who relapsed into heresy, the inquisitors were to turn him over to
the temporal authorities – the “secular arm” – for animadversion “debita”, the
punishment decreed by local law, usually burning to death.” (46)
Then three major events occurred:
1. Reformers like Jan Hus (1369 - 1415), Wycliffe
(1331 - 1384) and Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) entered the scene.
2. With the commencement of the declaration of
Independence in 1776, the gates to Freedom were opened again.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.” (47)
3. 1805, just one generation later Joseph Smith was born. With this event prerequisites were given. The long
awaited dawn of political and religious freedom, was ushered in for all
mankind. The time of restitution and restoration had finally arrived.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints believe that Joseph Smith (1805-1844) was foreordained in the
pre-existence.
He, the founder of the LDS church wrote:
“It is true: That the rights of the priesthood are
inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven
cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover
our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or
dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of
unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the
authority of that man.” (48)
“Mormons” believe the foundation for true
religion is free agency: Whoever tried to force people to act against their own
conscience will lose their rights to the priesthood. They say: However without
divine authority there can be no Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself
is and was the only one who could restore it. Members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints bear testimony that the keys of the priesthood are
restored to the earth. Let us list some of the evidences.
Comparison and similarities: of the primitive Church and the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others
1.)
Pre-existence
2.)
Free agency
3.)
Consequences
4.)
Exaltation
5.)
God's Image
6.)
Continuing Revelation
7.) Connection between continuing revelation and true
priesthood authority
8.)
Temple
1.
Pre-existence
Primitive Church
|
The Apostle Paul taught that we are “the offspring of God”
and emphasized that
as such “we are the children of God:
and if children, then heirs; heirs of
God, and joint-heirs with
Christ.” (49)
Origen of Alexandria,
(185-254) one of the greatest Christian
theologians, recorded that we
are dual beings:
“The outer man (the man of flesh) and the inner man
(the man of spirit).” (50)
|
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
|
“Now
the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences
that were organized before the world was; and among all
these there were
many of the noble and great ones…” (51)
|
Catholic Church
|
No pre-existence. In the year 543 Emperor
Justinian
eliminated the doctrine of pre-existence. He condemned
Origin. As
well as many other important doctrines.
“In November 545 Justinian forced
(Pope) Vigilius to go to
Constantinople, where, despite brutal imperial
pressure to
condemn the writings, Vigilius long vacillated.” (52)
"The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created
immediately (in the moment of conception) by God - it is
not "produced" by the parents - and also that it is immortal:
it does not perish when it separates from the body at death,
and it will be reunited with the body at the final resurrection.
...” (53)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
No pre-existence is the majority Christian opinion to
the present day.
|
Judaism
|
“In the course of his writings the
Jewish historian
Flavius Josephus wrote about the beliefs of the Essenes.
He
reported they believed "that the
souls are immortal,
and continue for ever." He further related that
the
Essenes believed that the souls of men "are united to
their bodies
as in prisons" and that when the spirits are
set free they are
"released from a long bondage" and
ascend heavenward with great
rejoicing. (54)
Claiming firsthand knowledge, Flavius Josephus
lists the Essenoi as one of the three sects
of Jewish philosophy alongside the Pharisees and
the Sadducees. (55)
Likewise: “The Passover in Aramaic called pacach
(pawsakh)
means to
“crossover“. The
basic teaching of
the “cross over” signifies the crossing over of
the
physical body into the spiritual world, the true abode
of the soul.
The “crossing over” as recorded in the book of
Exodus (Shemoth). There are many repeats of this
theme of the “crossing over”
throughout the written
history of the Thora. Many times these stories are
related in the form of symbolism which is a way of speech
used in many languages. “Over the Jordan” is the
same symbolic as the Passover…. The
Yardana,
Jordan in Aramaic is the River of Life. Overlooking
the arguments of
Theologians in Aramaic writ we can
find many little Mosaic stones which
permit us
to see a complete picture. A Picture to more fully recognize
the
faith and beliefs of the People. As for instance the
word “Bit Nitupta”
which translated means the House of
the Preexistence.” (56)
|
2. Free agency
Primitive Church
|
Bishop Irenaeus (130-202)
said: “Men are possessed of free will, and endowed with the faculty of
making a choice… (Matth. 23: 37) set
forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free [agent] from the
beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his
own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion
of God.”
(57)
“Origen
(185-254) did not understand the end of history as the final stage of a
grand revelation of God, but rather as the culmination of a human-divine
(co-operative) process, in which the image and likeness of God (humanity) is
re-united with its source and model, God Himself (see Against
Celsus 4.7; On
First Principles 2.11.5,
2.11.7; Tripolitis 1978, p. 111). This is accomplished through education of
souls who, having fallen away from God, are now sundered from the divine
presence and require a gradual re-initiation into the mysteries of God. Such a reunion must not be accomplished
by force, for God will never, Origen insists, undermine the free will of His
creatures; rather, God will, over the course of numerous ages if need be,
educate souls little by little, leading them eventually, by virtue of their
own growing responsiveness, back to Himself, where they will glory in the
uncovering of the infinite mysteries of the eternal godhead (On First Principles 2.11.6-7).” (58)
|
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
“…one of God’s most precious gifts to man is the principle of free
agency—the privilege of choice which was introduced by God the Eternal Father
to all of his spirit children in the premortal state. This occurred in the
great council in heaven before the peopling of this earth. The children of
God were endowed with freedom of choice while yet but spirit beings. The
divine plan provided that they be freeborn in the flesh and become heirs to
the inalienable birthright of liberty
to choose and act for themselves in mortality. It was essential for their
eternal progression that they be subjected to the influences of both good and
evil. (59)
|
Catholic Church
|
In the year 380 the binding law of “Cunctos populos” was declared. Every citizen of the Roman Empire had
to accept the faith as prescribed by Constantine, Athanasius and Saint
Ambrose: namely the Religion of
Trinitarianism or of the “Creed of Nicaea”. In the spirit of violence, against
Christs spirit of tolerance and freedom. Relentless was the opposition
which Saint Ambrose exercised towards all other people.
1 640 years after the council of Nicaea declares the
Second Vatican (1965): “that the human person has a right to religious freedom.” (60)
|
Ecumenical
Movement
|
Different
opinions. Main line churches have a
commitment to religious freedoms
“There is no free will to salvation, we are free
only to sin.” Luther (61)
|
Judaism
|
According to Maimonides (abt. 1204) the greatest medieval Jewish thinker: “Free will is granted to every man!” (62)
|
3. Consequences of violence
Primitive
Church
|
In the Bardesanes dialogue (about) in the
year 200 it states:
„Christianity
brings new insights. It leaves behind all ethnic
differences and life
styles. Converts follow Christ with joy. His
spirit teaches us to require a
higher moral standard. Free
from all
forced earthly bonds.“ (63)
Hippolytus (170-236), bishop in Rome stated:
„Recognition
of truth must be followed by deeds of love.” (64)
“…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none
of his.”
(65)
|
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
“The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected
with
the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot
be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of
righteousness.” (66)
|
Catholic Church
|
In the past: no or little Consequences (punishment) for
Coercion and violence caused by Priests. (Dislocation)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
Little are the Consequences (punishment) for Coercion
and violence caused by Priests.
(Dislocation)
Against their Critics they are strong.
"With heretics you need not make long Considerations,
one can condemn them unheard. And while they perish
at the stake, the faithful must destroy the evil by the root…”
(67)
|
Judaism
|
"Hate is practically forbidden in Judaism, but love for the
enemy is not required. " (68)
|
4.
Exaltation
Primitive
Church
|
Origen:
"Only on the basis of virtue does one become a child of God and
only in the acquisition of virtue by their own zeal man acquires the Likeness
of God. Indispensable for achieving the godlikeness is the freedom of
choice." (69)
Emperor
Justinian ruled out the principles of exaltation and free agency, which
were the main doctrines of the primitive Church.
“From the second to eighth centuries, the standard
Christian term for salvation was theopoiesis or theosis, literally, "being
made God," or deification.” (70)
„...The idea of deification was the last and supreme among early
Christians according to Theophilius, Irenaeus, Hippolit und Origenes …
Athanasius,Appolinares, Ephraim Syrus, Epiphanius.” (71)
|
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
“In the
pre-existence we dwelt in the presence of God our Father. When the time
arrived for us to be advanced in the scale of our existence and pass through
this mundane probation, councils were held and the spirit children were
instructed in matters pertaining to conditions in mortal life, and the reason
for such an existence. In the former life we were spirits. In order that we should advance and
eventually gain the goal of perfection, it was made known that we would
receive tabernacles of flesh and bones and have to pass through mortality
where we would be tried and proved to see if we, by trial, would prepare
ourselves for exaltation. We were made to realize, in the presence of our
glorious Father, who had a tangible body of flesh and bones which shone like
the sun, that we were, as spirits, far inferior in our station to him” (72)
|
Catholic Church
|
“The Mormon church uses the term "eternal progression" for
this process, and it refers to
godhood as "exaltation." Such
euphemisms are used because the idea of men becoming gods is blasphemous to orthodox Christians. (73)
But Pope Benedict XVI. said: „In this work
Athanasius says with an affirmation that has rightly become famous that the
Word of God "was made man so
that
we might be made God(s)...“ (74)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
“The Mormon doctrine of God does not correspond to the Christian
doctrine of the Trinity. …The Mormon doctrine of God includes many gods, not
one. Furthermore, Mormonism teaches
that we are what God once was and are becoming what He now is. That is in
direct conflict with Christian orthodoxy... Here is the bottom line…” (75)
|
Judaism
|
“Jews shared some of the crucial
biblical texts underlying deification.” (76)
|
5.
God's Image
Primitive Church
|
Stephen said: “Which
of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? … When they heard these
things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him
with their teeth. But he,
being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw
the glory of God, and
Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said,
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (77) “… And
when he (Jesus) had spoken these (last) things, while they beheld, he
was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while
they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by
them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye
gazing up into heaven? this
same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as
ye have seen him go into heaven.” (78)
|
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
“Latter-day Saints acknowledge the Father as the
ultimate object of their worship, the Son as Lord and Redeemer, and the Holy
Spirit as the messenger and revealer of the Father and the Son. But where
(Mormons”) differ from other Christian religions is in their belief that God
and Jesus Christ are glorified, physical beings and that each member of the Godhead is a separate being.” (79)
|
Catholic Church
|
“And yet they are not three Gods; but one God… For as we are
compelled by the Christian verity, to acknowledge every Person by himself to
be God and Lord, so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to belief it.” (80)
Athanasius
(296-373) repeated many times :
“God
does not look like a human… Arius and his people (the Arians) are enemies of God… They are
blasphemers.” (81)
Who caused the great change: Pope Benedict
XVI. said 2006:
“It is important to state clearly the God in whom we believe, and to
proclaim confidently that this God has a human face.” (82)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
“Mormonism rejects
the central logic of this doctrine (one God in three eternal persons) and
develops its own doctrine of God - a doctrine that bears practically no
resemblance to Trinitarian theology.” (83)
|
Judaism
|
“Ancient Jews believed that many gods exist but felt that should
only worship y-h-v-h- and maintained this notion for hundreds of years, and
this fact is found in hundreds of verses in the Hebrew Bible. This is not monotheism, but
monolatry. Monotheism is the belief that only a single god exists. Monolatry
is the belief that many gods exist but only one should be served.” (84)
|
6.
Continuing Revelation
Primitive Church
|
Jesus taught: “Ask, and it
shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you: For every
one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his
son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he
give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give
good things to them that ask him?” (85)
Apostle James said: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraided not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith,
nothing wavering...” (86)
|
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
Mormons believe in the need for a
constant communication with God, which is known as divine revelation. This principle was the basis of Arius’s faith.
We can find the
evidences in Ravennas Mosaics which were created by Arians between 527-548.
Every dispensation needs direct revelation from God, like Melchisedek and
Moses. They received it from above, through the veil. (see picture below)
“Revelation is communication from God to His
children. This guidance comes through various channels according to the needs
and circumstances of individuals, families, and the Church as a whole. When
the Lord reveals His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. Prophets are the only people who can receive revelation for
the Church, but they are not the only people who can receive revelation.
According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with our
specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us
strengthen our testimony.” (87)
|
Catholic Church
|
“God has revealed himself fully by sending his own
Son, in whom he has established his covenant for ever. The Son is his
Father's definitive Word; so there
will be no further Revelation after him… Any person questioning God or desiring some
vision or revelation would be guilty not only of foolish behaviour but also of offending him, by not
fixing his eyes entirely upon Christ and by living with the desire for some
other novelty.” (88)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
Many Christians
believe in the possibility and even reality of private revelations, messages from
God for individuals, which can come in a variety of ways.
|
Judaism
|
“Where there is no vision,
the people perish…” (89)
|
7. Connection
between continuing revelation and true priesthood authority
Primitive Church
and
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
“Simon the son of Jonas, on the
occasion of his first
recorded interview with Jesus had received from the
Lord’s lips the distinguishing name-title “Peter,” or
in the Aramaic tongue
“Cephas,” the English equivalent
of which is “a rock” or “a stone”. The name
was confirmed
upon the apostle on the occasion now under consideration.
Jesus
said to him “thou art Peter,” adding, “and upon this
rock I will build my
church.” In the course of the general
apostasy subsequent to the ancient
apostolic ministry,
the Bishop of Rome laid claim to supreme authority as
the
alleged lineal successor to Peter; and an erroneous
doctrine gained currency
to the effect that Peter was
the “rock” upon which the Church of Christ was
founded.
Detailed consideration of this inconsistent and infamous
claim
cannot be undertaken here; it is sufficient to say
that a church founded or
dependent upon Peter or any
other man would be Peter’s or the other man’s
church,
and not the Church of Jesus Christ. That upon Peter
rested the
responsibility of presidency in the ministry,
after the ascension of the
resurrected Christ, is not
questioned; but that he was, even typically, the
foundation
upon which the Church was built, is at once unscriptural
and
untrue. The Church of Jesus Christ must authoritatively
bear His name, and
guided by revelation, direct and
continuous, as the conditions of its
building require.
Revelation from God
to His servants invested with
the Holy Priesthood through authorized
ordination as
was Peter is the
impregnable “rock” upon which the
Church is built.” (90)
Eli lost his Priesthood:
“For I (the Lord) have told
him
that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which
he
knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and
he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto
the house
of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not
be purged with sacrifice
nor offering for ever.” (91)
There is no divine priesthood authority in
Constantine’s
Church. The Church of Jesus Christ needs permanent
priesthood
authority. (92)
|
Catholic Church
|
“…there will
be no further Revelation after Christ”…
The anointing of the Spirit
seals the priest with an indelible,
spiritual character that configures him
to Christ the priest
and enables him to act in the name of Christ the Head.”
(93)
|
Ecumenical
Movement
|
“The Protestant Church rejects a special priesthood in the
Church on principle.” (94)
Dr. Martin Luther adduces a general priesthood in
Christendom, it means: priesthood of all believers.
|
Judaism
|
There is no High Priest in Judaism
today… A rabbi is not a priest… A
rabbi is simply a teacher, a person sufficiently educated in halakhah (Jewish
law) (95)
|
8.
Temple
Primitive
Church
|
Peter
visited the temple after Christ’s ascendance (96) Paul visited the Jerusalem
temple after his conversion (97) Arians testify the important of temple work.
See below
|
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
|
"Temples of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are sacred structures in which eternal
questions are answered." Throughout history the Lord
has commanded His people to build temples. Temples are literally houses of
the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred
promises with God.” (98)
|
Catholic Church
|
“Catholic theology would have to
note that there is a tremendous amount in Mormonism that is neither true nor
good.” (99)
|
Ecumenical Movement
|
One reporter asked R. Philip Roberts,
director, Interfaith Witness
Division for the Southern Baptist Convention:
"Is Mormonism heresy?"
" 'Yes,'
replied Roberts, after prefacing his response with a fairly lengthy
description of 'dogmatic Mormonism' which he said includes such beliefs as
God having once been a mortal man and that LDS temple attendance is essential
for the fullness of salvation. 'And it compromises one's salvation?' the
reporter asked. 'Yes,' (100)
|
Judaism
|
Judaism: “Tradional Jews believe that The Temple will
be rebuild when the Mashiach (Messiah) comes. They eagerly await that day and
pray for it continually.” (101)
|
Summary:
With the modern Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the temple of the Arians comes back to Italy. It comes to link nations and mankind and brings back the tolerance that was peculiar to the Arianers. It also admonishes to rehabilitate the Arianers who were banished by the main Church. It remains to be realized that the modern Catholic Church and the so-called "Mormonism" are friendly counterparts.
Is it not wonderful that the elements of the Temple of the Arianers and those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints obviously fit together?
Are those facts not proof of the Goodness of God who restored what was lost?
 |
| Salbaroliverlag: Mosaics in Ravenna |
 |
| Rome, Italy Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
Notes:
1. Maßgebliche Werke des
Hl. Athanasius in der Übersetzung der "Bibliothek der Kirchenväter"
(auch in RTF-Format) transl. by Ingrid Skibbe
2. KIRCHE
HEUTE, Mai 2006
3. Alexander
Demandt „Diokletian und die Tetrarchie“ – „Aspekte einer Zeitenwende“ Walter de
Gruyter, 2004, S. 31 u.a. transl by Ingrid Skibbe
4. Ebenda
5. “Kleine Geschichte der katholischen Kirche” transl by Ingrid Skibbe
In 1962 Hans Küng was appointed
peritus by Pope John XXIII.
serving as an expert theological advisor to members of the II. Vatican Council until its
conclusion in 1965.
6. Adolf von Harnack,
Lehrbuch der Dogmengeschichte
7. Handwörterbuch für Theologie und Religionswissenschaft, dritte völlig neu bearb. Auflage, vierter Band Kop-O, J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) Tübingen, 1960, p 1696,
8.
Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin in Jewish
Books | Judaism | Jewish Religion
9. Joseph Fielding Smith “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith“ 2009, p
370
10. Joseph Smith, “The King Follett Sermon”, Ensign April 1971
11.
John 8: 48-59
12.
John 18: 3-8
13.
Joh. Adam Moehler “Athanasius der Große
und die Kirche in seiner Zeit”, 1844
14.
Ephesians 5: 20
15.
Rudolf Leeb „Konstantin und Christus“ – die
Verchristlichung der imperialen Repräsentation, Walter de Gruyter, 1992 transl
by Ingrid Skibbe
16.
H. Chr. Brennecke „Ecclesia in republica“ Theologiegeschichte, de
Gruyter S. 47-48 transl by Ingrid Skibbe
17.
Bischof Koch, (katholische)
Pfarrblätter, Oct 2008 transl by Ingrid Skibbe
18.
“Familia Spiritualis Opus”
19. Handwörterbuch für Theologie und Religionswissenschaft, dritte völlig neu bearb. Auflage, vierter Band Kop-O, J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) Tübingen, 1960, p 1696,
20.
R Pavouris - 2001, “The Condemnation of the Christlology of the three Chapters in its
Historical and Doctrinal Context THE ASSESSMENT AND JUDGEMENT OF EMPEROR
JUSTINIAN AND THE FIFTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL (553) Theses University of
Glasgow,
2001
21.
http://hymnsandchants.com/Texts/Heresy/Arianism.pdf
22.
Maßgebliche
Werke des Hl. Athanasius in der Übersetzung der "Bibliothek der
Kirchenväter" (auch in RTF-Format) transl. by Ingrid Skibbe
23.
Pfarrer
Ernst Ferdinand Klein, „Zeitbilder“, 1930, Acker-Verlag Berlin
24.
Martin
Rade lic. Theol. „Damasus, Bischof von Rom“,
1882
26.
Text Cunctos populos
28.
R Pavouris - 2001, “The Condemnation of the Christlology of the three Chapters in its
Historical and Doctrinal Context THE ASSESSMENT AND JUDGEMENT OF EMPEROR
JUSTINIAN AND THE FIFTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL (553) Theses University of
Glasgow,
2001
29.
John N. Deely “For Ages of Understanding: The First
Postmodern Survey of Philosophy from Ancient Times to the turn of the
Twenty-first Century” the English rendition from Gibbon, University of Toronto
Press 2001, p 179-180.
30.
Ana Maria C.M. Jorge
“The Lusitanian Episcopate in the 4th Century. - Priscilian of Ávila and the
Tensions Between Bishops”:
31.
Günther Gottlieb „Ambrosius von Mailand und Kaiser Gratian“
Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1973 S. 13 tranl.by Ingrid Skibbe
32.
John
14:21
33.
Günther Gottlieb „Ambrosius von Mailand und Kaiser Gratian“
Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1973 S. 13 tranl.by Ingrid Skibbe
34.
Zosimus (4.35)
35.
Shantelle
Brumfield „History of the World Ethic of Development in the Global Environment,
Stanford University, 2004
37.
M Pl. Suppl. I. 707
38. http://www.zdf.de/terra-x/ostgoten-in-italien-5199554.html, 2007
39.
Blaumeiser Horlacher, Collorgues
Geschichte http://www.collorgues.ch/collorgues-geschichte/
41.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Justinian
43.
H.
Benjamins „Eingeordnete Freiheit; Freiheit und Vorsehung bei Origenes.“ E.J. Brill, 1994 transl. by
Ingrid Skibbe
44.
Medieval Sourcebook:
Fifth Ecumenical Council:
Constantinople II, 553. Fordham University, 1996.
45.
Lea, Henry Charles
“Chapter VII. “The Inquisition Founded” A History of the Inquisition in the
Middle Age”
46.
Edward Peters
“Inquisition”, 1988 University of California p 67
47.
The Declaration of Independence, 1776
48.
Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints Doctrine & Covenant Sect. 121: 35
49.
Acts 17: 29; Romans 8: 16-17
50.
According to Origen: Rom 7:22; 2
Corinthians 4:16.
51.
Pearl
of Great Price Abraham 3: 22
52.
„Encyclopedia
Britannica“
53.
Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 366
54.
Josephus (c. 75). “The Wars of the Jews”
55.
Robert Mock M.D. “The Essenes, the
Hasidim and the Righteous Gentile of the Nations” 2006
56.
Volker
Doormann, ‘PhilTalk Philosophieforen’ Thema „Präexistenz und zur Passah
Symbolik“ transl. by Ingrid Skibbe
58.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), 1995
59.
Delbert
L. Stapley of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
General Conference, 1975
60.
DECLARATION
ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DIGNITATIS HUMANAE ON THE RIGHT OF THE PERSON AND OF
COMMUNITIES TO SOCIAL AND CIVIL
FREEDOM IN MATTERS RELIGIOUS PROMULGATED
BY HIS HOLINESS
POPE PAUL VI ON
DECEMBER 7, 1965
See: Konrad Hilpert,
„Die Anerkennung der Religionsfreiheit“
1 640 years after the council of Nicäa declares the
Second Vatican (1965) that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom
means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or
of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be
forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or
publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits. The
council further declares that the right to religious freedom has its foundation
in the very dignity of the human person…”
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