Dawn of Historical Consciousness: Early Christian Period

He was born in Thagaste, northern coast of Africa (now Algeria).He was the son of Patricius, a decurio of the Roman empire, and Monica, a Christian.While studying in Carthage, he was converted to Manichaeism.He was sent to Milan in 384 and was influenced by the teachings of Bishop Ambrose.389 CE, he returned to Thagaste and visited the city of Hippo Regius and entered priesthood.In 395, he became the bishop of Hippo.Augustine died on August 28, 430 at the age of 75.

(354-430 CE)Also known as St.

Augustine of Hippo: The Founding Philosopher of

History

Saint Augustine

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Contribution to History

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He was the first Christian to offer a comprehensive Philosophy of History.History is a record of what has been done, either through human or divine agency. It includes both human and spiritual forces that bring human history to an omega point, to the last and final times when the city of God will triumph over the city of Man.Augustine has a linear view of history, where it has a beginning, and progressing to its ultimate end.The Holy Writ provided the clues to a proper interpretation of history. Human history is a variable experience, wrought with change, decay, sin and tragedy.Biblical history is a history of human salvation.

The Dawn of Historical Consciousness:

Early Christian Period

Gregory’s family was prominent in both religious and political affairs. He was a descent from Vectius Epagathus, a martyr at Lyon. His uncle Gallus was a bishop of Clermont. His mother’s family included bishops of Langres and bishops of Lyon. He was appointed bishop of Tours by King Sigebert and Queen Brunhild in 573 CE.Gregory’s involvement in the Poitiers crisis is a reminder of his role as bishop in addition of promoting the saints and restoring churches in his diocese.

(538-594 CE)St. Gregory of Tours,

original name Georgius Florentius

St. Gregory of Tours

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He wrote the Ten Book of Histories that refers to his other works: seven books of miracles, a collection of 20 hagiographies, titled the Life of the Fathers, and the books On the Offices of the Church and a Commentary on the Psalms.His book Histories provide invaluable insight into the political life of his time, and his hagiographies illuminate the religious and social life, especially the cult of saints in Merovingian Gaul.



He was born about 263 CE probably in Palestine. He was educated at Antioch and Caesarea, where he had a close relationship with the presbyter Pamphilus.He became the bishop of Caesarea in 315 CE until his death.Eusebius has also been a spiritual advisor of Emperor Constantine the Great.He died around the year 340 CE.

(263-340 CE)Eusebius Pamphilus:

Father of Church History

Eusebius of Caesarea

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He writes the book Ecclesiastical History , during the early fourth century, covers one of the most important periods in Christian history: from the birth of Christ to the time of Constantine the Great.His purpose in writing the history was to connect the church to the beginnings of Christianity. The historian made it very clear that the Catholic church is the true church.



He was born in Monkton, Durham. Nothing is known of his family background.At the age of 7 he was entrusted to the care of Benedict Biscop, who in 674 CE had founded the monastery of St. Peter at Wearmouth.Bede moved the monastery at Jarrow, where he spent the rest of his life. By the age of 19 he became a deacon and was promoted to priest at 30.

St. Bede (673 – 735 CE) also known as Venerable Bede –

is widely regarded as the greatest of all the Anglo-Saxon scholars. He wrote

around 40 books dealing with theology and history.

Bede was the first great English historical writer.

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He has written the History of the English Church and People. It gives a history of Britain up to 729 CE, speaking of the Celtic peoples who were converted to Christianity during the first three centuries of the Christian era, the invasion of the Anglo-Saxon pagans, the conversion of the Celtic and Roman missionaries.‘History’ tells how Christianity played a vital role in creating a sense of national identity at a time that England was divided into a number of kingdoms.



Education

Dawn of Historical Consciousness: Early Christian Period