Christianity grew from a small group of followers into a full fledged religion in the fourth to the sixth century when the Roman Catholic Church replaced the Roman Empire. The church was now head of authority and set all the laws as the Pope looked over the states. They established an administrative hierarchy and a uniformed doctrine of belief. Church leaders were influenced by Latin language, Roman courts and architecture.
Christian Monasticism;.
Monasticism is a way of life for people who want to live a different life and devote their life to God. Before Christ came about people were living a Monastic, which are monks, were the earliest monks formulated in the deserts of Egypt. Monks lived a secular life, poverty; fasting and celibacy were rituals which were taught by the Greek bishop Saint Basil. Woman could not become monks or hold positions in the church because they were viewed as "Daughters of Eve" inherently sinful and objects of sexual temptation. Women could include themselves in regular clergy which is following the rule of a monastic life. In the fifth century, the clergy helped to carry the arts and education into many centuries. .
Latin Church Fathers:.
The four most important figures in forming the Christian faith were Saint Jerome, Ambrose, Gregory the Great, and Augustine of Hippo. Jerome translated the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and the Greek books of the New Testament into Latin. Ambrose brought together Hebrew, Greek and Southwest Asian traditions to formulate Christian doctrine and liturgy. Gregory the Great developed the Church government were the Popes would govern the Roman Church. Augustine of Hippo wrote one of the most inspiring Christian literatures. Augustine lived a sinful life indulging in every human pleasure until he converted to Christianity and wrote the conflicts in the Confessions.
Symbolism and Early Christian art:.
Christian art was a way for Christians to symbolize their faith.
