When did the Catholic Church Start?
Pentecost: The Birth of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church traces its origins to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, particularly the day of Pentecost. This event, described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-4), marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and is celebrated 50 days after Easter. It is often considered the "birthday" of the Church. This occurred in the year AD 30 or 33, according to traditional Christian chronology. The subsequent spread of the teachings of Jesus by the Apostles and their successors marks the formal beginning of the Catholic Church.
Objection 1: It seems that Emperor Constantine started the Catholic Church. For many assert that the Church's structure and power were significantly shaped by Constantine's influence after his conversion to Christianity, and his subsequent Edict of Milan in AD 313, which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Objection 2: Further, it is argued that Constantine's involvement in the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where he played a significant role, marks the beginning of a "state church" or a "Constantinian shift," thus suggesting the Catholic Church as it is known today started with him.
Objection 3: Moreover, it is said that the hierarchical structure and the wealth of the Church began to consolidate under Constantine, diverging from the simpler, community-based Christian congregations of the early first and second centuries.
Objection 4: It seems that the Catholic Church did not begin with Jesus, the Apostles, and at Pentecost. The early Christian community was a sect within Judaism, and the specific structure and practices of the Catholic Church, such as the Papacy and sacramental system, developed later.
Objection 5: Further, the Catholic Church, as it is known today, with its doctrinal and hierarchical complexities, was not present at the time of Jesus and the Apostles. The early Church was a simpler community of believers without the formalities that characterize Catholicism.
Objection 6: Moreover, the true Church is not a visible institution but a spiritual gathering of all true believers. Hence, the visible, institutional Catholic Church cannot claim to have started with Jesus and the Apostles.
On the contrary, It is written (Matthew 16:18), “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church,” and further (Acts 2:1-4) describes the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This indicates the establishment of the Church by Christ and its manifestation through the Holy Spirit.
I answer that, The Catholic Church, in its essence and purpose, was indeed founded by Jesus Christ, handed on by the Apostles, and publicly manifested at Pentecost. Constantine's conversion and the Edict of Milan were significant for Christianity, as they ended persecutions and allowed for public worship. However, this political and social change did not create the Church but rather allowed it to flourish openly. The Church is both a divine and human institution, with its divine mission entrusted to human hands. The development of its doctrines and structures over time does not constitute a new Church but rather the growth and maturation of the one Church founded by Christ.
Reply to Objection 1: While Constantine's reign marked a new era of freedom and influence for Christianity, the Church's existence, sacraments, and teachings predate Constantine. The Church's growth post-Constantine should be seen as a development in its external conditions, not as its beginning. The Edict of Milan and Constantine's conversion marked a transition from persecution to toleration and then patronage for Christianity. However, the Church's existence, structure, and basic doctrines were already established and practiced. Constantine's role was significant in the Church's history, but it was not foundational.
Reply to Objection 2: The Council of Nicaea, convened by Constantine, addressed the Arian heresy and other theological issues, but the council's purpose was to affirm and clarify the apostolic faith, not to create a new church. Constantine's role was primarily political, providing a conducive environment for the bishops to discuss and decide on matters of faith. The involvement of Constantine in the Council of Nicaea, while historically significant, did not equate to founding the Church. The Council's decisions were made by the bishops, the successors of the Apostles, in line with the Church's long-standing tradition of resolving doctrinal disputes through synods and councils. This tradition can be traced back to the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), which was convened by the Apostles themselves.
Reply to Objection 3: The Church's hierarchical structure has apostolic origins, as seen in the leadership roles of the Apostles and the appointment of bishops. While Constantine's era saw the Church's material conditions improve, the fundamental structure and mission of the Church as the Body of Christ remained consistent with its apostolic foundation. The evolution of the Church's wealth and influence under Constantine did not alter its core identity or teachings. The Church's mission and doctrinal substance were well established before Constantine's reign. The changes that occurred were more about the Church's societal status and opportunities for public worship and evangelization, not about the essence of its faith and sacramental life.
Reply to Objection 4: While the early Christian community began within Judaism, it was distinct in its belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The development of structures like the Papacy was not an invention but an organic development from the authority given by Christ to the Apostles, particularly to Peter as the first among them. The evolution of the Papacy and other structures within the Church should be seen in the light of the Church's mission to adapt and respond to changing historical and cultural contexts, while remaining faithful to the apostolic faith. The role of the Pope as the successor of Peter, the bishop of Rome, and the principle of unity within the Church has its roots in the special role and authority given to Peter by Christ himself.
Reply to Objection 5: The Church's essence is not determined by its complexity or simplicity but by its fidelity to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. The development of doctrines over time represents a deeper understanding of these teachings, guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than a departure from them. The simplicity of the early Church does not negate the Catholic Church's claim to continuity with it. The core elements of Catholic faith—belief in Jesus as the Son of God, the Eucharist, baptism, the role of the Apostles, and the moral teachings of Christ—were all present in the early Church. The development of doctrines and practices over time is a response to new challenges and deeper theological reflections, guided by the Holy Spirit promised by Christ to lead the Church into all truth (John 16:13).
Reply to Objection 6: While the Church is indeed a spiritual communion of believers, it is also a visible society established by Christ. This visibility is necessary for the Church to fulfill its mission to teach, sanctify, and govern the faithful. The unity of the Church is not just spiritual but also visible, as Christ intended it to be a sign of unity to the world. The Church, as instituted by Christ, is both a mystical body and a visible organization. St. Paul speaks of the Church as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), where there is a diversity of members and functions, yet a unity in Christ. The visible structure, with its hierarchy, is not an imposition on the spiritual nature of the Church but a necessary means for maintaining doctrinal integrity, providing the sacraments, and preserving unity in faith and practice. This visible structure is evident in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, where the Apostles exercise authority, make decisions for the community, and appoint successors.
In summary, the Catholic Church's claim to have started with Jesus, the Apostles, and at Pentecost is founded on the continuity of apostolic teaching, the preservation of the sacraments, and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The development of the Church's structure and doctrine over time is a natural and guided evolution of the original deposit of faith, ensuring its relevance and fidelity to Christ's teachings across the ages.