Dynamic figures in the history of the Church IIJanuary 30, 2007Part II. So far, the term ecclesia reformanda translated means that the Church is always in need of reform. Over time, many ideologies and practices have moved away from the original purpose of the Church. Over the years, people tend to forget the fundamentals. People put their own ideas into the ideals which may be very different from the original intention. Changes are justified because of cultural changes. Human weaknesses also favor changes. Sometimes abuse and the lust for power lead to these differences. What is the original purpose of the Church? How to get back there? As we look through the m, we get a glimpse of the Church, both good and bad. If Jesus' message is peace and justice, how can we achieve it? Our mission is to transmit this message of mercy and love by remembering Jesus (memory) and living “the way” (mutuality). Many early Christians did this through martyrdom. The early Church had developed an orthodoxy or doctrine (a meaning) to put into words what it meant to be Christian. Part of this doctrine was based on Greek philosophy which included misogynsy, hatred of women, and became a foundation that permeated all aspects of the Church. Women are less than… As a result of this philosophy, in the eyes of the Church, women are sinners, less holy and incapable of contributing in the same way as men. Martyrs were put to death for their beliefs as governments felt threatened by the “kingdom of God.” » They did not understand that Jesus was not an earthly king. In the 6th century, the Roman Empire united with Church and State. Christianity became the religion of the Empire and corruption within Church and State became intertwined. At this time, monasticism became...... middle of paper ......chings. We study history to see who we are today and who we were in the past. What impact does our part have on our today? How can you think about doing God's will if you are hungry, homeless, or worried about paying your gas bill? I don't have the answers to the questions; I am cynical about the organized church but I love its continuity and history. I find it interesting to see how the Church has evolved into what it is today, a global corporation trying to do God's work. Our lives are complicated, it’s true. But our time here on earth, our purgatory, offers us the opportunity to realize God's plan for us, if we listen. When I see these forks in the road where the Church chooses a certain path, I wonder where I might have been if I had lived in those times. Would I have adopted Martin Luther's edicts or would I have him excommunicated as a heretic?