Faith Through the Ages - Today in Religious History
The Second Council of Orange, held in 529, was confirmed by Pope Boniface II in 530, but its decrees were reaffirmed at a synod in 546. It condemned semi-Pelagianism and affirmed the necessity of grace for salvation.
On December 17, 1398, the Avignon Pope Benedict XIII was excommunicated by the Council of Paris, a synod of French bishops. This was part of the Western Schism, where rival popes claimed the papacy.
Pope Sixtus V issued the bull 'Aeternus Ille' on December 17, 1586, establishing the official Latin Vulgate edition. This was part of the Counter-Reformation's efforts to standardize Scripture.
The Shimabara Rebellion, a revolt of Japanese Christians and peasants, began on December 17, 1637. It was brutally suppressed, leading to the further persecution of Christians in Japan.
Though primarily a political protest, the Boston Tea Party on December 17, 1773, involved many Congregationalist ministers who supported colonial resistance. It symbolized defiance against British authority, which had religious implications for colonial churches.
On December 17, 1843, the famous Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon was converted to Christianity. He later became one of the most influential evangelists of the 19th century.
The Wright brothers' first flight on December 17, 1903, was later used by Christian missionaries to spread the Gospel in remote areas. The event itself is secular, but its impact on missions was significant.
On December 17, 1936, Pope Pius XI issued a statement condemning Nazi ideology, following the earlier encyclical 'Mit brennender Sorge'. This was a key moment in Catholic opposition to totalitarianism.
Archbishop Makarios III, the head of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, was re-elected president on December 17, 1967. He served as both spiritual and political leader, a unique role in modern history.
On December 17, 1989, the 'Jesus Film' was broadcast on Soviet television, marking a significant moment in evangelism after decades of religious suppression. It was seen by millions and contributed to the post-Soviet religious revival.