Thoughts on the last class...

Mary Grace Serreno
October 28, 2009

I found it interesting how the church begins to become more and more structured like the Roman Empire with hierarchies and distinguished offices. There is a strong respect for the authority of the Bishop and they practice the laying on of hands whenever they appoint a new one. Bishops start appointing Bishops and the office and responsibilities increase. The Bishop had the responsibility to take care of the needy in the community, the poor and the widows. Initially they were appointed over their household so they had to have a good standing in the community both with respect and financially in order to become that leader. Also as the church begins to look more like the Roman Empire in structure women are seen less and less in leadership positions; however, we can still find them as Prophets and being honored as martyrs. House churches can still be found in the rural areas, but no longer in the urban areas with the intensity of the growth of the church.