TSW ~ E.W. King: Ancient Antiochene Church of God History

Ancient Antiochene Church of God History

By Rebbe Eric William King

Thank you for studying with us here at “The Shepherds Way” and “Nugget of Truth”. In this article I would like to give some more important history regarding our church, “The Ancient Antiochene Church of God”. First, I would like to contrast the difference between the Alexandrian Theological School and the Antiochene School. We must understand that the Antiochene School existed long before the Alexandrian School but was not recognized as a “school” until after the Alexandrian School became popular.

The Alexandrian School was started by a stoic philosopher named Pantaenus in 180 A.D. We could say that the theological school of Alexandria (which was in Egypt) was the first known, organized Christian institute of higher learning.

The Alexandrian school had the largest library which contained scrolls (books) from every religion and philosophy. It became the leading center of what we would call the “allegorical” method of Scripture interpretation. This was due to its stoic foundation. This same kind of theology was later adopted by the Palestinian rabbinical schools – the “midrash” approach.

It is true that the Antiochene School used allegorical interpretation, especially when it comes to the Old Testament, but not to the extreme extent that the Alexandrian School played with it. Today the Ancient Antiochene Church of God uses what we call the Seven Laws of Hermeneutics.

Christian faith and the Greek culture came together in Alexandria, especially under Clement (150-215 AD) and Origin (185-254 AD). One of the Alexandrian false teachings (because of over allegorizing) became known as Monophysitism. This extreme view negates Christ’s humanity and only recognizes His divinity. The Alexandrian School tried to endorse this view but in the end they failed.

Though the Antiochene School predates the Alexandrian School it did not become recognized as a Theological School until 200 AD (because of open debates with the Alexandrian School). Truly, the Ancient Antiochene school was the correct school – we were first called “Christians” in ancient Antioch (Acts 11:26). Antioch is located in modern Syria. The Ancient Antiochene School stressed a more literal view of interpretation on many points and the completeness of Christ’s humanity while not denying His divinity (the correct understanding).

However, the Alexandrian School did in fact produce great theologians which have helped shape proper Christian doctrine. Some of these theologians are;

1- Diodore of Tarsus

2- Theodore of Mopsuestia

3- Theodoret of Cyrrus

4- St. John Chrysostom

One of the earliest known presidents of the Antiochene School was St. Lucian (312 AD). He was a presbyter and was eventually martyred. Two false teachers appeared during this era and claimed that they were students of the Antiochene School (probably to gain authority). These were Arius and Eusebius of Nicomedia. Actually, it has been proven that Arius was a student of the Alexandrian School and was actually an Alexandrian Priest (250-336 AD).

In 325 AD the Council of Nicea condemned Arius and his false teachings regarding Christ’s humanity. To this day the true school, the Antiochene, accepts the Creed of Nicea. Another very interesting character that appeared was St. Nestorius. He was correct on many points and today modern theologians argue about what his views were regarding the divinity of Christ. Unfortunately, the latter Roman Catholic Church seized and destroyed many of St. Nestorius’ writings.

There were now many theological fights in the world of Christendom. The Ancient Antiochene Church of God to this day stresses the importance of truly understanding the Pratristic Period of the Church (100 – 451 AD).

In ending this short article, I wish to share with you some of the modern characteristics of the Ancient Antiochene Christians today. The Ancient Antiochene Church of God believes that St. Martin Luther brought back the lost teachings of true salvation during the Great Reformation. We accept the Book of Concordia which was put together by St. Martin Luther and St. Philip Melanchthon (Starting in 1530 A.D.).

If you are truly interested in Ancient Antiochene theology you should secure a copy of the “Book of Concord”. We also urge our students to secure a copy of the Lutheran prayer book, “Lutheran Book of Prayer”. We also accept three ancient Christian creeds and these are:

1-The Apostles Creed

2-The Nicene Creed

3-The Athanasian Creed

Having stated these facts, we are not “Lutheran” in the sense of its present denominations. We hold to doctrines that they refuse to accept such as “Dispensational” understandings and we differ on many eschatological understandings. We also hold to many Patristic teachings from the first 400 years of the true Christian Church, before “Roman Catholics” or “Greek Orthodox” churches even existed. St. Martin Luther was not called into the ministry of eschatology, as a matter of fact, he believed that the “Book of Revelation” should be removed from the Bible.

Many modern scholars have picked on us (Antiochene Christians), calling us in this modern age – “Hassidic Christians”. Why? Many Ancient Antiochene Christians, even today, wear what the world calls, “Jewish garb” (More accurately, “Israeli garb” – “Issac’s sons”; Saxons). We do have traditions which are not “law”, they do not have to be observed but we understand the importance of traditions, especially in the Christian Family. For instance, many of us keep the “traditional” Christian Holidays and some of us wear the Tzitzit and Kippah, and wear the Tallit and the “Megan David” or “star of David” (Many of us even have the payees or payot). Because we also hold to many Orthodox Teachings from the early church we have been called by outsiders, Hasidic Christians. (We don’t mind.)

Enough said for now, lots to think about. I hope to continue to enlighten you with my lectures and articles here at “The Shepherds Way” & “Nugget of Truth”. Remain in our Father’s Word every day. Amen