Top 10 List of the Most Influential Events in Church History

Scott�s Top 10 List
Of the Events in Church History All Christians Should Know

1. The Persecution of Nero

Year: 64 A.D.
What Happened: Nero blamed the fire of Rome on Christians, which began a history of persecution and martyrdom.
Why this matters today: This event has affected Scripture (Revelation), possibly resulted in the deaths of Peter and Paul, and set a standard of Christian discipleship.
Helpful Link: Throwing Christians to the Lions: Fact and Legend

2. The Conversion of Constantine

Year: 312 A.D.
What Happened: The Emperor of the Roman Empire claimed victory because of the cross, and stopped the persecution of the Church.
Why this matters today: This event changed the course human history, and helped lead to the formation of Western culture
Helpful Link: Constantine converts to Christianity

3. The Council of Nicea

Year: 325 A.D.
What Happened: This council of bishops helped define orthodox Christian doctrine
Why this matters today: Much of what we believe today to be correct Christian doctrine was formed either at this council, or subsequent councils that met as a result of Nicea.
Helpful Link: The Council of Nicea

4. The Conversion of Augustine of Hippo

Year: 387 A.D.
What Happened: A professor of rhetoric converted to Christianity
Why this matters today: The writings of St. Augustine, including Confessions and City of God are some of the most influential doctrinal works ever written, and have shaped many, of not most, of the debates within Christianity.
Helpful Link: Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian

5. Benedict of Nursia established his monastic rule

Year: 529 A.D.
What Happened: A hermit established a rule for monastic living
Why this matters today: Monasticism continues into the present day, and without it the Protestant Reformation may never have happened.
Helpful Link: Benedict

6. The Great Schism

Year: 1054 A.D. (or thereabouts)
What Happened: Cardinal Humbert excommunicated the Bishop of Constantinople
Why this matters today: This event led to a split between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.
Helpful Link: Great Schism

7. Pope Urban II launches the first Crusade

Year: 1095 A.D.
What Happened: Pope Urban II gave a speech in French calling for Christians everywhere to take back the Holy Lands from the Muslims.
Why this matters today: Problems between Christians and Muslims have continued for centuries, and are especially important in a post 9/11 world.
Helpful Link: Medieval Crusades

8. Martin Luther nails the 95 Theses to the Wittenburg door

Year: 1517 A.D.
What Happened: Martin Luther attempted to begin an academic debate at a university on the subject of doctrine, and inadvertently began the Protestant Reformation
Why this matters today: The Christian Church has never been the same
Helpful Links: The 95 Theses Luther biography

9. The Azusa Street Revival

Year: 1906 A.D.
What Happened: The Pentecostal movement began in a warehouse in Los Angeles, California.
Why this matters today: Pentecostalism is one of the fastest growing segments of the Body of Christ.
Helpful Link: Azusa Street Revival

10. The Billy Graham Crusades

Year: 1949 A.D.
What Happened: The Los Angeles crusades launched Billy Graham into international prominence.
Why this matters today: Millions of people worldwide have been converted by Billy Graham�s crusades.
Helpful Link: Billy Graham biography