The Progressive Fall of Christianity in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is the most surreal sight you will see in Turkey. But even more interesting is it’s very early Christian history. This was a pivotal place where Christianity accepted the trinity doctrine and became part of the political world. Something Jesus had warned about.

I want to share this with you how this region, buzzing with true Christians in the first century, witnessed the fall of Christianity in Cappadocia. It started with the rise of the trinity doctrine, the melding of the political world and Christianity, and the worship of imagery.

I present it here in a timeline. Enjoy.

700 BC

Jews in Cappadocia

For the first time in the Bible we read about this region as the Land of Tubal at Isaiah 66:19. Many historians believe this refers the region of Cappadocia*. An early Jewish establishment would form the base of Jewish Christians that were to emerge in the first century.

Here is a map showing the likely location of Tubal as known to the Hebrew nation of Israel.

33 CE

Christianity begins in Cappadocia

Some Jews are present in Jerusalem for the celebration of the festival of Pentecost. According to Acts 2:1-9, some Cappadocian Jews are among them. It seems many responded, embraced Christianity, and returned to their homes in Cappadocia.

62 CE

The apostle Peter writes to the Cappadocians

Peter writes his first inspired letter from Babylon to “the temporary residents scattered about in… Cappadocia (1 Peter 1:1). Cappadocia. Christianity has already made strong foothold warranting Peter’s letter.

Cappadocia was spread over a large area.

It’s interesting to note the expression “scattered about”. It is an accurate expression in the sense that Cappadocia is not a singular population in one city. It is a region of about 95 miles (150 km) where homes are carved out of the soft volcanic rock. Christians were no doubt “scattered” over this region.

303 CE

Diocletian targets Christians

Many Roman emperors have persecuted religious minorities up to this point. Now Roman emperor Diocletian specifically targets Christians*.

Cappadocia was no exception. The remote caves in the peaked domes of the landscape scattered among the small towns of the region made it an good place for Christians to hide.

Emperor Diocletian

Divisions developed among the Christian community during this time. A new class of traditores formed. These were Christians who divulged the names of fellow Christians and handed over Bible manuscripts to the Roman government.* This created divisions among the Christians.

Belief in the trinity is now beginning to take root, though it did not get a strong foothold until the Council of Constantinople in 381*.

By far most Christians do not believe in the trinity at this time. One reference book says, “Between the Council of Nicaea in 325 and Council of Constantinople in 381 Arianism was the popular belief at Court.”*

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy says, “No theologian in the first three Christian centuries was a trinitarian in the sense of a believing that the one God is tripersonal, containing equally divine “persons”, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”* But this was about to change.

311

The entry of politics into Christianity in Cappadocia

The Edict of Toleration is proclaimed which allows Christians in Cappadocia to practice Christianity freely*. While legal, the edict did not have full force and persecution continued.

Many (known as the traditores) became complicit with authorities, even betraying their fellow Christians.* This enabled many so-called Christians to gain political influence and position.

Emperor Constantine declares himself “Bishop of Foreign Affairs” and in essence a religious leader of the Christians. From this point on he exercises more political influence over Christian life and Christians begin to lean more on political alliances. Basil of Caesarea was one of those.

Up to this point, Christians had refused political office*. Christians were now becoming part of the political world, something Jesus had warned against*.

Emperor Constantine sets himself up as Bishop of Foreign Affairs.

325

Constantine establishes the trinity doctrine

The Council of Nicaea is held and establishes the trinity as standard doctrine in the Roman Empire.

Constantine (center) presiding and Arius (below/center) opposing the trinity

330 (circa)

The era of Cappadocian Fathers begins.

Basil of Caesarea is born. He later becomes a staunch supporter of the trinity doctrine and assumes authority over the Christians in Cappadocia.

This is much to the dismay of the Christians there who did not believe it. Basil’s theological convictions and strong political connections* make him influential in Cappadocia. From this point onward political interference strongly influenced doctrine in this region.*

Basil of Caesarea (ca. 329–379), Gregory Nazianzus (329–389) and Gregory of Nyssa (ca. 335–ca. 395). These three from Cappadocia are credited with establishing a difinition for the Trinity.

Basil was by far the most influential in Cappadocia. His belief systems are largely influenced by Plato. In fact, the book The Fathers of the Greek Church says, “His writings show that he retained a lifelong intimacy with Plato, Homer, and the historians and rhetors, and they certainly influenced his style.”*

364

Emperor Valens tries to refute the trinity

Emperor Flavius Valens becomes emperor. He professes Christianity and refutes the trinity doctrine. He works to undermine the influence of the trinity doctrine in Cappadocia.

Emperor Valens tried to banish the trinity doctrine.

370

Emperor Valens issues orders to banish Basil repeatedly to no avail. Basil remains in Cappadocia.

Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa have now asserted great by the support of the trinity doctrine and political ties.

372

Emperor Valens splits Cappadocia into two provinces. This enabled the masses who did not believe in the trinity to leave Basil and submit to Anthimus.* The result was a bitter rivalry between Anthimus and Basil as well as their adherents.

379

Christianity in Cappadocia Adopts the Trinity

Basil the Great dies, but he leaves a permanent influence on Christianity in Cappadocia. He has promoted a monastic lifestyle which the carved out dwellings of the region were well suited for. Churches and monasteries carved from the rock continued in earnest until the 11th century.

Starting with Basil, many monasteries were established in these cone shaped mountains.

The Selime Monastery – 8th century AD

381

The trinity is more clearly defined

The Council of Constantinople affirms the belief that the holy spirit is now part of the trinity. From this point forward, Cappadocia has largely accepted to this teaching.

695

Cappadocia becomes a center for idol worship

Roman Emperor Leo III of Rome bans icons in the empire. Christians who vernerated icons start fleeing to Cappadocia, a region tolerant of icons. This was the Iconoclasm movement and lasted about 100 years.

And there you have it.

Cappadocia is more than just caves and pretty balloons. There is an amazing history in this place. It witnessed the fall of true Chrisitanity by accepting false doctrines and having closer ties with politics.

Turkey is so rich with Biblical history. Here are some other ‘must see’ places in Turkey – the seven congregations of Revelation.

SARDIS, TURKEY – 3 INTERESTING CONNECTIONS TO THE BIBLE

PHILADELPHIA, TURKEY | 3 THINGS YOU MUST SEE

LAODICEA, TURKEY | THREE INTERESTING FINDS

SMYRNA, TURKEY – PICTURES OF AN ANCIENT CITY

EPHESUS – VALUABLE BIBLE CONNECTIONS TO THE ANCIENT CITY

PERGAMON – WHICH TEMPLE IS THE ‘THRONE OF SATAN’?

THYATIRA – AMAZING PARALLELS IN A CITY OF PURPLE AND COPPER