As far as i can tell the oldest Christian Denomination still in existance is The Ancient Church of The East founded in AD78 in Iraq(Mesopotamia) and Syria, and still exists in these countries. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches hadnt been founded by then, and the Church of St Thomas in India is an offshoot of Ancient Church of East.
2006-11-02 23:46:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Catholicism is the oldest. It is believed by many that Peter was the first Pope. It was in existance during Medieval times. Prior to the 1500s, all Christians were Catholic. It wasn't until Martin Luther and the reformation that he led that there were any denominations. After that, the church was split into two groups, Protestant and Catholic.
2006-11-03 00:01:53 · answer #1 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Is this a church still in existence or are you talking about one of the bible churches that was started by Paul. I doubt there are any left that still exist today that still worship and believe the way they did in AD 78, but even if they do, it would not be a denominational church but rather a true New Testament church which New Testament Christianity is non denominational.
So as far as denominational churches I will say the Catholic church because denominational churches do many things that the NT churches did not do and they are the first denomination and the other churches variations of the Catholic church and the protestants broke away from Catholicism completely, but still have roots in the catholic church.
2006-11-03 00:01:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You might be right, but there were Chrisitian sects throughout the Palestine region in the period of 20 - 30AD Paul of Tarsus was persecuting some of them before converting.
Between 30 and 64 AD Peter and Paul travelled and founded "Churches" in a variety of areas including Massadonia, Greece, Italy.
I'm not sure what these were called as, perhaps, the word or term Cathoic was not then in use.
Certainly none of these was part of the Constantine movement of 300 AD - at least not in the pre-100 AD days!
How did you find out about the one you mentioned.
I am told some Greek Chruchs go back quite far, although not in the same building as they were founded.
2006-11-03 00:13:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would state that Eastern Orthodoxy and Roam Catholicism share the same birthdate of 33 AD. If Mesopotamia and Syria accept the other 4 Ecumenical Councils - they can share the oldest denomination honors as well. Sadly, they can't due to their differences.
2006-11-06 14:45:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The original Apostles are The oldest denomination. They were ther when Christ was here and testified in truth. It just took a long time for others to accept and believe The Living Word.
2006-11-03 02:43:47 · answer #5 · answered by Natural and Spiritual 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholics have been the 1st Christian denomination, and the Lutherans have been the 1st Protestant denomination to interrupt off the Catholic church over 4 hundred years in the past. The Catholics had some issues incorrect in accordance to the Bible, and so as this is why there replaced into the ruin. The Catholics nevertheless look to have some issues incorrect in accordance to the Bible, this is why we choose a call. i'm Lutheran.
2016-10-15 08:09:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Denominational history is unimportant. A group may have organizational lineage that goes back very far, but doctrinal lineage that has changed many times. A group may say they've been in existence from the time of the original Apostles, but if their doctrines are not those of Christ and the Apostles, what does it matter? They are not truly Christian.
2006-11-03 00:46:28 · answer #7 · answered by BC 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's true, we Assyrians were the first group of people to officially accept Jesus Christ. Therefore making our established churches the eldest.
2006-11-03 10:15:13 · answer #8 · answered by ImAssyrian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus DID NOT come to build DENOMINATIONS, BUT A CHURCH.
Denominations are man's creation. The catholic church was the first to DEPART from the TRUTH of the New Testament, so I guess they would be the first... so if the "church of the East" is a denomination, it must be man-made too... I'd rather have what Jesus made. That is JUST A CHURCH, AS DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE.
2006-11-02 23:50:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
Wow, this is news to me. These churches have been in operation since 78? Can you prove this? Or, how can I find out more? I would be very interested in this.
2006-11-02 23:52:41 · answer #10 · answered by Desperado 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋