Worship and Sacraments: A Survey of Church History with W. Robert Godfrey

Summary

In this lecture on ancient church history, Dr. Godfrey explores the evolution of church practices, focusing specifically on infant baptism and worship traditions in the early Christian era. He presents a nuanced discussion of baptismal practices, highlighting the historical uncertainty surrounding infant baptism before 300 AD and emphasizing that theological interpretation, not historical evidence, should ultimately guide understanding. As the church transitioned from persecution to imperial favor, worship became increasingly elaborate, with more complex buildings, artistic expressions, and the emergence of holy days, reflecting the church's changing social and cultural context.