We are sometimes so disconnected from the early original world of Christianity that we forget how odd, surprising, and diverse ancient Christian beliefs once were. They were deeply religious, and the specifics of what they believed and how they practiced that belief differed from many aspects we’d see in modern Christianity today.
This article is a time-machine trip to the past to explore 14 things that used to be the core elements of the early Christian faith but have slowly faded over time. A few of these beliefs still have much to teach us today.
The Imminent Return of Jesus
In the early days of Christianity, believers were deeply convinced that Jesus would return very soon. This expectation shaped everything they did, from their daily lives to their efforts to spread the gospel. This sense of urgency faded over time, as the anticipated return didn’t happen as quickly as expected. Today, many Christians don’t live with the same intensity or focus, often letting everyday concerns and worldly influences precede their faith.
Communal Living
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-45
Imagine living in a world where people still truly look out for each other. With the current happenings making us question whether humanity is still with us, some can’t help but daydream about a world like this.
Early Christians did not have to imagine this kind of life because they lived it. They would sell and pool their resources whenever someone was struggling to ensure everyone had what they needed. That kind of caring and considerate community is hardly as evident nowadays, where individualism is rampant.
Pacifism
The early Christians took Jesus’ teachings about loving enemies and turning the other cheek very seriously. Many refused to fight or join the military, believing that following Christ meant living a life of peace. This strong stance on pacifism has softened in many Christian communities today.
The Importance of Oral Tradition
Early Christians relied heavily on oral tradition before the New Testament was written down. They passed down teachings, stories, and wisdom by word of mouth, which helped preserve the faith in a time when books were scarce. Today, with the Bible readily available, we sometimes forget how vital oral tradition was.
The Significance of Baptism
In the early days of Christianity, baptism was a big deal—it was a powerful symbol of starting a new life with Christ and was usually done right after someone decided to follow Him. It wasn’t just a ceremony but a crucial step in their faith journey. Although baptism is still important, it doesn’t always carry the same sense of urgency and significance for many people, and other aspects of church life can sometimes overshadow it.
The Role of Women
Women played significant roles in the early church, from hosting house churches to serving as deacons and even apostles. The early Christian community recognized the gifts of women in leadership and ministry. Over time, however, their roles became more restricted, and women’s active involvement in church leadership diminished.
The Sabbath
The Sabbath was more than just a day off to the early Christians. It was also a time specifically set aside by God for His people to remember His creation. They took it very seriously, dropping everything and giving full attention to their spiritual responsibilities. Sadly, in today’s busy world, the Sabbath often gets overlooked or treated like any other day.
Martyrdom as a Calling
Early Christians didn’t fear martyrdom—they embraced it. They believed that dying for their faith was a profound way to witness the truth of the gospel. Although Christians today still respect the courage of martyrs, the idea of seeking martyrdom as a calling is far less prevalent.
The Ascetic Lifestyle
Living simply and denying oneself certain comforts was a common practice among early Christians. They believed that an ascetic lifestyle helped them focus on spiritual growth and resist the world’s temptations. Nowadays, the idea of asceticism is much less common, as many focus more on enjoying life’s comforts.
Loyalty to Christ Over the State
Early Christians often conflicted with the state because of their loyalty to Christ. They believed that their allegiance to Jesus came before any earthly authority, even if it meant persecution. Today, the tension between faith and government is still present but is often less pronounced.
The Practice of Greeting with a Holy Kiss
For early Christians, a “holy kiss” was more than just saying hello—it was a way to show love and unity as a community of believers. It was their way of expressing a close, family-like bond in Christ. Today, we don’t typically greet each other with a kiss at church, mostly because times have changed, not because of bad feelings. But the idea behind it—showing genuine care and connection with each other—is still very much needed.
Celibacy and Sexual Purity
Some early Christians chose to live celibate lives, believing it allowed them to devote themselves fully to God. They placed a high value on sexual purity, seeing it as essential to their spiritual life. Although sexual morality remains a focus in Christianity, the practice of celibacy is now mostly associated with specific religious orders and church leaders.
Separation from the World
Early Christians often distanced themselves from certain aspects of society that they felt were incompatible with their faith. This separation was a way to stay spiritually pure and focused on God. In contrast, many modern Christians are more integrated into society, balancing their faith with their daily lives.
Simplicity in Worship
Worship in the early church was simple and heartfelt, without the elaborate rituals or grand buildings we often see today. It focused on prayer, singing, and sharing the Lord’s Supper in intimate gatherings. This simplicity reflected their deep desire to connect with God and one another in a straightforward, sincere way.
More From Hope No Matter What
14 Toxic Church Cultures that Should Be Done Away With
16 Troubling Issues Causing Christians to Abandon Their Faith
15 Myths People Misunderstand About the Afterlife
14 Lessons the Bible Reveals About Hell
Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.