Relationship between apostolic faith, historic church and contemporary-contextual realities

Apostolic Period is a definitive landmark in the development of Christian doctrine. Anglican writer Lancelot Andrews declared that Orthodox Christianity was based upon two testaments, three creeds, four gospels and the first five centuries of Christian History. During the first period of Christian history the church was often persecuted by the state. Its agenda was that of survival; there was limited room for theological debate and disputes, when the very existence of the Christian Church could not be taken into granted. These observations helped us to understand why apologetics came to be of such importance to the early church through writers such as- Justin Martyr, who were concerns to defends and explain the beliefs and practices of Christianity to the hostile pagan beliefs. These conditions became possible during the foutth century with the conversion of Constantine the Roman Emperor. In 321, he decreed that Sundays should become public holidays. He further declared Christianity as State religion this marked the greatest historic event for the Christian and also paved the way for constructive theological debate in public affair. The church could now count upon the support of the state, increasingly doctrinal debates became a matter of both political and theological importance and thus the doctrinal differences should be debated and settled as a matter of priority. Many issues were addressed which are of continuing concern for the modern church and contemporary-contextual realities. 

That's a really thoughtful question, and it gets to the core of how Christianity navigates its history and its present! The relationship between apostolic faith, the historic Church, and contemporary-contextual realities is a dynamic and sometimes tension-filled dance.

Apostolic Faith as the Foundation: This is the bedrock. "Apostolic faith" refers to the core teachings, beliefs, and practices that originated with Jesus and were passed down by His apostles. Think of it as the original blueprint for Christian belief and life. It emphasizes things like devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, as described in Acts 2:42-47. It's seen as the benchmark for evaluating all other theological claims and ethical decisions, ensuring they align with the original message

The Historic Church as the Bearer of Tradition: The "historic Church" is essentially the ongoing institution and community that has carried, preserved, and interpreted the apostolic faith throughout history, across centuries and cultures. It's the vessel through which the apostolic faith has been transmitted, both orally and through written texts (like the New Testament). Church Fathers, councils, and creeds have all played a role in articulating and defending this faith. The historic Church uses liturgy, sacraments, and various traditions to connect its present worship and practice to its past. 

Contemporary-Contextual Realities as the Present Landscape: These are the modern-day challenges, opportunities, cultural shifts, and societal norms that the Church encounters in its mission today. This includes everything from scientific advancements, evolving social norms (like those around gender roles or marriage), technological changes (like digital evangelism), and global issues. Contextual theology, for example, is all about interpreting and applying Christian theology within a specific cultural, social, and historical context to make it relevant and meaningful to diverse communities.

The Relationship and Its Dynamics:

Continuity and Fidelity: The historic Church strives to maintain continuity with the apostolic faith. It sees its role as being faithful to the original teachings while presenting them in a way that resonates with each new generation. This often involves wrestling with how ancient truths apply to new situations. 

Adaptation and Interpretation: The apostolic faith isn't static; it's interpreted and lived out within specific historical and cultural contexts. The early Church, for instance, had to adapt the Christian message to Greco-Roman culture and philosophy. Similarly, today, the Church adapts its approaches, perhaps embracing new technologies for worship or engaging with contemporary social issues, while trying to stay true to its core message. 

Tension and Dialogue: This relationship often involves tension. The Church has to balance preserving its traditional teachings with the need for inclusivity and social progress. For example, debates around gender roles, sexuality, or scientific understanding force the Church to engage in an ongoing dialogue between its foundational beliefs and the realities of the modern world. 

Distinctiveness and Mission: Understanding these elements helps the Church maintain its distinctiveness and achieve its mission. By holding onto its apostolic heritage, it avoids becoming just another social movement, and by engaging with contemporary realities, it can effectively be "salt and light" to the world, offering relevant guidance and hope. 

In short, the apostolic faith provides the unchanging message, the historic Church provides the ongoing tradition and community that carries it, and contemporary-contextual realities provide the ever-changing landscape in which that message is lived out and proclaimed. It's a continuous process of discerning how to remain faithful to the past while being relevant and responsive to the present.