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The Golden Chain - Robert J. Wieland

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work of corruption rapidly progressed (GC 49, 50).<br />

In the early part of the fourth century, ... the<br />

bishops of the church [were] inspired by ambition<br />

and thirst for power (p. 53).<br />

Indeed, by the time of Chalcedon (451 A. D.)<br />

"the work of corruption [had] rapidly progressed,"<br />

and the "era of spiritual darkness" was well on its<br />

way. "Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished,<br />

became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the<br />

church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and<br />

superstitions were incorporated into the faith and<br />

worship of the professed followers of Christ" (p.<br />

50).<br />

At Chalcedon Pope Leo the Great's influence<br />

led the bishops to favor the doctrines of Mary<br />

being "the Mother of God" (<strong>The</strong>otokos), clergy<br />

celibacy, and the primacy of the bishop of Rome<br />

over the universal church. His leadership was so<br />

highly respected that his "Tome was triumphantly<br />

received" there (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 17,<br />

p. 242; 1968; the Tome established that "Peter had<br />

132

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