DESCRIPTION:

This survey course covers the important development of Christian doctrines, practices, movements, and institutions with key personalities from the Apostolic Fathers in the second century CE as far as Augustine in the fifth century.

Early church history provides the students a historical and theological context for ministry by helping them gain a critical understanding and appreciation for the breath and depth, and diversity and unity of the Christian church in the most foundational period of her history. Historical knowledge and insight will assist the students to deepen their roots and identities in the Christian tradition, discern the recurrent dangers and threats to the mission of the church, and formulate theologically sound and relevant resolutions to the contemporary issues facing the church.

The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions in a lecture/discussion format.

Bettenson, Henry and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Sections on the period through 500 CE only.

Burns, J. P., ed. Theological Anthropology. Fortress, 1981.

Latourette, K. S. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1: Beginnings to 1500. Rev. ed. HarperSanFrancisco, 1975.

Rusch, William C. The Trinitarian Controversy. Frotress, 1980.

Tucker, Ruth A. and Walter L. Liefeld. Daughters of the Church: Women and Ministry from New Testament Times to the Present. Academie/Zondervan, 1987.

Several early Christian documents not found in Bettenson, Burns, and Rusch will be placed on reserve in the library.

Ferguson, Everett. Early Christians Speak: Faith and Life in the First Three Centuries. 3rd ed. ACU Press, 1999.

Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 3rd ed. Harper & Row, 1978.

Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. Baker Books, 1985.

In addition to faithful reading of the assigned texts, students will be required to take one mid-term (30%) and a final examination (40%) covering the texts and lectures. Students will also be expected to submit a five-page analysis paper on a primary text (30%).

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "A" (CHA).

Yes.