DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the early Church (2nd through 6th century) as it confronted the pagan world and classical culture, defined many of its most fundamental teachings, and cultivated distinctive patterns of biblical interpretation, worship, and practice which have stamped Christianity up to the present.

The gradual process of self-definition, punctuated as it is by crises and conflict, which occurred in the first five centuries of the Church have formed a matrix--whether acknowledged or not--for the continued thought and practice of Christians worldwide. A critical appropriation of this heritage is crucial to situate ourselves in the wider catholic and apostolic church, and to understand our faith in the fuller, more judicious--even chastened--perspective given in the historical experience of the Church. The student will thereby come to appreciate the historic conflicts and options behind Christian practice and doctrine, and by such critical engagement better attend to the needed articulation of faith in one's own ministry and witness.

Intensive two-week course, with one four-hour block of lecture/discussion each weekday (with breaks!). Readings to be completed before class.

Ehrman, Bart, ed. After the New Testament. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Wiles, M. and M. Santer, eds. Documents in Early Christian Thought. Cambridge University Press, 1975.

Extended Syllabus (in Bookstore) and selected primary readings (on Library Reserve).

Hazlett, Ian, ed. Early Christianity. Abingdon, 1991.

Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 5th rev. ed. Harper and Row, 1975.

McManners, John, ed. The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity. Oxford Univ. Press, 1990.

Norris, R. A. The Apostolic Faith: Protestants and Roman Catholics. The Liturgical Press, 1992

Pelikan, Jaroslav. The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600). Univ. of Chicago Press, 1971.

Quasten, Johannes. Patrology. Vols. 1-4. Christian Classics.

Young, Frances. From Nicaea to Chalcedon. Fortress, 1983.

1. To be read before the first class: the opening syllabus materials on Greco-Roman society, religion and philosophy, which will be available in the Extended Syllabus at the book store.

2. Completion of assigned readings in preparation for lectures and discussions. Daily, short content quizzes on the readings assigned for the day (15% of grade).

3. A mid-term (20%) due at the beginning of the second week and a final (40%) due the Wednesday after the last day of class: both are take-home, open-book format.

4. One assigned position paper to be read in class as discussion starter on some movement, person, controversy (5%).

5. Book review due two weeks after the last class (20%).

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