DESCRIPTION:

This survey course will chart the early history of Christianity from about 100 to 590. The focus will be upon key personalities and major movements in the development of Christian doctrine in this turbulent and formative period. The class will meet for lecture and discussion and regular attendance is required.

Christianity is a uniquely historical faith in which the divine plan is revealed in an unfolding drama of redemption. To minister effectively in any age requires a thorough knowledge of the past. This course will provide the student with a historical context for ministry, and will be especially helpful for teaching and preaching.

The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Time in class will center on lecture and student interaction.

Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press, 1970.

Froehlich, Karlfried, ed. and trans. Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church. Fortress, 1984.

Clark, Elizabeth A. Women in the Early Church. The Liturgical Press, 1983.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1. Rev. ed. Harper & Row, 1975.

Rausch, William C. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress, 1980.

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

Livingstone, E. A., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.

The course grade is determined by student work consisting of a twelve-page research paper (30%); a midterm examination (30%); and the final examination (40%). The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and submitted at the last class meeting.

None.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).

Yes.