Winter 2006/Pasadena
CH500
Deiros

CH500: HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA PRIMITIVA. Pablo A. Deiros.


DESCRIPTION: This course is an overview of the history of Christianity from its origins to the sixth century, with a global perspective. Emphasis will be placed on the emergence and development of the Christian testimony, giving attention to major events, movements, outstanding characters, and theological trends.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: After completing this course students will be able to (1) describe the historical development of Christianity in the world from its origins to the sixth century; (2) identify those elements in the dynamics of the expansion of the Christian faith, both inside and outside the Roman Empire, that help one understand its present character; (3) understand the Christian testimony and life of the church during the first five centuries; (4) explore the impact of Christianity on culture and the impact of culture on Christianity; and ( 5) recognize the development of Christian thought and its relevance in the shaping of Christian doctrine.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Knowing the early history of Christianity is basic to an understanding of contemporary Christian testimony and church life. Many of our present-day beliefs and practices are products of those foundational centuries. Through studying the teaching and practice of early Christians, students will learn to love the church and to commit themselves to the mission the Lord entrusted to her.

COURSE FORMAT: Class time will consist of lectures on major themes of the early history of Christianity and discussion based on daily reading assignments. The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Bainton, Roland H. La iglesia de nuestros padres. La Aurora, 1969.

Deiros, Pablo A. Historia del cristianismo. Casa Bautista, 1986.

González, Justo L. Historia del cristianismo. Vol. 1. Unilit, 1994.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. Historia del cristianismo. Vol. 1. Casa Bautista, 1967.

Walker, Williston. Historia de la iglesia cristiana. Casa Nazarena, 1957.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Baker, Robert A. Compendio de la historia cristiana. Casa Bautista, 1974.

Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press, 1979.

Danielou, J. and H. I. Marrou. Nueva historia de la iglesia. Vol. 1. Cristiandad, 1964.

González, Justo L. Historia de las misiones. La Aurora, 1970.

ASSIGNMENTS: Course requirements include 1500 pages of reading from the required and secondary texts (10%), a midterm exam (30%), a final exam (30%), and a 10-12 page typewritten paper (30%).

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.