DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the history of Christian thought from the
close of the New Testament era through the christological controversies of the
East. Particular attention will be given to the history of the development of
Christian doctrine. The course will offer opportunities for students to study
any of the various ways in which early Christians thought about their
Christianity.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) overview the thought of
some significant persons in both the East and the West who shaped the Christian
tradition of the early church; (2) survey major themes in the development of
Christian doctrine from the second through the sixth centuries; (3) be
introduced to a variety of historical movements that impacted the social and
intellectual contexts in which Christian theology has been articulated; (4)
appropriate some of the spiritual insights and resources from the history of
the church for their own Christian growth and ministry; (5) explore in
detail the life and thought of one historical figure from the early church
period and to present some aspect(s) of their study to the class; (6) develop
the capacity to connect historical research and theological formulation through
an intensive acquaintance with the thought of one person, the development of
one doctrine, and the significance of one movement within early
Christianity.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Understanding how the teachings of the Christian faith
took shape in a conflict-laden process of historical development and also
discovering the principal options and directions in which doctrines were formed
are foundations for effective theological reflection in contemporary ministry.
Christian ministers need to develop the capacity to think historically and
theologically about the meaning of their Christian identity and the life of
their communities. This course seeks to help students connect historical
research and theological formulation in the service of a thoughtful lifelong
articulation of the faith in their ministries.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for two weeks, for four-hour sessions
of lectures, class discussions, historical document workshops, small group
consultations, and student presentations.
REQUIRED READING: