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.

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 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: 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COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for nine days, for four-hour sessions of lectures, class discussions, historical document workshops, small group consultations, and student presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Augustine of Hippo. The Augustine Catechism: The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love. Trans Bruce Harbert. Ed. John E. Rotelle. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2002.

González, Justo. A History of Christian Thought. Vol. 1. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1991.

Placher, William. Readings in the History of Christian Theology. Vol. 1. Philadelphia: Westminster John Knox, 1995 (pp. 9-121).

Historical figure reading from primary and secondary sources for student presentations.

Readings on selected doctrine and historical movement for research paper and final exam.

Optional extra credit reading:

Chadwick, H. Early Christian Thought & the Classical Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1984.

Wilken, R. The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God. Yale Univ. Press, 2005.

For extra credit question on exam:

Clark, G. Women in Late Antiquity: Pagan & Christian Lifestyles. Oxford University Press, 1994.

Recommended resources: See course syllabus posted on website.