DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the historical development of Christian people, organizations, and doctrines during the first five centuries of Christian history. The course introduces the most important themes, people, and movements that shaped Christian churches in the early Christian era. The class will be conducted in the Korean language for students whose native language is Korean.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course can help students identify the origins of the most fundamental confessional and ecclesiastical traditions of the Christian churches and understand the importance of faithfully handing on her most essential traditions. As they study the historical process that led to such pivotal doctrines as soteriology, Christology, and the Trinity, students will learn to appreciate the importance of these doctrines today. The struggles of the early Christians can also help students to better understand their own struggles in this complex world and to reflect on ways that Christian faith can be prudently implemented in contemporary contexts. They will also learn to engage in theological discussions about issues relevant to the life of Christians with greater historical sensitivity and patience.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain major theological developments and historical events that shaped Christian churches during the early Christian era of the first five centuries.

2. Students will demonstrate through written and oral presentations their ability to analyze and interpret data from primary and secondary sources and to explain their significance in historical contexts.

3. Students will be able to explain the essential characteristics of major ecclesiastical decisions and traditions that took place during the early Christian era with critical awareness and reflection on their historical significance.

4. Students will be challenged to reevaluate some of their own religious assumptions and judgments in light of the diversity, complexity, and struggles revealed in the study of early Christian history.

Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. Vol. 1. New York, New York: Harper Collins, 1985. (Korean Translation. Tr. Young Il Suh Eun Sung, 1987) -- Korean books Out of Print.

Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. London: Penguin Books, 1993. (Korean translation. Tr. Jong Suk Park. Christian Digest, 2001.) ISBN 9788944703270. $22 retail price.

Rha, Eun Sung. [Footsteps of Great Women]. Seoul, Korea: Geurishim, 2005. ISBN 9788957991190. $34 retail price.

Bettenson, Henry, ed. and trans. The Early Christian Fathers: A Selection from the Writings of the Fathers from St. Clement of Rome to St. Athanasius. Oxford University Press, 1969. (Korean translation).

Tr. Kyung Soo Park. Christian Digest, 1997. ISBN 9788944702945. $24 retail.

________. The Later Christian Fathers: A Selection from the Fathers from St. Cyril of Jerusalem to St. Leo the Great. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1972. (Korean translation. Same as above.)