DESCRIPTION: This survey course will chart the history of Christianity from AD 590 to the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. About one-third of the study will focus on the medieval era, its key personalities and major theological movements, while the Reformation will receive a lion's share of attention due to its central importance in church history.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity is a uniquely historical religion. It is rooted and grounded in historical events. To minister effectively in any age requires a thorough knowledge of the eras that have shaped the present. This course will provide the student with a historical context for ministry, and especially for teaching and preaching.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a grasp of and an ability to articulate the key doctrinal and historical themes that marked the development of the Church from the early Medieval period through the Reformation of the sixteenth century; (2) an ability to accurately interpret historical events and ideas in their appropriate contexts, specifically creeds, movements, church architecture, and treatises; (3) that they are equipped to think critically about the key issues, theological ideas, major movements, and influential personalities that shaped the Church in the Medieval and early modern periods, and as the end result of this study; (4) a deeper appreciation of the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Church.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for lecture and discussion, and regular attendance is very important. Time in class will center on lecture and student interaction.

REQUIRED READING:

Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. ISBN: 0192880713. Pub. Price $41.95.

Feldmeth, Nathan P. Pocket Dictionary of Church History. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830827039. Pub. Price: $8.00.

Janz, Denis R. A Reformation Reader with CD-ROM. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2008. ISBN: 978-0800663100. Pub. Price $39.00.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. Vols. 1-2. Rev. ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1975. ISBN vol. 1: 978-0060649524. Pub. Price: $ 25.99; ISBN vol. 2: 0-06-06453-6, Pub. Price $25.99.

Tucker, Ruth, and Walter Liefeld. Daughters of the Church. Zondervan, 1987. ISBN: 978-0310457411. Pub. Price: 39.99.

Cross, F. L. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press, 1997.