DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the history of Christian thought from the beginning of the medieval period to the Reformation of the sixteenth century. 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 variety of ways in which Christians of the Middle Ages and early Reformation eras thought about their faith.

Developing an understanding of the conflict-laden process of the historical development of the diverse teachings of the Christian faith is foundational for responsible and effective theological reflection in contemporary ministry. Christian ministers need to discover the roots of their own faith traditions and congregations, as well as acquiring the capacity to think historically and theologically about the meaning of their Christian identity and the doctrines of their communities of faith. This course seeks to help students connect historical research and theological formulation in the quest for a thoughtful articulation of the Christian faith throughout their ministries.

Course sessions will include lectures, class discussions, historical document workshops, small group consultations, and student presentations. The class will meet intensively: four hours each weekday for two weeks.

Fairweather, Eugene R., ed. A Scholastic Miscellany: Anselm to Ockham. Westminster, 1956, and Macmillan, 1970.

González, Justo L. A History of Christian Thought. Revised edition. Vol. 2 (entire) and Vol. 3 (pp. 13-247). Abingdon, 1987.

Placher, William C. ed. Readings in the History of Christian Theology. Vol. 2 (p. 9-77). Westminster, 1988.

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:

Bynum, Caroline Walker. Jesus as Mother: Studies in the Spirituality of the High Middle Ages. University of California, 1982.

Recommended resources:

Anderson, Charles S. Augsburg Historical Atlas of Christianity in the Middle Ages and Reformation. Augsburg, 1967.

Livingston, Elizabeth A., ed. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2d. ed. Oxford University Press, 1977.

Class presentation on historical figure - 25% of final grade;
Final examination (half on prepared research; half on lectures and common reading) - 25%; Research paper - 25%; Attendance and class participation (includes devotional leadership) - 10%; Research bibliographies on doctrine and movement (evaluated credit/no credit) - 10%; Bibliography for class presentation (evaluated credit/no credit) - 5%.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "b" (CHB).