Individualized Distance Learning

CH500

Feldmeth

CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY ( 4 units).

Nathan P. Feldmeth, Assistant Professor of Church History

DESCRIPTION:

Early Church History is a survey of the dynamic period in the life of the Church from 100 to 590 AD. It covers how the Church wrestled with doctrinal and philosophical issues, which are of ongoing significance and importance. It introduces the key personalities and the major events that helped shape the Church. It establishes these developments, people, and events as the spiritual heritage of all Christians.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

As a result of this course the student will develop 1) a basic grasp on how the Church developed in the first five centuries; 2) a working knowledge of the people, doctrinal issues and the historical context of the early Church period; 3) practical insights in applying the lessons and events of the early Church in preaching, teaching, and resolving current doctrinal disputes; 4) a foundation for continuing study of Church history; and 5) skills in researching the original sources.

 

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

Christianity is a uniquely historical faith in which the divine plan is revealed in an unfolding drama of redemption. To minister effectively in any age requires a thorough knowledge of the past. This course will provide the student with a historical context for ministry, and will be especially helpful for teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT :

Students will study at their own pace over a ten-week period. Audio lectures will be provided, along with .lecture outlines, a study guide, and supplementary materials.

 

REQUIRED READING:

·          Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church, 3rd edition, Chris Maunder, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

·          Clark, Elizabeth Ann. Women in the Early Church. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1984.

·          Froehlich, Karlfried, ed and trans. Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984.

·          Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity, vol 1 (rev. ed.). San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1975.

·          Rusch, William G., ed. and trans. The Trinitarian Controversy. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1980.

RECOMMENDED READING:

·          Kelly, J.N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 3rd ed. Harper & Row, 1978.

·          Livingstone, E.A., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1997.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.        Three 5-page thesis papers based on primary source texts

2.        Midterm exam

3.        Final exam

 

PREREQUISITES: None

 

RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in Church History A (CHA). Ministry Focus Elective in MA in Global Leadership

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes

Updated July 2007