Fall 2003/Pasadena
CH500
Feldmeth
CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. Nathan P. Feldmeth.
DESCRIPTION:
- This survey course will chart the early history of Christianity
from about 100 to 590 A.D. The focus will be upon key personalities and major
movements in the development of Christian doctrine in this turbulent and
formative period. The class will meet for lecture and discussion and regular
attendance is very important.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Christianity is a uniquely historical religion 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 events and ideas that have
shaped the present. This course will provide the student with a
historico-theological context for ministry, and especially for teaching and
preaching.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Time in
class will center on lecture and student interaction.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1970.
- Froehlich, Karlfried, ed. and trans. Biblical Interpretation in the
Early Church. Fortress, 1984.
- Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1. Rev.
ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1975.
- Rausch, William C. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress, 1980.
- Tucker, Ruth A. and Walter L. Liefeld. Daughters of the Church: Women
and Ministry from New Testament Times to the Present. Academie/Zondervan,
1987.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 3rd ed. Harper
& Row, 1978.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- The course grade is determined by student work consisting of a
twelve-page research paper (30%); a midterm examination (30%); and the final
examination (40%). The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and submitted at the
last class meeting.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.