Spring 2004/Pasadena
CH500
H. Rhee
CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. Helen Rhee.
DESCRIPTION:
- This survey course covers the important development of Christian
doctrines, practices, movements, and institutions with key personalities from
the Apostolic Fathers in the second century CE as far as Augustine in the fifth
century.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Early church history provides the students a historical and
theological context for ministry by helping them gain a critical understanding
and appreciation for the breath and depth, and diversity and unity of the
Christian church in the most foundational period of her history. Historical
knowledge and insight will assist the students to deepen their roots and
identities in the Christian tradition, discern the recurrent dangers and
threats to the mission of the church, and formulate theologically sound and
relevant resolutions to the contemporary issues facing the church.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions in a
lecture/discussion format.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bettenson, Henry and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the
Christian Church. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Sections
on the period through 500 CE only.
- Burns, J. P., ed. Theological Anthropology. Fortress, 1981.
- Latourette, K. S. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1: Beginnings
to 1500. Rev. ed. HarperSanFrancisco, 1975.
- Rusch, William C. The Trinitarian Controversy. Frotress, 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.
- Several early Christian documents not found in Bettenson, Burns, and Rusch
will be placed on reserve in the library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Ferguson, Everett. Early Christians Speak: Faith and Life in the
First Three Centuries. 3rd ed. ACU Press, 1999.
- Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 3rd ed. Harper & Row,
1978.
- Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms.
Baker Books, 1985.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- In addition to faithful reading of the assigned texts, students
will be required to take one mid-term (30%) and a final examination (40%)
covering the texts and lectures. Students will also be expected to submit a
five-page analysis paper on a primary text (30%).
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "A" (CHA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.