DESCRIPTION: This survey course will chart the early history of Christianity
from about 100 to 590 CE. 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 required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will equip students to think
critically about the key issues, theological ideas, major movements and
influential personalities that shaped the Church from its origins until about
590 CE. Students will gain an awareness of key original source documents,
creeds, treatises, apologies, etc., and how these were interpreted in their own
time and by later Christian writers. A key area of emphasis will be on
chronological development and the evolution of both orthodox and heterodox
doctrines over the first five centuries of church history. Finally, the end
result of this study will be a deeper appreciation of the breadth, unity, and
diversity of the Church.
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: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Time in
class will center on lecture and student interaction.
REQUIRED READING: