DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the theology of the church in the Patristic
period from the close of the apostolic age, AD 90, to the Synod of Orange in AD
521. Particular attention will be given to the theological heresies and
controversies that arose in this era, the first four ecumenical councils, and
the writings of the most significant theologians.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course has four objectives: (1) to
increase students' knowledge of the important theological doctrines and their
development in the early church period, (2) to help students gain a basic
competence in how to interpret the historical development of Christian theology
in light of the Hellenistic culture of late antiquity, (3) to give students
practice in reading selected primary texts and evaluating the specific
theological issues which arise from them, and (4) to provide students the
opportunity to reflect upon the relevance of ancient theological controversies
and the results of the first four ecumenical councils that have shaped the
Christian church today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Historical theology is a necessary field of study in
order to grasp Christian theology as a whole. Studying this formative stage of
theological development in the church will enhance students' abilities to
discern fundamental theological issues in a variety of contemporary ministry
settings. It will explain the theological doctrines that are the foundation of
the Christian faith and the unity of the church. Finally, it is hoped that
through this course students will develop a sympathetic understanding of the
early church and the Christians who reflected, wrote, and defended the
Christian faith during that formative period.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions with
lectures and discussion. Assigned readings are to be completed before the
lecture in order to facilitate understanding and discussion of the material. It
is expected that the student will attend every class and will submit required
work when it is due.
REQUIRED READING: