DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the most important themes and people in church history and historical theology from the post-apostolic fathers through Augustine.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, this course should enable students to place their own confessional tradition within the broader framework of early catholic Christianity. Second, it will help them understand the ways in which the doctrines and the practices of the church emerge in specific historical contexts. Third, students will learn the vocabulary of the Trinitarian, Christological, and soteriological debates of the first four centuries. Finally, students will increase their critical skills in reading and writing through the study of primary source materials and by writing a term paper.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Early church history provides a theological foundation for the work of the ministry by surveying the historical development of such pivotal doctrines as the Trinity, Christology, and soteriology. The course also introduces the student to the sacramental practices and creedal confessions of the early church. Through studying the teaching and practice of early Christians, students will learn to love the church and to discern the perennial dangers that threaten her; they will come to understand and believe her doctrines, faithfully hand on her traditions, and diligently attend to her interests and mission.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Augustine. The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love. Regnery, 1996.

Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press, 1967. Sections on the period through to A.D. 600 only.

Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. Penguin, 1967.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1. Harper & Row, 1975.

Tucker, Ruth A. and Walter Liefeld. Daughters of the Church. Academie, 1987.

Course Reader.