DESCRIPTION: A survey of theological issues and developments from the second
century A.D. as far as Ambrose and Augustine in the West and John of Damascus
in the East.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives to this course. First, that
students become familiar with the central theological doctrines and
developments in the Early Church, particularly those that led to the rise of
the great ecumenical doctrinal formulae of Nicea-Constantinople and Chalcedon.
Second, that students gain an understanding of the theological controversies of
the era, including the perspectives of the original participants and those of
historians today. Third, that students practice the close reading of selected
primary sources in order to analyze and faithfully articulate the theological
arguments of a historical text. Fourth, that students reflect on the perennial
nature of the debates that shaped Christian identity in this period as these
doctrines and practices remain the foundation of Christian identity and
ecumenical conversation in the present day.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course is designed to enable students to
understand more fully their own identity as Christians and as members of the
Christian church by providing them with a view of the relationship of the
historical course of Christianity to the present-day existence and
belief-structure of the church by giving them the tools to move toward a
theologically spiritually responsible ministry in light of the church's
historic witness.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions
of lecture/discussion. Assigned reading is to be completed as preparation for
classwork.
REQUIRED READING: