DESCRIPTION: This survey course will chart the history of Christianity from AD
590 to the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. About one-third of
the study will focus on the medieval era, its key personalities and major
theological movements, while the Reformation will receive a lion's share of
attention due to its central importance in church history.
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 during the medieval, late-medieval, and
early modern eras, and how these were interpreted at the time and by later
Christian writers. A key area of emphasis will be on the magisterial
Reformation and key doctrinal developments during the sixteenth century.
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 religion 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 eras that
have shaped the present. This course will provide the student with a historical
context for ministry, and especially for teaching and preaching.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for
lecture and discussion, and regular attendance is very important. Time in class
will center on lecture and student interaction.
REQUIRED READING: