Spring 2008/Pasadena
CH500
Goble

CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. Grant G. Goble.


DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the Christian movement from the first Christian community in Jerusalem to the close of the Western early church period at the end of the fifth century. Through readings, research, lectures, and exams the students will study the people, events, and doctrines of this foundational and formative period of church history. Special attention will be given to the following topics: the growth of the Christian movement from a Jewish sect to the official religion of the Roman Empire; heresies, theological controversies and the orthodox response to them; church and state relations; the development of the ecumenical creed and its meaning for doctrine and church unity; the beginnings and spread of the monastic movement; the institutionalization of the church hierarchy and its relationship to charismatic leadership; Christianity and Roman-Hellenistic culture; and the role of women in the early church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives to this course: (1) for students to increase their knowledge of the important events, people, and theological developments in the early church period; (2) for students to gain a basic competence in how to interpret the historical development of the Christian church in light of the Hellenistic culture of late antiquity; (3) for students to practice reading primary texts and evaluating the specific historical and theological issues which arise from them; and (4) for students to have 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: It is hoped that through the readings, research, lectures, and preparation for exams students will develop a sympathetic appreciation of the early church, its personalities, worship life, theology, and practices. The study of the early church will enable students to comprehend the foundational role of ancient forms of Christianity in the wider Christian movement. By reflecting on the events and themes of the early church students will understand the significance of their own tradition in light of the wider Christian church. Through analysis of historical texts and reflection on significant themes highlighted in the readings and lectures students will be better equipped to navigate the theological and social issues that face the contemporary church.

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. Students are expected to attend every class and submit required work when it is due.

REQUIRED READING:
Bettenson, Henry, and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 1999.
Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. Rev. ed. Penguin, 1993.
Clark, Elizabeth A. Women in the Early Church. The Liturgical Press, 1983.

Richardson, Cyril C., ed. Early Christian Fathers. Macmillan, 1970.
Rusch, William G., trans. and ed. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress, 1980.
Course Syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Assigned readings, to be completed as preparation for lectures.

  2. Midterm examination worth 30% of final grade.

  3. One ten-page research paper worth 30% of final grade.

  4. Final examination worth 40% of final grade.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/08)