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.