DESCRIPTION: This course examines the historical and theological developments
of the church from the post-apostolic period through the time of Augustine of
Hippo. Close attention will be paid to significant people, movements, events,
and debates which shaped early Christian belief and practice.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Early church history provides the
foundation upon which all future developments of the church are built. It
places later trends in theology and ministry within the context of the church's
early struggle for identity and orthodoxy. A study of the church's early
history will enable students to understand and embrace her doctrines,
faithfully hand on her traditions, and diligently attend to her interests and
mission.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to place their own
confessional tradition within the broader framework of early catholic
Christianity. It will help them understand the ways in which the doctrines and
the practices of the church emerged in specific historical contexts. Students
will learn the vocabulary of the Trinitarian, Christological, and
soteriological debates of the first four centuries. They also will increase
their critical skills in reading and writing through the study of primary
source materials and by writing a term paper. Finally, the end result of this
course will be a deeper appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of
the church.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for three-and-a-half-hour sessions twice
weekly for five weeks in a lecture/discussion format.
REQUIRED READING: