Fall 2013/Pasadena

CH500

Feldmeth

CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. Nathan P. Feldmeth.

DESCRIPTION: This survey course will chart the early history of Christianity from about 100 to 590 CE. The focus will be upon key personalities and major movements in the development of Christian doctrine in this turbulent and formative period. The class will meet for lecture and discussion, and regular attendance is required.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity is a uniquely historical faith rooted and grounded in the past. To minister effectively in any age requires a thorough knowledge of the past. This course will provide the student with a historical context for ministry, and will be especially helpful for teaching and preaching.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have (1) a basic grasp of how the Church developed in the first five centuries; (2) a working knowledge of the people, doctrinal issues and the historical context of the early Church period; (3) practical insights in applying the lessons and events of the early Church history in preaching, teaching, and resolving current doctrinal disputes; (4) a foundation for continuing study of Church history; (5) skills in researching the original sources; (6) a deeper appreciation of the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Church.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once weekly for three-and-a-half hour sessions. Time in class will center on lecture and student interaction.

REQUIRED READING:

Bettenson, Henry. Documents of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0199568987, Pub. Price: $29.95 [95 pp.].

Clark, Elizabeth A. Women in the Early Church. The Liturgical Press, 1984. ISBN: 978-0814653326, Pub. Price $24.95 [258 pp].

Feldmeth, Nathan P. Pocket Dictionary of Church History. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830827039, Pub. Price $8.00 [151 pp.].

Froehlich, Karlfried, ed. and trans. Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church. Fortress, 1984. ISBN: 978-0800614140, Pub. Price $20.00 [144 pp.].

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. Vol. 1. Rev. ed. Harper & Row, 1975. ISBN: 978-0060649524, Pub. Price $25.99 [264 pp.].

Rusch, William C. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress, 1980. ISBN: 978-0800614102, Pub. Price $20.00 [179 pp].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines, 3rd ed. Harper & Row, 2000. ISBN: 978-0826452528, Pub. Price $39.80.

Livingstone, E. A., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-019280290903, Pub. Price: $150.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

The course grade is determined by student work consisting of:

1. A research paper [12-15 pages] (35%).

2. A midterm examination (20%).

3. A final examination (45%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.