CH500
Bradley
CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. James Bradley.
DESCRIPTION:
- An introduction to the most important themes and people in church
history and historical theology from the post-apostolic fathers through
Augustine.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Early church history provides a theological foundation for the work
of the ministry by surveying the historical development of such pivotal
doctrines as the Trinity, christology, and soteriology. The course also
introduces the student to the sacramental practices and creedal confessions of
the early church. Through studying the teaching and practice of early
Christians, students will learn to love the Church and to discern the perennial
dangers that threaten her; they will come to understand and believe her
doctrines, faithfully hand on her traditions, and diligently attend to her
interests and mission.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet for two-hour sesssions, twice a week.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church.
Oxford University Press, 1967. Sections on the period through to A.D. 600
only.
- Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. Penguin, 1967.
- Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity, Vol. 1. Harper
& Row, 1975.
- Tucker, Ruth A. and Walter Liefeld. Daughters of the Church.
Academie, 1987.
- Documents.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- There will be two examinations covering the textbooks and lectures
together accounting for 70% of the final grade. A five-page paper based upon
one of the documents and reading notes on the other documents. These papers
will be weighted 30% of the final grade.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.