DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the most important themes and people in church history and historical theology from 500 to 1600 A.D. The first third of the course will treat the Medieval period and the second two-thirds, the Reformation.

The study of church history is relevant to ministry in that it helps the pastor or layperson understand her or his place (as an individual and a participant in a particular denomination or group) in the communion of saints, enables (one hopes) the student to learn from the mistakes and wisdom of the church throughout the ages, and fosters a sense of brother- and sisterhood with Christians of other communions.

The class will meet Mondays from 5 to 8:50 p.m.

Hillerbrand, H. J. The Protestant Reformation. New York: Harper and Row, 1968.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. A History of Christianity. New York: Harper and Row, 1975. (Chapters on the Medieval and Reformation periods only.)

Luther, Martin. Three Treatises. Fortress Press.

In-class handouts.

Regular assigned reading from the textbooks and handouts. One five-page reading report will be due on the the 8th week. The reading report will comprise 20% of the final grade. There will be a midterm and final examination, each weighted 40% of the final grade. The exam will have both essay and objective components.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "B" (CHB).

Yes.