CH500
Robeck
CH500: EARLY CHURCH HISTORY. Cecil M. Robeck, Jr.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will provide an introductory overview of the more
important themes and events in the history of the church from the New Testament
through Augustine. Students will study the variety of religious movements, the
development of pivotal doctrines, the role of specific personalities, and the
place of certain charismatic features in the Church as they emerge during this
critical period of the Church's history.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course is designed to foster a love for and encourage an
appreciation for the Church, for the faithfulness of those who helped to
formulate the Christian tradition as it has been handed down to us, and for the
legitimate diversity contained within that one Church. A study of the
historical and theological foundations of the Church, including its varied
practices, its sacramental character, its creedal confessions, and its
doctrinal development should help students understand more fully their own
traditions, enable them to understand, believe, and articulate their reasons
for holding to their positions, and enrich their ability to discern potential
problems by introducing them to similar issues which have risen or been
resolved before.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet two hours, twice a week in a lecture-discussion
format.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bettenson, Henry, ed. Documents of the Christian Church. 2nd
ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986. Sections on the period through to
A.D. 600 only.
- Frend, W. H. C. The Rise of Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress
Press, 1984.
- Davis, Lee Donald. The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their
History and Theology. Collegeville, MN: Michael Glazier/The Liturgical
Press, 1983.
- Meredith, Anthony. The Cappadocians. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's
Seminary Press, 1995.
- Selected documents.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- There will be one midterm and a final examination covering the
textbooks and lectures together accounting for 70% of the final grade. A
five-page paper based upon one of the documents will count for 30% of the final
grade.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Church History "a" (CHA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.