CHIS 6163 - The Journey of The Early Church

3 credits

Emphasizes the development of Christianity in the centuries from the post- Apostolic era into the fourth century with a significant emphasis upon its existence vis-a-vis pagan society and the Constantinian Empire. Topics will include: the place of martyrs as witnesses to the passion of Christ, the efforts and goals of apologists, the faith and practice of the early Church as seen by both insiders and outsiders, the development of Christian theology, and the fervor surrounding Constantine and the Council of Nicaea. Consideration will be made of both the early Church in its context and related lessons for contemporary Christianity.