Church History

Church History Course

Course Description:

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings in the first century to the present day. Students will examine key events, figures, movements, and theological developments that have shaped the church over the centuries. The course aims to provide an understanding of how the church has responded to various cultural, political, and social changes and how these factors have influenced Christian beliefs and practices.

Course Overview:

• Duration:12 weeks (adjustable based on your school’s academic calendar)
• Format: Weekly lectures, readings, discussions, and assessments
• Credits:3 Credits
• Assessment Methods: Essays, quizzes, participation in discussions, final exam

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Understand the major events, figures, and movements in the history of the Christian Church.
2. Analyze how historical contexts have influenced the development of Christian doctrines and practices.
3. Evaluate the impact of cultural, political, and social changes on the church’s evolution.
4. Develop a historical perspective that enhances their theological and practical understanding of the Christian faith.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Church History

• Overview of the scope and significance of Church History
• Key terms and concepts
• Understanding historical methods and sources

Week 2: The Early Church (30–500 AD)

• The Apostolic Age and the spread of Christianity
• Persecutions and the role of martyrs
• Development of the early church structure and doctrine
• Key figures: Apostles, Church Fathers (e.g., Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine)

Week 3: The Rise of the Imperial Church (313–500 AD)

• Constantine and the legalization of Christianity
• The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Nicene Creed
• Theological controversies and the development of orthodox doctrine
• Rise of monasticism

Week 4: The Medieval Church (500–1000 AD)

• The fall of the Western Roman Empire and its impact on Christianity
• The development of the papacy and its influence
• Spread of Christianity among barbarian tribes
• The rise of Islam and its impact on the Christian world

Week 5: The High Middle Ages (1000–1300 AD)

• The Crusades: Causes, events, and consequences
• Theological developments: Scholasticism (e.g., Anselm, Thomas Aquinas)
• The rise of religious orders (Franciscans, Dominicans)
• The Great Schism of 1054 between Eastern and Western Churches

Week 6: The Late Middle Ages (1300–1500 AD)

• The Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism
• Pre-Reformation movements (e.g., John Wycliffe, Jan Hus)
• Cultural and intellectual developments: Humanism and the Renaissance

Week 7: The Protestant Reformation (1500–1600 AD)

• Martin Luther and the 95 Theses
• Key reformers: John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and the Anabaptists
• The English Reformation (Henry VIII, Thomas Cranmer)
• Catholic Counter-Reformation: Council of Trent, Ignatius of Loyola

Week 8: The Age of Exploration and Global Missions (1500–1800 AD)

• Christianity’s expansion to the Americas, Asia, and Africa
• Colonialism and the church’s role in the New World
• Jesuit missions and other missionary movements

Week 9: The Enlightenment and Modernity (1700–1900 AD)

• The impact of the Enlightenment on Christian thought
• The rise of Deism, Rationalism, and challenges to traditional doctrines
• Revival movements (e.g., Methodism, the Great Awakenings)

Week 10: The Church in the 20th Century

• The Ecumenical Movement
• The rise of Pentecostalism and Evangelicalism
• Vatican II and modern Catholicism
• Christianity and social movements (Civil Rights, Liberation Theology)

Week 11: The Church in the Contemporary World (2000–Present)

• Christianity in a globalized world
• New theological movements and trends (e.g., Neo-Calvinism, Progressive Christianity)
• The challenges of secularism, pluralism, and postmodernism

Week 12: Review and Final Exam Preparation

• Comprehensive review of key themes and topics
• Final discussions and Q&A session
• Exam preparation strategies