History of Christianity

The course traces Christianity's meteoric development in the first millennium. It examines the break from Judaism, the formation of the Christian Bible, the age of martyrs, the theological golden period of the late Roman Empire, and the rise of the papacy and monasticism. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts, and profiles of important figures.

The course traces Christianity's vigorous but fragmented growth in the second millennium. It studies the grandeur of the medieval cathedrals, the ideas of scholasticism and mysticism, the challenges of the Reformation, the rise of modernity, and the course of Christianity in America. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts and profiles of important figures.

Augustine of Hippo (d. 430) grounds the history of western theology, and still informs modern fields like psychology and linguistics. While situating him in Roman antiquity, the course studies his thought as an account of Christian faith seeking understanding. We will read in depth his classic, theologically profound conversion story, the Confessions, and study his thought on God, Scripture, and the grace of Christ.

The course traces Christianity's development, from its origins as an obscure Jewish sect, through acceptance and growth in the late Roman Empire and mature self-definition in the Middle Ages, to the challenges of fragmentation and renewal in the Reformation and the modern world. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts, and profiles of important figures.

Guided inquiry for superior juniors and seniors who wish to pursue a particular subject area in Theology more intensely than course offerings permit. By special arrangement with members of the Theology faculty.

Special Offerings.

A required course for theology majors that explores advanced aspects of the discipline and practice of Theology. Students will examine key topics and theological methods of analysis. The course will focus on writing in the discipline, critical reading of primary and secondary sources and peer discussion.  Theology majors only.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor leading to a scholarly capstone document. Requires approval of capstone director, department chair, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate. Grade will be IP until all requirements are fulfilled.

Preparation for the presentation of a student's previous written work for a general audience. For Theology majors in track one, this will be a student's capstone thesis; for those in track two, this will be a paper chosen in consultation with a faculty mentor. Requires approval of the department chair.