History & Theology of the Church

This course is an historical survey of the Christian church, focusing on its major theological movements, issues, controversies, and developments. While attention is given to significant events, personalities, and dates, the primary interest is the role and functions of theology in the formation of the church’s faith and life.

Goals and Course Objectives

Students completing this course should be able to:

◼ Demonstrate proficiency of knowledge of the chronological historical development of the Christian church since its firstcentury inception.

◼ Understand the major theological developments, events and controversies throughout the church’s history and how emerging theology has shaped the Christian church.

◼ Have awareness of the historical figures including the Church Fathers, theologians and important leaders of the Church who have significantly contributed to and impacted the church’s historical and theological development.

◼ Gain appreciation of the church’s ecclesiastic traditions and doctrinal practices through the study of their historical and cultural roots.

◼ Recognize the significant historical role of the church in society.

◼ Apply the knowledge and understanding gained in the course to their own ministry context.

Evaluation

1. Attendance & Participation –10%

2. Reflection Study Paper I – 15%

3. Reflection Study Paper II – 15%

4. Mid-Term Exam – 30%

5. Final Exam – 30%

Required Texts

Noll, Mark A., Komline, David and Komeline, Han-Luen Kantzer, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, 4th Edition (2022) Papandrea, James L., Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine (2022)

Course Format and Procedures

This course is designed as a lecture-discussion class. The instructor will be responsible for presenting pertinent course material in lecture form and facilitating on-going class discussions. Students are expected to prepare for each session by completing all assigned readings. Students are expected to be actively and thoughtfully engaged in class discussions and to contribute constructively to the entire class’s knowledge and understanding.

Mid-Term Exam

The Mid-Term Exam will cover Week 1 – Week 8 lecture material and assigned course reading. The exam will require both a knowledge of the facts and an understanding of their significance. It will consist of truefalse, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and matching answers. The exam is a take-home, open-book exam. You may use your class notes and textbooks in taking the exam. Late papers will have points deducted appropriately.

Reflection Study Papers

Two reflection papers will be assigned to cover specific study topics relating to course material. Each study paper must 3-5 pages typed, double spaced, Times Roman or similar font, with normal margins. In response to the reflection paper topic, be sure to:

◼ Demonstrate your knowledge of the concepts, subject matter, authors, publications and prominent theologians.

◼ Include lecture notes, reading materials and discussions to support your work.

◼ Include your “theological perspective” relating to the subject matter.

◼ Be prepared to present and defend your work.

◼ Submit your paper on time electronically. Points will be deducted for late papers appropriately.

Final Exam

The Final Exam will not be cumulative. It will cover only the course material covered in Week 9 – Week 16. Similar to the Mid-Term, the Final exam will require both a knowledge of the facts and an understanding of their significance. It will consist of true-false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and matching answers. The exam is a takehome, open-book exam. You may use your class notes and textbooks in taking the exam. Late exams will have points deducted appropriately.