Christianity:The Patristic Era

Catalog description

This course covers the history of the Catholic Church from the New Testament period to the end of the 8th century. It introduces students to the discipline of ecclesiastical history and historiography. The course offers an overview of the life and ministry of the Fathers of the Church as well as their theological thought. Significant emphasis is placed on the first seven Ecumenical Councils (Nicæa I to Nicæa II). Topics include, but are not limited to, the early Pauline communities, the development of Church ministries, the impact of Constantine, the rise of monasticism, the early missionary activities of the Church, and the relationship of Church and state.