HIS 301: History of the Early Church

Title: HIS 301: History of the Early Church

Subtitle: Foundations and Growth of the Christian Movement

Course Name & Level: History of the Early Church, Bachelor Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Early Church, Church History, Apostolic Age

1. Introduction:

This course explores the history of the early Christian church from its inception at Pentecost through the end of the 4th century. Students will study the significant events, key figures, and theological developments that shaped the early church.

2. Course Description:

An advanced course focusing on the historical and theological development of the early Christian church, emphasizing the impact of King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission on the growth and spread of Christianity.

3. Course Purpose:

To understand the foundational history of the early Christian church and its significance for contemporary faith and practice.

4. Course Objectives:

To explore the historical context, key events, and influential figures of the early church, and to understand their impact on the development of Christian doctrine and practice.

5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:

• Pentecost: The event in Acts 2 where the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, marking the birth of the church.
• Apostolic Age: The period of church history during the lifetimes of the apostles.
• Persecution: Hostility and violence faced by early Christians from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
• Council of Nicaea: The first ecumenical council held in 325 AD, which addressed the Arian controversy and formulated the Nicene Creed.
• Church Fathers: Early Christian theologians and writers who shaped the doctrine and practices of the church.

6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:

• Introduction to Early Church History: Overview of the scope and significance of early church history.
• The Apostolic Age: Study of the lives and ministries of the apostles and the spread of the Gospel.
• Persecution and Martyrdom: Examination of the persecution faced by early Christians and the stories of key martyrs.
• Early Christian Worship and Practices: Exploration of how early Christians worshipped and practiced their faith.
• Development of Church Structure: Study of the evolution of church leadership and organizational structures.
• Heresies and Orthodoxy: Examination of early heresies and the church’s efforts to define and defend orthodoxy.
• The Council of Nicaea: Detailed study of the events and outcomes of the Council of Nicaea.
• Church Fathers and Their Writings: Analysis of the contributions of key church fathers to theology and church practice.
• Missionary Expansion: Exploration of the spread of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire.
• Legacy of the Early Church: Understanding the lasting impact of the early church on contemporary Christianity.

7. Assessments with Descriptions:

• Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and historical events related to the early church.
• Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics in early church history.
• Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen topic related to early church history.
• Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
• Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
• Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
• Presentation: A presentation on a significant figure or event in early church history.

8. Research References:

• The Early Church by Henry Chadwick. eBook format. MLA Citation: Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. Penguin Books, 1993.
• Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years by Diarmaid MacCulloch. eBook format. MLA Citation: MacCulloch, Diarmaid. Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years. Viking, 2010.
• The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine by Eusebius of Caesarea. eBook format. MLA Citation: Eusebius of Caesarea. The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine. Translated by G.A. Williamson, Penguin Books, 1989.
• The Apostolic Fathers by Michael W. Holmes. eBook format. MLA Citation: Holmes, Michael W., editor. The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd ed., Baker Academic, 2007.
• The Rise of Christianity: History, Documents, and Key Questions by Rodney Stark. eBook format. MLA Citation: Stark, Rodney. The Rise of Christianity: History, Documents, and Key Questions. Princeton University Press, 1996.

This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the history of the early church, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.