Early Church History

Abstract

This foundation subject introduces students to skills appropriate to studying church history, including the use and analysis of early sources, both written and non-written, and later historical interpretations. It encompasses the contributions of the Apostolic Fathers and early Christian Apologists, and explores early challenges to the Christian movement from within and without. Close attention is given to church-state relations and the formulation of Christian theology by prominent theologians and significant councils, especially those convened at Nicaea and Chalcedon. The subject also examines early Christian monasticism, issues of ethnicity and gender, mission and the claims of the Bishop of Rome to supremacy. Consistent attention is given to understanding the broader context of the Graeco-Roman world in which Christianity developed.

Syllabus

The "Apostolic Fathers," second-century Christian apologists, and their opponentsThe impact on churches of Graeco-Roman culture, Roman imperial power, and Judaism"Docetism," "Gnosticism," "Montanism" and other heterodox movements prior to 250 CEThe persecution, harassment and martyrdom of Christians in the early centuries: causes and effectsChurch and empire I: the Constantian dynasty and … For more content click the Read More button below.

The "Apostolic Fathers," second-century Christian apologists, and their opponents
The impact on churches of Graeco-Roman culture, Roman imperial power, and Judaism
"Docetism," "Gnosticism," "Montanism" and other heterodox movements prior to 250 CE
The persecution, harassment and martyrdom of Christians in the early centuries: causes and effects
Church and empire I: the Constantian dynasty and its legacies
The Council of Nicaea, the Arian controversy, and later developments, c. 311-381 CE
Church and empire II: East and West
Christian monasticism and asceticism, East and West
The lives, careers and writings of major figures in the early church (including Irenaeus, Origen, Athanasius, the Cappadocian Fathers, Jerome and Augustine of Hippo)
The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE), further Christological controversies, and the emergence of the eastern churches
Leo the Great, the papacy and the rise of Rome
Regional and ethnic diversity in the early Church
Gender and the role of women in the early Church

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate a broad and critical understanding of the principal movements in theology, ecclesiology and politics in the Christian Church during its formative period;

be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the primary source documents of this period and be able to analyse, interpret, and critically review these documents;

be able to analyse and critically evaluate historiographical approaches to the Christian faith across different cultures and ecclesial communities;

be able to research and communicate the relevance of historical documents for understanding the historical origins of contemporary churches in Australia and Asia;

be able to review critically and analyse the contribution of historians and historiographical perspectives from a variety of denominational and historical contexts; and

be able to demonstrate self-guided and collaborative learning, including basic research, writing and communication skills relevant to history as a discipline.

Assumed knowledge

Not available to students who have completed subject THL410.

Enrolment restrictions

Not available to students who have completed subject THL410.

Incompatible