| Apologists, Fathers, Monks, Scholastics: The History of the Church to 1500
Instructor: Scott Amos
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Course Description
Christianity is, among other things, an intensely historical faith, rooted in history. Historical narrative, in particular the history of redemption, features prominently in the Bible and thus in the faith that Christians profess. Most Christians have a grasp of the basic outline of biblical history; but what of the history of the Christian faith subsequent to the New Testament? Though it is not part of the history of redemption, the history of the Church is nonetheless a large part of what makes us who we are as a body of believers today. Church history links the past and present of the Church, and underscores for us the trans-temporal character of the communion of the saints and our common identity through the ages, despite all the differences we find in studying the history of the Church. This course is intended to develop an appreciation for Church history, and in particular the way in which the theology of the Church developed over time.
This course will focus on readings from leading theologians and teachers of the Church through the ages. The fall course
will look at the ancient Church (ca. 100 – ca. 600) and the medieval Church (ca. 600 – ca. 1500), and will discuss such individuals as Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas.
We will seek to combine attention to the development of Christian doctrine while setting out the outlines of the broader historical narrative of the Church’s development over the centuries. With reference to the mechanics of this course, there will be two elements in each session. The lectures will examine questions relating to the development of theology within its broader historical context; class discussion will focus on readings taken from leading theologians and teachers of the Church through the ages, as well as addressing any questions arising from the lecture
Apologists, Fathers, Monks, Scholastics: The History of the Church to 1500 may be taken for credit (for an additional cost) through an extension arrangement with Reformed Theological Seminary - Washington, D.C. Students interested in academic credit may apply through the Center for Christian Study by contacting Carl Briggs at 434-817-1050 or carl@studycenter.net.
SCOTT AMOS is Assistant Professor of History at Lynchburg College. He holds a Ph.D. in historical theology and Church history from the University of St. Andrews, and for part of the time during his research he was a Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies at the University of Cambridge. His specialization is in the area of Reformation history, and he has interests in the history of biblical interpretation. He has published articles in Westminster Theological Journal, Reformation and Renaissance Review, and Renaissance Studies, as well as in a number of edited volumes. His other degrees include a bachelor’s degree in history from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary. He earned a master of divinity degree and a master of theology degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. (A more complete biographical listing of Scott's academic career is here).
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