THE 302 Early Christian Life and Thought
Studies the emergence of Christianity as a movement within Palestinian Judaism, its gradual growth amidst persecution in the Roman Empire, its conquest of the Roman world under Constantine and the Christian emperors, and its extension into Europe and beyond up to AD 600. Important themes to be discussed include the concepts of Christianity as a movement and its evolving relationship to the state; the development of Catholic doctrine through conflicts, creeds, and councils; the formation of the canon of Scripture; and Christian worship and the beginnings of sacramental practice. Students will also encounter through written texts the great figures who formed (or opposed) the early Christian Church.