CH 211 Course at a Glance

Ancient Church

Lecturing Faculty: Todd Rester

Effective for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Course Description

This course examines the rise, spread, and development of Christianity in its social and intellectual dimensions from the close of the apostolic era, through the period of late Roman antiquity to the early seventh century before the rise of Islam. A variety of topics and themes are addressed. A central portion of this narrative are the debates and context surrounding the theological, Christological, and Trinitarian controversies in their political, social, and economic context and ramifications. It is also a critical examination of and reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing ancient Christians as well as their character and practices that facilitated the growth and spread of Christianity globally. This course encourages students to think critically and circumspectly while considering the past in its context as a means of understanding and engaging the present with discernment.

Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

Early Christian Doctrine: Revised Edition
by J.N.D. Kelly
Harper Collins Publishers, 1978
ISBN: 9780060643348
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600) (Volume 1)
by Jaroslav Pelikan
University of Chicago Press, 1975
ISBN: 9780226653716
The Early Church (The Penguin History of the Church)
by Herman Henry Chadwick
Penguin Group, 1993
ISBN: 9780140231991

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1 149 1.7
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • 1 Midterm Exam [~3-4 hours]
  • 1 Final Exam [~3-4 hours]
  • 4 Live Class Meetings (Please see schedule below)
  • Small Group Meetings [4 - 1 hr mtgs]

Synchronous Meeting Times

Please note the synchronous sessions listed below. These sessions are live class meetings where you will meet with your instructor and fellow classmates. Though attendance is highly encouraged as these sessions are integral to the course, students may submit an alternative assignment. Please note, attendance is required during the meeting times listed. If you cannot attend regularly, then please reach out to support@wts.edu before registering for the course.

  • Live Class Meeting 1: 02/14/2024 (7:00-8:00pm ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 2: 02/28/2024 (7:00-8:00pm ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 3: 03/13/2024 (7:00-8:00pm ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 4: 04/03/2024 (7:00-8:00pm ET)