THEO 3103 Early Christian Traditions

The first five centuries witnessed the intensive growth of the Christian tradition, which manifested itself in the development of an organizational structure (clergy and hierarchy), intricate doctrines and statements of belief (creeds), a variety of forms of worship and sacramental practice (liturgies), a scriptural canon that include both Old and New Testaments (Bible), as well as a host of other moral and spiritual traditions that have shaped Christianity down to the present day (martyrdom, monasticism, and celibacy). This course offers an overview of the early church with special attention to its ancient context and its multifaceted developments.