A student qualified to take this course has to have successfully completed CHS101 Church History I course in this series and/or show a qualifying ability and knowledge of Church History from Circa 30 CE to 300 CE. These students must have a good working knowledge of key people and events in Church History during this stated course period.

CHS202 explores the early development of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age through the end of the 3rd century. This course examines the spread of Christianity, the formation of early Christian doctrines, and the Church's confrontation with the Roman Empire. Students will study key events, figures, and writings to gain a comprehensive understanding of how early Christianity evolved and laid the foundations for future theological and ecclesiastical developments. The course also includes a comparative analysis of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, highlighting their theological similarities and differences.

Chapter Titles and Topics:

1. The Birth of the Church
• The Day of Pentecost and the early Church in Jerusalem
• Sources: Acts 1-7, A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. I)
2. The Apostolic Mission
• Saul's conversion and the missionary journeys of Paul
• Sources: Acts 8-28, Pauline Epistles, A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. I)
3. Early Christian Communities
• Growth of the Church in the Roman world
• Key figures and writings of the early Church Fathers: Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Clement of Rome
• Sources: A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. II)
4. Theological Developments and Controversies
• Gnosticism and early heresies
• The role of Apologists like Justin Martyr
• Sources: Writings of Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. II)
5. The Persecution of Christians
• Major persecutions under Roman emperors
• Stories of martyrdom and resilience
• Sources: Acts of the Martyrs, Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History, A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. II)
6. The Development of Church Structure
• Evolution of Church hierarchy and roles
• Establishment of key doctrinal positions
• Sources: Didache, A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. II)
7. Transition to the Patristic Period
• The end of the Apostolic Age and the rise of the Church Fathers: Tertullian, Origen
• Sources: A History of the Church by Philip Hughes (Vol. II)
8. Comparative Analysis of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• From a Cult of Judaism to a Separate Faith
• The Concept of Time
• The Reckoning of a Day (Jewish vs. Roman)
• The Calendar
• The Holidays or Feast Days Compared (Shalosh Regalim and Yamin Tovim)

Learning Objectives:

1. Historical Contextualization: Understand the historical and cultural context of the early Christian period, including significant events and figures that influenced the development of Christian thought.
2. Theological Foundations: Examine key theological concepts and doctrinal developments established during the Apostolic and Patristic periods.
3. Primary Source Analysis: Analyze primary sources, including writings of the Church Fathers, ecumenical council decrees, and other historical documents, to gain insights into early Christian beliefs and practices.
4. Interfaith Relations: Explore the interactions and tensions between early Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and understand how these relationships influenced theological and doctrinal developments.
5. Response to Heresies: Investigate the early Church’s responses to various heresies and understand the processes through which orthodoxy was established and maintained.

Recommended Texts:

• Hughes, Philip. A History of the Church (Volumes I and II)
• Bettenson, Henry, and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the Christian Church
• Schaff, Philip, ed. Ante-Nicene Fathers
• Origen. On First Principles
• Tertullian. Apology and Against Marcion
• Neusner, Jacob. The Talmud: A Close Encounter
• The Quran. Translated by Sahih International

This course provides a thorough grounding in the foundational period of early Christianity, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage with the historical and theological developments that have shaped the Christian tradition from circa 30 CE to 300 CE.

Upon successful completion of CHS202, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the Historical Context of Early Christianity:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the key historical events and cultural factors that influenced the development of the early Christian Church from 30 CE to 300 CE.
• Identify and explain the significance of major figures, such as the apostles, Church Fathers, and Roman emperors, in the history of early Christianity.
2. Understand Theological Developments:
• Explain the formation and evolution of early Christian doctrines, including the responses to heresies such as Gnosticism and Marcionism.
• Describe the contributions of early Apologists like Justin Martyr and their role in defending and articulating Christian beliefs.
3. Evaluate Primary Sources:
• Analyze primary sources, including the writings of the Church Fathers, ecumenical council decrees, and early Christian texts, to gain insights into early Christian theology and practice.
• Conduct exegesis of relevant biblical, Quranic, and apocryphal passages to understand their historical and theological significance.
4. Examine Interfaith Relations:
• Explore the interactions and tensions between early Christianity, Judaism, and emerging Islam, and assess how these relationships influenced theological and doctrinal developments.
• Compare and contrast the theological perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in relation to key concepts such as the nature of God, prophecy, and religious practices.
5. Assess the Impact of Persecution:
• Discuss the major persecutions of Christians under Roman emperors and the resilience demonstrated by early Christian communities in the face of adversity.
• Analyze the stories of martyrdom and their impact on the growth and development of the early Church.
6. Understand the Development of Church Structure:
• Trace the evolution of Church hierarchy and roles, including the establishment of key positions such as bishops, presbyters, and deacons.
• Explain the significance of early Church documents like the Didache in shaping ecclesiastical organization and practice.
7. Evaluate the Transition to the Patristic Period:
• Assess the contributions of key Church Fathers, such as Tertullian and Origen, in the development of early Christian theology and the transition from the Apostolic Age to the Patristic Period.
• Understand the role of ecumenical councils and creeds in defining and unifying Christian doctrine.
8. Conduct Comparative Theological Analysis:
• Analyze the concept of time, calendar systems, and religious observances in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Understand the historical and theological context of major Jewish and Christian feast days and their counterparts in Islamic tradition.
9. Engage in Critical Thinking and Scholarly Research:
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills through the analysis and interpretation of historical and theological texts.
• Conduct scholarly research on topics related to early Christian history, utilizing both primary and secondary sources to support well-argued conclusions.
10. Communicate Historical and Theological Insights:
• Effectively communicate insights and findings through written assignments, research papers, and oral presentations.
• Engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions about historical and theological issues, demonstrating an ability to consider diverse perspectives.

These outcomes will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the early Christian Church's development and its historical and theological contexts, preparing them for further studies in Church history, theology, and related disciplines.