Christendom: Defense of the Faith
$1.00/elective term
Christendom: Defense of the Faith
This class is currently archived, but if you're interested in it being taught again, you can
express your interest here!
About the course
Christendom: Defense of the Faith,Scholasticism in the High Middle Ages, immerses students into one of the most misunderstood periods of history. Start by learning about Anselm's theological defense of the faith as he explains his ontological argument for the existence of God. Through Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain, learn about the background to the Crusades. Finally, learn about the Crusades themselves, both the good, and the bad. Don't miss the harrowing tales of Vikings escaping Constantinople and knights fighting for the faith!
Course Objectives:
- To become proficient in the conversational approach to learning: close readings, interpretive questions, and Socratic discussions of the texts.
- To gain a grasp of the literary figures and the historical framework of the time period.
- To develop lateral thinking skills by analyzing and synthesizing themes and motifs.
- To cultivate an appetite for learning as a way of life (the life of the mind).
- To cultivate a desire to pursue the highest things.
- To be able to think Christianly and write persuasively about perennial human questions.
Texts or Required Materials:
– Anselm’s Works – History of the Kings of Britain – The Golden Legend – Chronicles of the Crusades
Materials for this course will be made available free of charge by the instructor.
About the teacher
Kevin G. Smith
Kevin grew up in Oregon, earned a BA at Multnomah and an M.A. at Nazarene Theological Seminary. He is currently completing a PhD in Historical Theology at the University of Nottingham. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their little girl.