The Romans: Early Christianity

Romans: Early Christianity introduces students to the writings of the post-apostolic authors and their historical context. Learn about the persecutions of the early Christians and how they held fast to the faith as chronicled by the historian Eusebius. As the Church becomes more established, learn how early theologians defended the faith against various false doctrines, as was the case with Irenaeus, the Bishop of Lyon. Learn about the writings of The Apologists, Clement of Alexandria, and Justin Martyr, as well as one of the earliest Christian text after the close of the Canon, the Didache.

Course Objectives

1. To become proficient in the conversational approach to learning: close readings, interpretive questions, and Socratic discussions of the texts.
2. To gain a grasp of the literary figures and the historical framework of the time period.
3. To develop lateral thinking skills by analyzing and synthesizing themes and motifs.
4. To cultivate an appetite for learning as a way of life (the life of the mind).
5. To cultivate a desire to pursue the highest things.
6. To be able to think Christianly and write persuasively about perennial human questions.

Texts or Required Materials:

EARLY CHRISTIANITY (Roman Roads Reader recommended for this unit)

• The Didache
• First Letter of Clement
• Letters of Ignatius
• Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians
• Letter of Athenagoras
• Epistle to Diognetus
• First Apology of Justin Martyr
• Irenaeus’ Against Heresies Book 3, 5
• Clement of Alexandria’s Exhortation to the Greeks
• Eusebius’ Church History

Materials for this course will be made available free of charge by the instructor.