HIS6210EN - Evaluating Early Christian Apologetics and Polemics

Course description

Focuses on the writings of the early Christian apologists during the time of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire in the second, third, and beginning of the fourth centuries. The student compares and contrasts a number of different authors writing in defense of Christians both in Latin and in Greek, including Justin Martyr, Tatian, Tertullian, Origen, Clement, and others.

How this course benefits students

Explaining and defending the faith has been a constant since the first century. A student seeking to be on mission in the world can benefit from understanding the issues and approaches of the early centuries of Christianity, for there is nothing new under the sun.

Why this course is important

Defense of the faith is something every missional Christian has to do at some point. Understanding how the earliest Christians did just that offers both encouragement and instruction.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Historical Studies
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Stamenka Antonova, Professor of Early Christianity

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

Early apologetic practices are evaluated according to Biblical standards.

Missionally driven

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Contextually informed

The context of early apologetics is studied and applied to current contexts.

Interculturally focused

Early Christian apologetics apply to issues faced in all cutlures.

Practically minded

Students are equipped to apply what they have learned from history to contemporary apologetic efforts.

Experientially transformed

Students are encouraged to examine their own faith in light of both ancient and contemporary apologetics.