This highly interactive course is brimming with fascinating and varied content. It is designed to give students a “big picture” view of the history of Christianity, from the very beginnings to the present day. Together we will visit some of the most critical moments in the History of Christianity – moments of crisis that shaped its very nature.  Some of these defining moments produced shared understandings that have endured for centuries, while others fractured Christianity into divergent forms.

To investigate both the unity and diversity of Christianity, we will search out Christians of many times and places, looking in ancient Roman catacombs and North African caves, medieval cathedrals, storefront churches, and open-air meetings.  We will look to historical narratives, original writings, works of art, and sacred songs to help us to experience the moments that defined and diversified Christianity.

This is a richly interactive course that provides constant interchange with the instructor and with fellow students. Because it provides a chronological introduction to Christianity, it is suitable for students of all faiths and all levels of prior knowledge.