CH 211 Course at a Glance (2025)

Ancient Church

Lectures By: Dr. Todd Rester

2 Credits


Course Description

This course examines the rise, spread, and development of Christianity in its social and intellectual dimensions from the close of the apostolic era, through the period of late Roman antiquity to the early seventh century before the rise of Islam. A variety of topics and themes are addressed. A central portion of this narrative are the debates and context surrounding the theological, Christological, and Trinitarian controversies in their political, social, and economic context and ramifications. It is also a critical examination of and reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing ancient Christians as well as their character and practices that facilitated the growth and spread of Christianity globally. This course encourages students to think critically and circumspectly while considering the past in its context as a means of understanding and engaging the present with discernment.


Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

The Early Church. The Penguin History of the Church series, vol. 1, revised
By Herman Henry Chadwick

Penguin, 1993

ISBN: 978-0140231991
Early Christian Doctrines, 5th ed.

By J. N. D. Kelly 

HarperOne, 1978

ISBN: 9780060643348

*You can use either the 4th or 5th edition
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition

By Jaroslav
Pelikan
Chicago, 1975

ISBN: 9780226653716

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1-1.5 80-110 2-3
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • Small Groups [4 - 1 hr meetings]
  • Midterm Exam [2-3 hr exam]
  • Final Exam [2-3 hr exam]