Church History

Church History (Reformed history)

Course Description:

This course will discuss the history of the Christian church during the 1300 up to 1700 AD focusing on the reforms by Martin Luther and other reformers which sparked the age of the Reformation. We will approach this period both diachronically and synchronically that is we will highlight important figures within this period and discuss some of their significant works which help spread their theological ideas and concepts.

Course outline:

1. Orientation
   • The early church,
   • Beginnings and expansion,
   • What the reformers retrieved and upheld from the teachings; and
   • practices of the early church
2. Events which precipitated the reformation

• Babylonian captivity
• The Great Schism and conciliar movements
• The widespread corruption and abuses in the Papacy and clergy
• Reforms of Wycliffe and Hus
• The Renaissance and its impact to Luther and other reformers
• Political climate during the late medieval period

3. Martin Luther and his works
   • Early life and his conversion to monastic life
   • His turning point: his reforms and teachings
   • His lasting influence
   • Philip Melanchthon
4. Ulrich Zwingli and Bullinger
   • Anabaptists
   • radical reformers
5. John Calvin
   • his works and contribution
   • Theodore Beza
   • The confessions and TULIP
   • The English Reformation
6. What kind of reformation do we need today?

Course requirements

A research paper (7-8 pages) on any of our CRCP churches focusing on its history, models in developing leadership and discipleship and future plans for church growth, discipleship and mission.