Content

This unit explores the context and writings of the Second Century AD, particularly the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and the early apologists. Students are guided through a close and critical reading of select texts, paying attention to genre, rhetoric and theological discourse. Students will learn to let ancient texts speak for themselves, without reading their own opinions into them; this will be done by analysing their content, context, methodology, authorial intent and appropriation by readership of subsequent centuries. The relevance of these texts to contemporary social and theological challenges will be discussed. The views of modern scholarship, interpretation and criticism of these ancient texts will also be presented and discussed.

Unit code: CT1420A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the message, content and theology of the Apostolic Fathers and the apologists of the second century

2.

Read early Christian texts with understanding, identifying the genre, methodology, historical context and theological contribution

3.

Articulate the theological issues at stake in second century centres of Christianity

4.

Explore themes from the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and the early apologists and place them in dialogue with contemporary culture

5.

Engage with modern scholarly discussion elucidating the primary source material

Pedagogy

Weekly lectures Weekly readings from primary texts Weekly readings from secondary set texts peer-reviewed journals

Indicative Bibliography

  • Behr, John. The Way to Nicaea. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001. (recommended for purchase)
  • Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. London: Penguin Books, 1993.
  • Daniélou, Jean, and Marrou, Henri Irénée. The First Six Hundred Years. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1964.
  • Frend, W. H. C. The Rise of Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984.
  • Grant, Robert M. Greek Apologists of the Second Century. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1988.
  • Holmes, Michael W. The Apostolic Fathers in English. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2006. (recommended for purchase)
  • Ignatius, and Stewart-Sykes, Alistair. The Letters. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2013.
  • Melito, and Stewart-Sykes, Alistair. On Pascha: With the Fragments of Melito and Other Material Related to the Quartodecimans. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Wiki

Wiki Forum Post (250 words)

0 10.0
Wiki

Wiki Forum Post (250 words)

0 10.0
Essay

Essay (2,000 words)

0 50.0
Essay

Essay (1,500 words)

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:44:47 +1100