RS 330 GR - The Evolution of Glbl Christianity

Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 4
Maximum Credit(s) Awarded: 4

Christianity has a rich and complex story to tell. Beginning with the New Testament era, our study then moves to the interaction between Christianity and Rome, sketching the new sect’s transition from a small and persecuted Jewish group to the sole legal religion of the Empire. Medieval Christianity features the Holy Roman Empire, the schism between Eastern and Western Christianity, and the encounter with Islam, while Renaissance brings new vitality to Christian thought and artistic expression. Early modern Christianity brings us the Reformations and expansion into Eastern Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Americas. Through all of this we trace the intricate interaction between Christians and their larger communities with an eye to the real issue: how does modern Christianity participate in the global community and how can it more effectively promote a just and compassionate world?

Prerequisite(s): T and W tags, or equivalent.