The Historical Study of Christianity

Begin by contemplating the massive historical trajectory of Christianity, as well as contemporary ignorance of its past. Consider the value of historical study ...

The First Cultural Context - Greece and Rome

Understanding the cultural contexts of early Christianity is fundamental for grasping its history.

The First Cultural Context - Judaism

Judaism is the most important cultural context for early Christianity. Contemplate the circumstances of Jewish life in ancient Palestine as well as in the Diasp...

The Jesus Movement and the Birth of Christianity

Consider the resurrection as marking the birth of Christianity, as rooted in the claims of the first believers to an experience of ultimate power and transforma...

Paul and Christianity's First Expansion

Christianity spread with amazing speed in the decades following Jesus's death. Begin by observing how this expansion happened and the broad adaptations Christia...

The Diversity of Early Christianity

This lecture notes influences in early Christianity beyond the pivotal figures of Jesus and Paul. In particular, investigate the differences in conviction and p...

The Unpopular Cult - Persecution

In tracing the Christian "age of persecution," begin by examining the prior history of repression of both Jews and philosophers, and the problems posed by the C...

Forms of Witness - Martyrdom and Apologetic

In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, martyrdom and apologetic literature responded powerfully to the persecution of Christians. Investigate the phenomenon of martyrdom...

Extreme Christianity in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries

Radical forms of Christianity continued the movement's original diversity in even more dramatic ways. Trace early accounts of wonder-working, and Christian soci...

The Shaping of Orthodoxy

Here, identify the pivotal factors that secured the framework of Christianity, defining an orthodoxy based in tradition and reason.

Institutional Development before Constantine

Christianity's growth, accompanied by its development of solid social structures, finally positioned it as an irresistible force. First, trace the movement's br...

The Beginnings of Christian Philosophy

Early Christian philosophy emphasized the religion as a way of moral transformation, and initiated a serious intellectual discourse with the wider world.

Imperial Politics and Religion

Christianity made a dramatic turn in the 4th century, becoming the established religion of the Roman Empire. Investigate the pivotal roles the emperors Diocleti...

Constantine and the Established Church

This lecture follows the complex process of the "conversion" of the empire to Christianity. Track the bold actions of Constantine in his patronage of the new fa...

The Extension of Christian Culture

In the religion's new context, see how substantial territories became Christian through conversion under imperial authority. Then explore the church's expanding...

Monasticism as Radical Christianity

Monasticism exerted an enormous influence on Christianity from its inception. Trace its development in 3rd-century Egypt, and learn about the elements and princ...

The Emergence of Patriarchal Centers

In the 4th and 5th centuries, prominent cities competed for authority within the imperial religion. Look first at the reasons for the early primacy of Rome, and...

Theological Crisis and Council - The Trinity

Complex doctrinal disputes divided Christians in the 4th through the 6th centuries. Here, track the 4th-century controversy over the divinity of Jesus and the r...

Theological Crisis and Council - Christology

The controversy concerning the Trinity raged through the 5th and 6th centuries, now focused on the nature of Christ, the God-Man.

The Distinctive Issues of the Latin West

In grasping Christianity's development in the Western empire, investigate two major controversies, Donatism and Pelagianism, rooted in questions of moral rigor ...

Expansion beyond the Boundaries of Empire

This lecture counters the tendency to think of Christianity as a European religion, charting its extensive geographical spread through the 6th century.

The Court of Justinian and Byzantine Christianity

Here, evaluate the extraordinary legacy of the emperor Justinian of Byzantium. Follow his conquests to restore the greatness of the empire, his economic and leg...

The Rise of Islam and the Threat of Iconoclasm

In the 6th and 7th centuries, Byzantine Christianity faced both external and internal pressures. Track the dramatically rapid spread of Islam through military c...

Eastern Orthodoxy - Holy Tradition

This lecture uncovers the remarkable cultural riches of the Orthodox tradition. First, see how a 9th-century Byzantine mission established Christianity in Russi...

From Roman Empire to Holy Roman Empire

Now follow the dramatic political events that marked the transition from imperial Christianity to medieval Christianity.

Benedictine Monasticism and Its Influence

Benedictine monasticism played a foundational role in the shaping of medieval Christianity, and it continues to thrive today.

Evangelization of Western Europe

A spectrum of powerful figures fueled Christianity's expansion in the West. Reckon with the contributions of the popes Damasus I, Leo I, and Gregory "the Great"...

The Great Divorce between East and West

In the 11th century, relations between Orthodoxy (East) and Catholicism (West) were severed, a schism that has remained for more than a thousand years.

Monastic Reform

Investigate the appeal of monasticism in the medieval world and why this dominant institution in the Catholic West required constant renewal.

Cathedrals and Chapters

The majestic cathedrals of European Christendom are a key to medieval Catholic life. Study the two archetypal cathedral styles, Romanesque and Gothic; their ico...

The Crusades

The Crusades to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims represented deep ambiguities in Christian identity.

Papal Revolution

This lecture follows the ascending power of the papacy in Christian Europe. Assess the careers of two "super-popes," Gregory the VII and Innocent III, as they a...

Universities and Theology

Our contemporary universities have origins in medieval universities that were entirely Christian. Trace the rise of universities in the West - their functions, ...

The Great Plague

The 14th century saw a period of natural and human-caused disasters that negatively affected society and the church. Track the extreme hardships of the Black De...

Corruption and the Beginnings of Reform

By the late medieval era, systemic dysfunction within Christianity led to efforts at structural reform. Grasp the critical issues the church faced in the practi...

The Ever-Adapting Religion

The course concludes with reflections on the numerous cultural adaptations Christianity has made on its path to becoming a "world religion."

The Great Courses Presents: The History of Christianity Promo