Early Church History – Beginnings to A.D. 900 Thursdays at 7:00 PM Beginning January 21 Taught by Dr. Ross Purdy This course will examine the development of Christianity from its context in Judaism to the formation of a well-developed organized religion (Beginnings to A.D. 900). The lectures will provide a brief introduction to the early Church, examining the difficult situation in which Christianity emerged. Students will discover the ancient church councils and creeds, the martyrs, the missionaries, and the heretics. Information will also be provided on the history of non-Chalcedonian (ancient eastern) churches. Particular attention will be given to the historical development of Christian theology in its social and political contexts.