Christian History Course

CHRISTIAN HISTORY ESSAY

John Ozanich

The Christian History course was a wonderful walk through the people, places and events in the formation of the Christian Church.  The emphasis placed on the fathers of the early Christian Church was particularly enlightening.

Through Paul’s writings to the church of Galatia we learn how God prepared things in preparation for the arrival of Jesus.  Throughout the course we learn of the interplay between Jews, Romans and Greeks which shaped Christianity, the church and the challenges which would come to the faith.  Highlighted is the notion that the place, time and events surrounding the coming of the Savior was carefully chosen by God to ensure the proper affect.  The first large and organized unification of disparate nations under Romans rule helped facilitate the spread of Christ’s message throughout the known world.  Had He come prior to this time, the lack of organized interaction between all the people’s of the known world would have prevented the effective spread of His word.

The plethora of pagan religions present at the time in the many various culture provided an early challenge to the church.  Even willing converts to Christianity had difficulty in letting go of their long held Gods and practices.  The early church fathers spent considerable time teaching the proper theology of Christianity and its practices.  Continuous issues of apologetics and polemics erupted and were dealt with in order to maintain trueness to the faith.

The wisdom and logic of Greek faith was pervasive in Roman at the time both assisted in the resolution of theologic matters and frustrated them as many tried to place their own spin on Christianity through the filter of Greek philosophy.  Due to Alexander the Great’s earlier conquest and unification of the region, Koine Greek served as the single common language among all the disparate groups of the mideast region.  For this reason, Green was used to write the first Christian scripture, thus ensuring is readability to the largest possible audience.

The course also discusses some of the historicity of Jesus, citing references by various non-believers from the time period of Christ.  References by scholars are included such as Tacitus, Pliny, Suetonius and Lucian.  Other evidence to the historicity of Jesus’ life is offered.  A brief overview of the life, words and works of Jesus is provided.  The spread of Christianity among the Jews and the establishment of the first Jerusalem church are explained.

A lengthy and interesting exploration of the life and works of the Apostle Paul are presented.  Paul is credited with bringing Christianity to the gentiles.  His life, philosophy, writing and theology in regards to his work in converting gentiles to the Christian faith are presented.  Paul battled the legalism of Judaism and the philosophical interference of Greece to maintain the true faith.

A description of the scrolls and scriptures, the various letters and writings of the early members of the faith which became the foundation for Christian theosophy and organization of the early church is presented.  The development of church government, the various offices and operations is quite interesting.

The social and political impact of the birth of Christianity is described.  This fascinating convergence of various nations, religions, philosophies and cultures is explained along with their individual contributions to the development of Christianity.  Along with this is explained the unintended influence of all these outside factors which tended to pollute the true theology and teachings of Christ and required continuous vigilance by church authorities.

Probably the most valuable teaching of the course is the extensive explorations of the church fathers, their lives, their works, their influences and writings.  Through the understanding of these early players in the development of Christianity we understand the true teachings and intent imparted to them by Jesus Christ.

This course is highly informative and enjoyable.

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