The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation

West (centered in Rome). Expansion of Christianity into new

lands and new languages increased.

•    The third section, “The Medieval Church,” covers the 9th to the 15th

centuries, bringing our survey to the edge of the Reformation.

o Increasing complexity of relations with emperors and kings

was a constant theme of these centuries.

o The split between the Eastern (Orthodox) version of

Christianity and the Western (Catholic) version divided

Christianity, just as the threat of Islam grew more powerful.

o The creativity of Christianity in Europe was marked by the

development of monasticism (and its reforms), crusades,

cathedrals, and universities.

o Other aspects of medieval Christianity, including obvious

corruption, began to stimulate efforts at reform.

•    The final lecture of the course considers Christianity as “the ever-

adapting religion,” asking what elements remain constant within all

its historical changes.

Johnson, A History of Christianity.

Marty, The Christian World.

1. Consider the difference between a naive and a critical understanding of
   history, between thinking of the past as a place one can go to and history
   as a constructive activity of the present.


2. Why is the historical study of any subject dependent on the availability
   and character of primary sources?

Suggested Reading

Questions to Consider