The Greatest Controversies Of Early Christian History (Great Courses) (Teaching Company)

Chantilly, Virginia: The Teaching Company The Great Courses, 2013. First thus. Fine.
The Greatest Controversies of Early Christian History
The complete course of 24 - 30-minute lectures on 12 AUDIO CDs, and the guidebook (This course was not released in DVD-format) Excellent, undamaged condition of all 12 CD's and accompanying course guide889

From Publisher:

Christianity has arguably been the most important force in the history of Western civilization Whether we view it in religious, social, political, or economic terms, Christianity has deeply and integrally influenced the Western worldview and way of life, as well as our most basic notions of selfhood, morality, and ethics Without the presence and role of Christianity, our world would be considerably different As such, understanding Christianity is fundamental to understanding our civilization, our culture, and our origins

In reaching that understanding, no era is more relevant than the faith's first three centuries, when Christianity grew from a persecuted sect into a powerful religion Throughout Christian history, compelling controversies have existed surrounding that early era These controversies continue to puzzle scholars, theologians, and laypeople, bringing into question many common beliefs about the faith Exploring them sheds light on myths and historical fallacies that obscure an accurate view of the religion In their content, implications, and scope, the controversies are foundational for grasping how Christianity evolved to become what it is today

The individual controversies covered in this course highlight disputed questions concerning both faith and history:

As a subject of study, the controversies of early Christianity serve as a window on the development of a global religion, and on the theological thought that forged its defining doctrines In each case, the matters in question are historically significant, whether we are Christians, members of other religions, or nonbelievers

Now, in The Greatest Controversies of Early Christian History, award-winning professor and New York Times best-selling author Bart D Ehrman invites you to join him in a penetrating investigation of these provocative issues of Christianity In this revealing inquiry, you'll tackle 24 pivotal controversies from the most important formative era of the faith, investigating them with the tools of the historian and aiming to resolve them with academic rigor

Applying probing detective work to the controversies of the early church, these lectures pierce historical fictions, distortions, and misconceptions that come to us not only from common understandings of the faith but from contemporary sources such as popular novels and films

Drawing on the latest scholarship from many sources, this course examines a rich spectrum of subject matter, ranging from the circumstances surrounding Jesus's birth to his death and resurrection, and from Christian experience in the crucial era following his death to important doctrinal controversies of the 4th century Each lecture unfolds as a historical mystery, as you compare religious tradition, early Christian texts, and legend with the historical record, illuminating these highly charged matters of faith

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