Welcome - Christian Beginnings: The Orthodox and Oriental Churches
CLAS 2281 Christian Beginnings: The Orthodox and Oriental Churches
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course traces the development of Christianity from its origin as a Jewish sect to its status as the dominant religion within the Byzantine Empire. The Christian religion as patronized by the Eastern Roman Emperors identified itself with the persecuted Christian sect of the first three centuries through the cult of the martyrs, articulated in the increasing importance of relic, icon, and pilgrimage to holy place. The seven ecumenical councils (325-787) progressively defined the Orthodox faith and resulted in the rise of Oriental churches, rejecting aspects of the definitions. Through to our end-date of 843 (when the icon was finally accepted) themes will be treated by attention to historical events (including the rise of Islam), art, architecture, liturgy, and various genres of literature (including hagiography).
FORMAT: Lecture
CROSS-LISTING:
RELS 2281.03
EXCLUSIONS: CLAS 3280X/Y.06