HT 504 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY II
Spring 2016
Professor S. Donald Fortson
704 366-5066 (RTS) dfortson@rts.edu
Course Description
This general introduction to Christianity in the Reformation and Post-Reformation eras focuses on the key persons, movements and ideas that have made significant contributions to the history of the Church. Special attention will be given to exploring how experiences and insights from the Christian past inform contemporary faith and practice. As an outcome of the course, students should have a general grasp of Christian history during these periods and a basic knowledge of the major personalities and ecclesiastical issues of the 16 th
– 18 th
C. of Church History in Europe and Britain.
Required Texts
Dowley, Tim. Editor.
Introduction to the History of Christianity . Reprint. Grand Rapids:
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2006 (second edition, 2013).
Fortson, S. Donald. Colonial Presbyterianism: Old Faith in a New Land . Princeton Theological
Monograph Series, Pickwick Publications (Wipf & Stock), 2007.
George, Timothy. Theology of the Reformers (25 th
Anniversary Edition) B&H Academic, 2013.
Noll, Mark. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation . Baker Book House, 1991.
Course Requirements
1. Weekly Assignments
A.
Reading - Students will have weekly assignment sheets with readings from the required texts and Scripture that are due by the next class period.
B. Weekly Quiz - At the beginning of each class there will be a short cumulative quiz on dates from the assignment sheets. The dates will also be included as a part of the final exam.
C. Discussion Questions - Students will write a one-page typed response to the discussion questions for each assignment. Discussion question responses will be due at the end of class each week .
2. Biographical Paper Each student will choose an individual from Christian history that lived during the 16 th
– 18 th
Century and write a 12 -15 page (double-spaced, 12 point font) typed paper on this person. A least one major biography (200 page minimum) on the person should be read.
The paper should be a narrative of the person’s life and contribution to the Church of his/her day based on the biography read. The paper should conclude with a one-page reflection on insights from the person’s life that might be useful today. It is not necessary to use footnotes for

summaries of historical information if one is using only one book as the primary source.
However, if there are direct quotations from this one book, page numbers should be indicated. If one is using multiple sources, footnotes would be proper to indicate the source of specific information. Include a bibliography page at the end. The paper is due the last day of class .
Choosing a biography
Students are free to select from a wide array of biographies. One may choose a Protestant reformer, a Christian king or queen, hymn writer, pastor, theologian, missionary or any significant Christian that lived from the time of Martin Luther up through the end of the 18 th
Century. There are many options; use the Dowley text and course lectures to help you make a good choice. Autobiographies do not qualify for this assignment. Do not use a biography you have read before; learn about someone new.
Students are welcome to use multiple sources for the biography paper but this is not necessary.
One 200-page biography will fully satisfy the assignment.
Where to look
If you live near a Bible College, Christian University or Seminary, you will find a wealth of options in these libraries. Public universities and public libraries will also have a few biographies of famous Christians like Erasmus, Thomas Cranmer, John Wesley or Jonathan
Edwards. If your home church has a library, you may find something there. Also, your pastor may have a few Christian biographies in a personal library.
Students may also wish to consider purchasing a good biography that would be a useful addition to their own library. There are many places to look and one should not have a problem locating an acceptable biography.
3. Final Exam The final examination will include essay questions from the required reading and lectures. There will also be short-answer sections on important dates, people and ideas. The final may be taken anytime during the exam periods on campus.
4. Reading Report This report will indicate the amount of Required Reading that has been completed during the semester. The Reading Report is due the last day of exams .
5. Chapel Participation One of the fundamental tenets of Reformed theology is the centrality of preaching. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “The primary task of the Church and of the Christian minister is the preaching of the Word of God” (
Preachers and Preaching , 19). For this reason, we believe weekly chapel is an integral part of seminary training. It is an opportunity to hear the word preached in the context of preparing for the ministry. Since this class meets on Tuesday morning, we will treat chapel as part of this class. Thus, all students in this class are expected to attend. Chapel runs from 10:00-10:30AM (after which class will resume at 11AM). Please use this chapel time to particularly reflect upon the importance of the preached word for the
Protestant Reformation and our churches today.

Grading
Weekly Quizes and Discussion Questions - 25%
Biographical Paper - 25%
Reading Report - 25%
Final Exam - 25%
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation
(oral & written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks.
Scripture Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture.
Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.)
Reformed Theology Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards.
Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification.
Desire for Worldview
Winsomely Reformed
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God.
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a
God-honoring manner to non-Christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service.
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in America and worldwide.
Rubric
 Strong
 Moderate
 Minimal
 None
Strong
Minimal
Strong
Strong
Minimal
Strong
Minimal
Moderate
Moderate
Mini-Justification
1. Memorization of dates
2. Development of doctrine
3. Biographical studies
1. Discuss church’s interpretation of
Bible throughout course
2. Differences among Reformers
3. Sola Scriptura in Reformation
1. Calvin and Geneva
2. Reformed tradition in France,
Netherlands, England
3. Presbyterians in colonial America
1. Calvin’s view of Chr. Life
2. Spener and Pietism
3. Zinzendorf and Wesley
4. English Puritan piety
1. Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture
2. Views of Reformers
1. Diff. Branches of Reformation
2. R.C. Reform
3. Emergence of Evangelicalism
4. Great Awakening ecumenism
1. Calvin as a preacher
2. G. Whitefield’s preaching
1. Liturgy in Lutheran, Reformed,
Anabaptist and Anglican Traditions
1. Reformation ecclesiology
2. RC and Moravian missions
3. Preaching in Great Awakening

History of Christianity II
Assignment 1 – February 9
Reading:
1. Introduction to Hist. of Christianity , pp. 352-65. (293-303, 2 nd Edition)
2. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation , pp. 25-36.
3. Theology of the Reformers, pp. 21-48.
Dates to Remember:
1418 Thomas a Kempis writes Imitation of Christ
1453 Fall of Constantinople
1456
Guttenburg’s printed Bible
1512 Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel frescoes
1516
Erasmus’ Greek New Testament
Discussion Questions:
1. Should Christians be involved in the Arts? What challenges do Christians face in this arena?
2. How do you respond to this statement: “All truth is God’s truth”? What are the implications of this idea?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 2 – February 16
Reading:
1. Introduction to Hist. of Christianity , pp. 366-77, 384-86 (304-14, 318-19).
2. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation , pp. 59-80, 81-121.
3. Theology of the Reformers , pp. 53-106.
4. Eph. 2:8-9
Romans 1:17; 3:24,28; 5:1
2 Tim. 3:16
1 Tim. 2:1-6
Heb. 10:19-22.
Dates to Remember:
1517
1521
Martin Luther posts
Diet of Worms
95 Theses
1530 Augsburg Confession
1555 Peace of Augsburg
1577
Discussion Questions:
Formula of Concord
1. How would you explain to a Roman Catholic friend Luther’s understanding of justification by faith alone? What is the role of “good works?”
2. What is the meaning of the phrase, “priesthood of believers?” Is every Christian his or her own priest?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 3 – February 23
Reading:
1. Introduction to Hist. of Christianity , pp. 378-9, 401-5, 504-6 (314-15, 326-27, 334-337).
2. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation , pp. 37-58.
3. Theology of the Reformers , pp. 113-166; 267-322 .
4. Col. 2:11-12
1 Cor. 1:16 ; 7:14; 11:23-29
Acts 16:31-33; 18:8
John 14:26; 16:8-15
Dates to Remember:
1518
1525
Ulrich Zwingli comes to Zurich
Anabaptist movement begins
1529 Marburg Colloquy
1536 Memo Simons baptized as Anabaptist
Discussion Questions:
1. What part of the Anabaptist vision are you attracted to? Why?
2. With so many Protestant differences over the sacraments, how can we demonstrate unity in
Christ?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 4 – March 1
Reading:
1. Introduction to History of Christianity , pp. 380-83 (306-7, 316-18).
2. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation pp. 123-64.
3. Theology of the Reformers , pp.171-258.
4. Acts 4:28; 13:48
Rom. 8:29
Eph. 1:4; 2:1-10
Dates to Remember:
1536
1563
1572
1598
First edition, John Calvin’s
Heidelberg Catechism
Edict of Nantes
Institutes of the Christian Religion
St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
1618
Discussion Questions:
Synod of Dordt
1. Is the doctrine of predestination a comforting or disturbing doctrine to you? Why?
2. Do you consider church discipline a mark of the true church? Explain your answer.

History of Christianity II
Assignment 5 – March 22
Reading:
1. Introduction to History of Christianity , pp. 386-87, 390-400 (319-22, 324-25, 329-33).
2. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation , pp. 211-227.
3.
Theology of the Reformers , pp. 267-374.
4. 1 Pet. 1:1-9; 3:13-18; 4:12-19
Dates to Remember:
1534
1549
1559
1563
Act of Supremacy, Henry VIII
Thomas Cranmer’s
John Knox returns to Scotland
Thirty-Nine Articles
Book of Common Prayer
Discussion Questions:
1. Is a Prayer Book helpful for Christian worship today? Why or why not?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a state Protestant Church?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 6 – March 29
Reading:
1. Introduction to History of Christianity , pp. 410-34, 466-73 (341-58, 361-65).
2 . Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation , pp. 165-210.
3. Historical Theology , pp. 163, 172-74, 183-84, 190-95, 239-40, 312-19 (130-31, 133-34, 152-
53, 159-65, 245-52).
4. Romans 12
Dates to Remember:
1540
1545
1549
Ignatius Loyola and Jesuits
Council of Trent convenes
Francis Xavier’s mission to Japan
Discussion Questions:
1. What is your evaluation of the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation and what do you think we can learn from it?
2. What is your perspective on Evangelical / Catholic dialogue and cooperation on social issues?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 7 – April 5
Reading:
1. Intro to History of Christianity , pp. 388-89, 392-93, 406-09, 500-03 (323, 338-40, 359-60).
2. Historical Theology , pp. 174-175 (134).
3. John 4:20-24
Phil. 3:2,3
Col. 3:12-17
Dates to Remember:
1609
1611
1643
John Smyth baptizes the first English Baptists
King James Bible
Westminster Assembly begins
1678 John Bunyan writes
Pilgrim’s Progress
1793
Discussion Questions:
William Carey sails for India
1. How important is it for Christian worship to conform to the norms of Scripture?
2. In what areas do evangelical churches need to be “purified” today?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 8 – April 12
Reading:
1. Introduction to Hist. of Christianity , pp. 444-61, 482-84 (382-84, 392-405).
2. Historical Theology , pp. 175-76 (135-36).
3. Matt. 28:19,20
Rom. 12:1
Eph. 1:4
1 Pet. 1:15,16
Dates to Remember:
1675
1707
Jacob Spener writes Pia Desideria
Isaac Watts publishes Hymns and Spiritual Songs
1732
1738
First Moravian missionaries
John and Charles Wesley’s evangelical conversions
1771 Francis Asbury comes to America
Discussion Questions:
1. Has Christianity in America lost its holiness? What’s wrong?
2. How important is evangelism and world missions for the life of the church? Explain.

History of Christianity II
Assignment 9 – April 19
Reading:
1.
Introduction to History of Christianity , pp. 48-50, 485-99, 508-17 (406-19, 426-38).
2. Historical Theology , pp. 214-29, 270-73, 297-98, 305-06 (182-90, 210-12, 233-34, 239-41).
3. 1 Tim. 1:5-11
2 Tim. 3:16,17
2 Tim. 4:1-4
Dates to Remember:
1781 Kant publishes Critique of Pure Reason
1789 French Revolution begins
1799 Friederich Schleiermacher’s Lectures on Religion
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you answer a non-Christian who asked you why you believe the Bible is unique compared to any other religious book?
2. How has the Enlightenment had an impact on Christianity?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 10 – April 26
Reading:
1.
Introduction to History of Christianity , pp.473-80 (376-82).
2. Colonial Presbyterianism , pp. 1-112.
Dates to Remember:
1620 Mayflower Compact
1636 Harvard College founded
1649 Cambridge Platform
1682 Francis Makemie comes to America
Discussion Questions:
1. How realistic was the Puritan vision for the New World?
2. Should American believers emphasize the Christian heritage of our forefathers? Why or why not?

History of Christianity II
Assignment 11 – May 3
Reading:
1. Introduction to History of Christianity , pp. 436-44 (386-92)
2.
Colonial Presbyterianism , pp. 113-218.
3. Historical Theology , pp. 216-218 (139).
Dates to Remember:
1706 First Presbytery meets in Philadelphia
1729 Adopting Act
1740 Great Awakening peaks
1789 1 st
Presbyterian General Assembly
Discussion Questions:
1. Is ecclesiastical compromise a necessity for the peace of the church? Why or why not?
2. If the U.S. experienced another “awakening” in the 21 st
C., what would it look like?

A. Know all dates in all Assignments and review text pp. 352 – 517.
B. Review the “blue blocks” – biographical sketches – matching questions on exam
C. Be prepared to write a one-page essay on the following:
1. How did Luther understand the place of “tradition”?
2. What kinds of corruption were prevalent in the 16 th C. Roman Catholic Church?
3. How did the Renaissance help pave the way for the Protestant Reformation?
4. Why is Erasmus important for any study of the 16 th C.?
5. What topics did Luther address in the three treatises of 1520?
6. What happened at the Diet of Worms in 1521?
7. Describe the contributions of Philip Melancthon to the Lutheran reform.
8. Describe Zwingli’s ministry in Zurich.
9. What happened at the Marburg Colloquy?
10. Who were the Anabaptists and what did the Schleitheim Confession teach?
11. What were the contributions of Menno Simons to the Anabaptist movement?
12. How did Calvin reform the city of Geneva?
13. What was the historical setting of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre?
14. What were the concerns of Jacob Arminius and how did the Synod of Dordt respond?
15. Describe the 1534 Act of Supremacy and the 1539 Six Articles Act.
16. What were Thomas Cranmer’s contributions to the English Reformation?
17. How was the Protestant cause furthered in England under Edward VI?
18. What was accomplished in the Elizabethan Settlement?
19. How did John Knox reform the church in Scotland?
20. What were some of the major decisions of the Council of Trent?
21. Discuss the goals of the Elizabethan Puritan movement?
22. What were Jacob Spener’s proposals for reforming the Lutheran Church?
23. What were the key emphases of John Wesley’s ministry?
24. How did the Enlightenment challenge Christianity?
25. What was the Puritan vision for the New World?
26. What happened in the Adopting Act of 1729?

Please state the percentage of the Required Reading that you have completed .
George, Theology of the Reformers ________%
Dowley, Introduction to the History of Christianity ________%
Fortson, Colonial Presbyterianism ________%
Noll, Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation ________%
___________________________________________ ________________________
Name Date