Tutorial for Fall, 2008 through Spring, 2009
The History of
Christianity
He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise to tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God . . . --Psalm 78:5-7
Even a brief study of the Old Testament indicates the
truth that God reveals Himself to people throughout history, as well as through history
itself. It is the purpose of this tutorial to survey the works of God through His
people over the past 2000 years. From the time of Christ, to the present, we will
look at the major events, people, theological controversies, and movements that comprise
the history of Christianity. As
we make this survey, we will, in actuality, be studying the major eras and
people that comprise the history of Western civilization from the birth of
Christ up to the present time.
Many question the necessity of a survey of Church History for students at the secondary level. Charles C. Fennel’s words answer that concern well when he said that “the man who does not know history is a leaf who does not know it is part of a tree.” In fact, ignorance of the major eras and ideas that comprise the growth of Christianity over the years is, in effect, ignorance of many of the major movements in Western culture.
COURSE TEXTS
Church History in Plain Language, Bruce Shelley
Documents of the Christian Church, Bettenson and Maunder
COST AND REGISTRATION
The cost for this tutorial is $235 per semester. Class sessions are planned for Tuesdays from 9:45 a.m to 11:15 a.m. , Pacific time. The class is limited to 15 participants. To register, you may use my e-mail address tutor.alexandria@gmail.com and include the following:
Re: "Registration for History of Christianity"
Name, Parents' Names, Address, Age, Year in School, Background in Church History, How you heard about Alexandria, and an attached sample of your writing
Checks are made payable to Matthew Turnbull and a non-refundable deposit of $50 to reserve your seat is required by August 28th, the remainder is due the first week of class. Second semester tuition is due the first week of that semester. Tuition is non-refundable after the first month of each semester.
COURSE SCHEDULE
This course will begin in early September. We will break for Thanksgiving Day, and we will break for Christmas after class in mid-December. Class will resume in early January, and end on the first week of June, with a break for a week in April. This schedule allows for 35 class periods. If you need to miss a class session, please give warning to your tutor by e-mail if possible. If you would like a copy of the chat notes for a missed class, just request one. We will have our first semester exam in mid-January. The final exam will take place the last week of the course. Since this is a tutorial I will not issue final grades but, just as I do on written assignments, will provide comments and feedback on your work. This is a year-long class. Please register only if you are able to take both semesters.
ASSIGNMENTS
Summary paragraphs of the week's readings will be assigned nearly each week. There are two major exams: one in January and the final exam at the end of the year. In addition, students will write two papers on a topic, event, doctrine or person of consequence that they encounter in the course of their studies.
Parents, if you would like to discuss your son's or daughter's work, I would be happy to "suggest" a grade if that is necessary for your records. It is my hope that this course will aid you in fulfilling that great calling of being your child's teacher.
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
See accompanying pages explaining computer requirements.
As you have any questions about this tutorial or the tutorial service, please feel free to contact the tutor at tutor.alexandria@gmail.com .
