Take an unforgettable journey through the entire span of Church history. The chronicle of Catholicism can seem daunting, full of names, dates, places, and phrases. To get ahold of such a rich and diverse history requires guidance and a skillful approach. In this brilliant survey course, you'll explore the interaction between traditions of belief and innovate ways to describe, share, and live that faith. With award-winning historian Dr. Christopher Bellitto as your guide, you'll look at the major periods of Church history: early, medieval, reformation, and modern. As you take this journey, you'll examine what remained the same and what made a particular period unique. In Early Church, you'll see how a small group of believers spread the faith in a hostile pagan world. Then, in Medieval Church, you'll see how popes and kings, bishops and local lords fought to control the Church as believers in the pews and plazas rediscovered the human Jesus of the gospels. Meanwhile, religious life adapted as Christianity encountered new cultures. Reformation Church considers how the Church recovered from its late medieval controversies and bridged the gap between science and religion. Finally, Modern Church explores how Vatican II has transformed Catholicism as she strides into her third millennium. Dynamic and insightful, this course is a must-have resource. By understanding the history of the Church, you will understand it's fascinating past as we journey into the future.
"Dynamic and accessible, Professor Christopher Belitto breathes life into Church history in ways that resonate with the experiences of contemporary audiences. Weaving solid scholarship with engaging stories he brings fresh perspectives to the events and people that influence the rich diversity of the Roman Catholic tradition."
Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernández, Associate Professor of Hispanic Theology and Ministry
"Master teacher, expert scholar, and superb communicator, Bellitto's exquisitely masterful interpretations of the significance of the various eras of Church history enlighten and delight. Media commentator on all things papal and episcopal, Bellitto captures the importance of the meaning of the past for the Church in the contemporary moment."
Elena Procario-Foley, Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Catholic Studies, Iona College
"Prof. Bellitto is one of the best contemporary historians of Christian history. His profound knowledge of the subject matter, decades of teaching, eloquent and effective communication skills, make his work an indispensable reference for anyone interested in the thousand year-old Christian story."
Ines Angeli Murzaku Ph.D., Professor of Church History, Seton Hall University
