CHHI 520 - History of the Christian Church I

1. What is Church History? Church history is a continuation of the Old Testament and of God's dealing with humanity. The Bible is a history book, but God is beyond history. We must rightly interpret history but not try to remake it.

2. What are some of the values of Church History? Church history gives us a link or synthesis between the past and present. Church history is a practical tool and good guide because many of the problems of today, such as the rules for heresy, were resolved years ago. Church history stimulates the reader because it tells about the heroes of the past, such as Martin Luther.

3. What are some of the sources of Church History? One can never be sure of truth when reading about the distant past. However, we have letters that have been written, apologetic sources, polemic writings that attack church enemies and explain important issues, the decisions of Councils, creeds, statements of faith, hymns, and papal letters, and secular edicts of kings and courts that let us know what the world thought of the church.

4. Who are some of the ancient Church Historians? Four of the more important Church Historians are (1) Hegesippus (the first man to write about the events of the early Church), (2) Eusebius (the Father of Church History), (3) Epiphathanius (he recorded heresies), and (4) Cassathonius (wrote tripartite history of everything he knew to that point).