The First Christian Centuries: Apostolic Origins to the Fall of Rome and the Quest of Alopen

Mondays 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

From its beginning as an obscure cult in a backwater Roman province, Christianity  grew and thrived against a diverse set of cultural and religious backgrounds, amid a typically hostile political environment. How did this happen? We will examine pivotal events, trace the development of customs and beliefs and  pause  to  see  what the church’s detractors and  opponents  made of it all. And always look for relevant links to the role of faith and the faithful in our world. Required text: Christianity at the Crossroads; Michael Kruger (IVP Academic, 2018).

Dr. Charles L. Harrell is Director of Pastoral Care at the Asbury Solomons retirement community in Southern Maryland, and an adjunct faculty member at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He earned his Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University with a concentration in early Christianity, with minors also in Theology and Art History.

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