THEO2410 Reformation Church History

2012

4.5

1 x 2-hour tutorial weekly

THEO2403 has been successfully completed

In the 16th Century bitter disputes shook the Christian church in Western Europe. Calls for reform escalated and various attempts were made to find more authentic forms of Christianity. Some people embraced new ways of worshipping God while others struggled to cope with challenges to traditional beliefs and practices. This topic will explore what is often called the Reformation, although Reformations is a more appropriate title. It will examine three of the key Protestant reformers (Luther, Zwingli and Calvin) and the movements which developed around them. The more radical end of the spectrum will also be considered, along with religious changes in England, reform movements within Roman Catholicism, and the Catholic Church's response to Protestant challenges.

This topic aims to:

• give students an understanding of major developments in 16th Century Western Christian history
• introduce students to a range of textual and visual historical sources
• encourage students to engage in scholarly debate and analysis
• give students the opportunity to think and work creatively and collaboratively
• deepen students' appreciation of the significance of developments in the 16th Century

On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:

• identify key developments in 16th Century Western Christian history
• analyse the significance of particular events and the contribution of certain individuals
• demonstrate an ability to interpret a range of historical sources
• recognise the complexity of historical developments and the existence of different interpretations
• communicate knowledge coherently and concisely through essay writing, oral presentations, class discussions and, in some cases, a creative project
• appreciate the influence and significance of this period and its impact on contemporary Christianity