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Church History I: Ancient Church

By Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

The church possesses a rich history and has inherited doctrine throughout the ages that has allowed it to understand Scripture better and to worship the Lord in greater knowledge and veracity. This course will examine the first 500 years of the church in order to illuminate the impact of the early church so that the church today might know itself and its God better.

  • Join the Worldwide Class

    or
    $45 / person

    Take this course with a class of Ligonier Connect students from around the world. Registration includes:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months to complete the course at your own pace
    • Video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Discuss questions and share notes with up to 30 other Ligonier Connect students in your class
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

  • Create your own group class

    or
    $24 / person

    Take this course with your own private group of friends, family, or colleagues (a minimum of 5 students is required). You’ll receive:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months for you and your group of 4 or more
    • Ability to monitor your group's progress and moderate discussion
    • Includes video lectures from Dr. W. Robert Godfrey along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

About this course

An old aphorism states, “You can’t know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” Regardless of the origin or the validity of this assertion, at the very least it emphasizes an important truth: the knowledge of history, one’s own or otherwise, impacts the present and the future. Christ’s church does not escape this truth. On the contrary, Christianity is a historic faith propelled forward in time from past causes and effects. The church possesses a rich history and has inherited doctrine throughout the ages that has allowed it to understand Scripture better and to worship the Lord in greater knowledge and veracity. This course will examine the first 500 years of the church in order to illuminate the impact of the early church so that the church today might know itself and its God better.

Course Path Preview

  • Getting Started

    • Welcome to Church History I

      • to-do Review course material
      • to-do Update your student profile
      • to-do Introduce yourself

  • Introduction

    • Lesson 1: Introduction

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Introduction
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 1 Self-assessment

  • The Expansion of the Church

    • Lesson 2: The Expansion of the Church

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch The Expansion of the Church
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 2 Self-assessment

  • Defending the Faith

    • Lesson 3: Defending the Faith

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Defending the Faith
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 3 Self-assessment

  • Pioneering Theologian: Origen

    • Lesson 4: Pioneering Theologian: Origen

      • read Messaage Introduction
      • watch Pioneering Theologian: Origen
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 4 Self-assessment

  • Developing Theology

    • Lesson 5: Developing Theology

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Developing Theology
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 5 Self-assessment

  • The Bishop

    • Lesson 6: The Bishop

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch The Bishop
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 6 Self-assessment

  • Constantine & the Church

    • Lesson 7: Constantine & the Church

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Constantine & the Church
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 7 Self-assessment

  • Jesus as God

    • Lesson 8: Jesus as God

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Jesus as God
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 8 Self-assessment

  • Jesus as Man

    • Lesson 9: Jesus as Man

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Jesus as Man
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 9 Self-assessment

  • The East & the West

    • Lesson 10: The East & the West

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch The East & the West
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 10 Self-assessment

  • Augustine

    • Lesson 11: Augustine

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Augustine
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 11 Self-assessment

  • Worship & Sacraments

    • Lesson 12: Worship & Sacraments

      • read Message Introduction
      • watch Worship & Sacraments
      • to-do Discussion Questions
      • Take Lesson 12 Self-assessment

About the teacher

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey
W. Robert Godfrey is president and professor of church history at Westminster Seminary California. A member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Dr. Godfrey has also written several books including An Unexpected Journey.

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