Here’s what you’ll need to know about the study group.

An Early Christianity Study Group, From Christ to Chalcedon, is starting February 22 at APU.

Our study volume will be “Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers” (ISBN-13: 978-0140444759) a Penguin paperback, (pictured above). It contains verbatim selections in the words of the Apostolic Fathers.  It may be found in many bookstores, but I suggest trying Amazon, (cost $12.80), especially if you’re a Prime member.  If you are planning to join this group, you should order this book immediately. The entire volume covers 200 pages. (It took two-weeks for my copy to arrive from Amazon.)  It is also available in Amazon Kindle format for $8.99 which also includes an audio version.

Class Dates
Classes will be held monthly on a Thursday night for five-months on the following dates:
February 22, March 22, April 19, May 24, and June 14.

Class Cost
$25 for all five sessions, payable to APU. Fees will be collected on the first night you attend.

Sessions
Your faculty plans on covering the following content during the sessions.

Session 1 – Development of the New Testament Canon – Fr. Vasili HIllhouse
In preparation, study group members should review the following.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_of_the_New_Testament_canon

Click to access 5a03342e49f0e1.53725346.pdf

Session 2 – Scripture Review of Issues Facing the Early Church – Regina Boisclair PhD
In preparation, study group members are instructed to read 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans 9-11, and James, making note of the various issues Paul and James were addressing.

Session 3 – Clement of Rome,  Ignatius of Antioch: review/discussion of readings in Early Christian Writings.  To prepare, read Early Christian Writings, p. 9-105.

Session 4 – Polycarp & Justin Martyr: review/discussion of readings in Early Christian Writings.
To prepare, ready Early Christian Writings, p. 107-135. (Justin Martyr readings to be supplied separately.)

Session 5 – Epistle to Diognetus, Epistle of Barnabas, Didache: review of readings in Early Christian Writings p. 137-199.

Location of Study Group Meetings
The study group will meet in the Carr-Gottstein Building at APU – Room 221.
Parking will be in the parking lots to the south, across the street, from the Carr-Gottstein Building.

Class Times
We plan to start each session at 6:30 p.m. and close by 8:00 p.m.  Please plan to arrive between 6:00 and 6:15 p.m. on February 22, to register.

Class Faculty
Fr. Vasili Hillhouse, Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
Regina Boisclair PhD, Professor of Religious Studies, Cardinal Newman Chair, Alaska Pacific Univ
Chris Thompson, Church Visits Writer/Blogger
Heidi Marlowe, lay monastic – St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Contact
If you have  further questions or want to join this class, contact Chris Thompson by email at churchvisits@gmail.com or phone at 229-2024.

Your faculty is looking forward to sharing more about the early church, its apostolic fathers, and the growth of early Christianity.  We look forward to a dynamic learning experience.

Chris Thompson