Western Christianity: Faith, Power, and Expansion (200-1650)

Have you ever wondered how a small, persecuted faith grew to become a dominant global force? This course provides a clear and accessible introduction to the critical events, ideas, and figures that shaped the first fifteen hundred years of Western Christianity. You will gain a foundational understanding of the complex history of the Christian faith, exploring its theological debates, political entanglements, and cultural impact. By the end, you'll be able to connect the dots from the early Roman era through the Middle Ages to the dawn of the modern world, appreciating the forces that drove centuries of change. What you'll learn: - Understand the challenges of the early church within the Roman Empire and its eventual rise to prominence. - Trace the development of core Christian doctrines through major church councils and theological debates. - Analyze the growth of papal authority and the central role of monasticism in medieval society. - Examine the key causes and lasting consequences of the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation. - Explore the relationship between faith and politics, from emperors and popes to reformers and kings. - Learn how to interpret key historical texts to understand the diverse perspectives of the past. The course begins with the foundational context of the early church, then progresses chronologically through the major eras of medieval Christendom, the Reformation, and the start of global expansion. You'll follow the key turning points that defined religious and political life in the West. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior knowledge of history or theology is required—just a curiosity about how the past has shaped our present. Start your journey through this pivotal period of world history today.