Early African Christian History And Thought

Explore the Untold Stories and Influences of African Christians in the Shaping and Formation of the Faith

What you'll learn

Mastery concerning the early development of Christianity in Africa and its foundational role in shaping Christian thought and practices

Master knowledge concerning the key early African Christian thinkers, their texts and theological contributions

How to showcase and redress under-represented histories, particularly African ones,

How to challenge notions that Christianity was initially introduced to Africa by Rome or European colonial powers

Be able to critically evaluate historical narratives and integrate an inclusive perspective in their understanding of Christian history.

Requirements

No prior experience needed

Description

"Early African Christian History and Thought" is a thought-provoking course facilitated by Professor Eric Betts. Building on the scholarly works of Vincent Bantu and Thomas Oden, this course delves into the significant contributions of Africa to the development of early Christianity. Students will embark on a journey tracing the roots of Christian thought in Africa, exploring how these formative influences have shaped theological concepts, spiritual practices, and church traditions. Through engaging lectures and in-depth discussions, Professor Betts will guide students in understanding and appreciating the profound and enduring imprint of African heritage on Christian history and theology. This course is an invitation to enrich our knowledge of Christianity's diverse origins, highlighting the necessity to acknowledge and value the African narratives often overlooked in ecclesiastical history.This course provides a wealth of benefits to a spectrum of individuals, from professionals to public school teachers, Sunday school teachers, ministers, and those interested in diversity. Professionals and educators will gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of early Christian history, enabling them to incorporate these insights into their respective fields. Public school teachers can use this knowledge to offer students a more comprehensive view of Christian history, highlighting the diverse contributions of various cultures. Similarly, Sunday school teachers and ministers will find value in these lessons, refining their sermons and teachings to reflect a more inclusive, global perspective of Christianity. For those interested in diversity, this course illuminates the multicultural origins of Christian thought, reinforcing the importance of inclusive narratives in historical scholarship and discourse.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Course Expectations and Introductions

Lecture 2 African Foundations along the Nile and Numidia

Section 2: Key African Thought Leaders in Early Christianity

Lecture 3 11 Early African Leaders You Need to Know Pt. 1

Lecture 4 11 Early African Leaders You Need to Know Pt. 2

Lecture 5 The Influence of Cyprian–Bishop of Carthage

Section 3: African Councils, Scholarship and Martyrdom

Lecture 6 African Councils, Influential Scholars and Martyrs

Lecture 7 The Martyrs of Madaura and Scillium (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria)

Section 4: How Africa Influenced Europe and the Near East

Lecture 8 Outline of the Ways Africa Influenced the Christian Mind

Lecture 9 A Detailed Study on the 7 Ways Africa Influenced the Christian Mind Pt 1

Lecture 10 A Detailed Study on the 7 Ways Africa Influenced the Christian Mind Pt. 2

Section 5: The Roots of Nubian, Egyptian and Ethiopian Christianity

Lecture 11 The Roots of Egyptian Christianity

Lecture 12 The Roots of Nubian Christianity

Lecture 13 The Roots of Ethiopian Christianity

Lecture 14 History of Ethiopian Social and Religious Independence

Lecture 15 History of Ethiopian Ge'ez Translation of Manuscripts

Lecture 16 Egypt, Neoplatonism, and Early Christian Thought

Ministers who don't have the time to attend seminary but want to attend classes to add to their knowledge base,Sunday School teachers who want to be more inclusive of African contributions in their discourse,Educators who want to be inspired and want more tools to inspire learners from diverse backgrounds