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The History of Christian Theology

Written by: Phillip Cary, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Phillip Cary
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Publisher's Summary

In this 36-lecture course, you'll find an engaging way to explore profound religious questions and the many responses believers, scholars, and theologians have developed over more than 2,000 years. Through this series, Professor Cary reveals the enduring power of the Christian tradition - as both an intellectual discipline and a spiritual path.

These lectures begin at the very dawn of Christianity, as you examine some of the earliest examples of scripture recorded by the first communities of the faithful. You'll see how, over the centuries, these teachings developed into the orthodox teachings of the mainstream church as well as the divergent doctrines taught by splinter groups branded as "heretics." You'll explore the causes and outcomes of the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church during the Middle Ages and examine the explosion of the many Protestant groups that resulted from the Reformation in the 16th century. And finally, you'll come to the modern era, with a survey of the evolution of Christian thought in today's society - the ongoing story of how faith persists in an increasingly secularized world.

Each lecture illuminates the conceptual structure of Christian theology as it connects to spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, the use of sacraments, and the contemplation of religious icons. Through lucid and engaging explanations, they provide intriguing analyses of theological ideas in their unique historical, social, and biographical contexts to help you understand the power of each tradition within its particular time and place. The result is a sweeping survey that probes some of the most common questions about Christian faith over the centuries.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2008 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2008 The Great Courses

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amazingly interesting

I really loved it. The author is more a pastor that most of those I've seen so far (even if he's not) his way to go deep in every subject are really instructive. I would love to listen to a course of Religions' Science from that professor! congratulations

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So well done. Thank you!

For someone who struggles with their faith, this lecture series was literally a God send. It was fascinating to realize at the very things I struggle and I have struggled with; different thoughts I have had about face and about Christian doctrine; all these and more have been wrestled with over the last 2000 years. Dr. Carey is an exemplary teacher who makes difficult topics understandable and is very balanced in his approach. Bravo!

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Required Listening

If aliens come and ask me how best to understand the conceptual framework of Western Civilization, I'd cue this up and pass them my earbuds.

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Excellent.

Philip Cary delivers accounts of complex theological ideas with grace and candour. Personal touches are added here and there to save the accounts from being too drily academic. A wonderfully informative survey of Christian theology.

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Sweeping Enquiry into Christian Thought

Dr. Cary enthusiastically leads the listener to take in both the beauty and terror of the history of Christian theology. A man who cares deeply about his subject and is a joy to listen to.

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what a course should be

the lecturer offers a fair and scholastic description of each branch of theology and denomination.

It is a wonderful listen for anyone who wonders why are there so many different churches.

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