Church History seeks to follow the journey of the Church – the body of believers – through time. Naturally influenced and shaped by the particular cultures in which it exists, the Church is itself often a major influence in shaping a culture. As in any historical study, the Church historian gathers and analyses evidence, so as to understand why people acted as they did, and how these actions have shaped our present. History is thus our collective memory. It enables us to be confident of and to articulate our identity.

However, as the body of people who believe in Christ, the Church cannot be analysed as just another subject of historical enquiry. Because the Church seeks to understand Christ’s message more profoundly and articulate it more clearly, Church History has a specifically theological aspect.

Christians believe they are called and enlivened by the Spirit of Christ. Church History studies how people have sought to put their Christian beliefs into practice, and is therefore concerned with spirituality as much as theology.

Thus Church History is an interesting and captivating field of study. We meet towering figures such as Augustine, Catherine of Siena, and a host of others. As well, we are introduced to great movements that have reinvigorated the Church, such as the Cistercians and the Tridentine reformers. Drawing on the experience of the past, we gain profound insight into the present.

Church History Study Tour

Enquiries: acooper@ctc.edu.au