CHHI 301: History of the Christian Church – Assessment 5
Assignment: The Historical Theology Biographical Essay
Course: CHHI 301 – Survey of Church History (Early Church to Reformation)
Due Date: Sunday of Week 6 by 11:59 PM (Local Time)
Length Requirement: 1,200–1,500 words (approx. 5–6 pages)
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Format: Current Turabian (Notes-Bibliography Style)
Overview
History is not merely the recording of names and dates; it is the analysis of ideas and their consequences. In this module, we are examining how key theological controversies shaped the definitions of orthodoxy that we accept today. You cannot understand modern theology without understanding the battles fought at Nicaea, Chalcedon, or Worms.
This assignment requires you to function as a historical theologian. You will select a pivotal figure from Church History and analyze their specific contribution to a major doctrinal controversy. Your goal is to demonstrate how their context (political, social, and philosophical) influenced their theology and the subsequent trajectory of the Church.
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Instructions
Select one of the following historical figures and their associated controversy:
- Athanasius of Alexandria: The Arian Controversy (Defense of the Trinity/Homoousios).
- Augustine of Hippo: The Pelagian Controversy (Nature of Grace and Free Will).
- Martin Luther: The Indulgence Controversy (Justification by Faith alone).
Write a 1,200- to 1,500-word essay organized into three distinct sections:
1. The Historical Context (approx. 300 words)
Set the stage. What was the political and ecclesiastical climate of the time? Why was this controversy dangerous to the unity of the church or the empire? (e.g., for Athanasius, discuss the role of Emperor Constantine and the Council of Nicaea).
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2. The Theological Contribution (approx. 700 words)
This is the core of your paper. Analyze the primary theological argument your figure made. You must quote from their primary works (e.g., On the Incarnation, Confessions, or The 95 Theses). Explain exactly how their view differed from their opponent’s view and why the Church eventually sided with them as “orthodox.”
3. The Lasting Impact (approx. 300 words)
Assess the legacy of this figure. How does their argument still impact the church in 2026? For example, how does Augustine’s view of sin influence modern Reformed vs. Arminian debates?
Technical Requirements
- Primary Sources: You must cite at least one primary source document written by the historical figure (English translation is acceptable).
- Secondary Sources: You must use at least four (4) scholarly secondary sources (academic histories or theological biographies).
- Formatting: Use footnotes for all citations.
Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Exemplary (A) | Competent (B-C) | Unsatisfactory (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Analysis (40%) | Sophisticated grasp of the historical era. Accurately describes the political and social stakes of the controversy. | Describes the history generally but misses key details (e.g., confusing Nicaea with Chalcedon). | Contains significant anachronisms (e.g., judging ancient figures by modern democratic standards). |
| Theological Accuracy (30%) | Precisely defines theological terms (e.g., Homoousios vs. Homoiousios). Accurately represents the opposing view. | Theology is mostly correct but lacks nuance. Simplifies complex arguments into “good guys vs. bad guys.” | Fundamentally misunderstands the doctrine in question. |
| Source Engagement (20%) | Direct engagement with primary texts. Quotes are woven seamlessly into the argument. | Relies entirely on secondary textbooks for information. Quotes are “dropped in” without analysis. | Uses inappropriate sources (e.g., Wikipedia, non-academic blogs). |
| Turabian Format (10%) | Flawless footnotes and bibliography. Professional academic voice. | Minor errors in citation format. Narrative voice is occasionally too informal. | Major formatting failures; ignores word count requirements. |
Your Study Bay
The controversy between Augustine and Pelagius was not merely a debate about abstract metaphysics but a fundamental disagreement regarding the capability of the human will to please God. While Pelagius argued that human nature remained essentially intact after the Fall, capable of choosing the good without special aid, Augustine countered in his Anti-Pelagian Writings that the will was incurvatus in se (curved inward on itself) and thus wholly dependent on sovereign grace (Teske 2020). This distinction is critical because it shifts the locus of salvation from human effort to divine initiative. By anchoring his argument in the Pauline epistles, Augustine ensured that the Western Church would forever prioritize grace, a legacy that would later ignite the Protestant Reformation under Luther.
Recommended Resources
- González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. Revised and Updated. New York: HarperOne, 2024 reprint. HarperOne Link
- Litfin, Bryan M. Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction. 3rd Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2026 (Upcoming/Recent).
- Noll, Mark A. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity. 4th Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2022.
- Trueman, Carl R. Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2017/2023.
- Wilken, Robert Louis. The First Thousand Years: A Global History of Christianity. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2019 paperback.
