Christendom: Defense of the Faith
The high Middle Ages
Christendom: Defense of the Faith, Scholasticism in the High Middle Ages, immerses students into one of the most misunderstood periods of history. Start by learning about Anselm’s theological defense of the faith as he explains his ontological argument for the existence of God. Through Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain, learn about the background to the Crusades. Finally, learn about the Crusades themselves, both the good, and the bad. Don’t miss the harrowing tales of Vikings escaping Constantinople and knights fighting for the faith!
Twelve lectures, seven hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1OverviewFree38 min
- 2Anselm's Ontological Argument37 min
- 3Anselm's Monologium 138 min
- 4Anselm's Monologium 234 min
- 5Anselm's Cur Deus Homo 128 min
- 6Anselm's Cur Deus Homo 224 min
- 7History of the Kings of Britain 135 min
- 8History of the Kings of Britain 233 min
- 9The Golden Legend30 min
- 10Historical Overview of the Crusades29 min
- 11The Conquest of Constantinople35 min
- 12The Life of St. Louis30 min
Lecture 1 · Overview · 38 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- AnselmProslogium, Monologium, Why God Became Man
- Geoffrey of MonmouthHistory of the Kings of Britain
- Jacobus de VoragineThe Golden Legend
- VillehardouinThe Conquest of Constantinople
- JoinvilleThe Life of St. Louis
Every assigned text is in the Defense of the Faith Reader (Vol. 10), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
Defense of the Faith
644 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is Defense of the Faith right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Christendom: Defense of the Faith
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.