Romans: Early Christianity

The early church fathers

Romans: Early Christianity introduces students to the writings of the post-apostolic authors and their historical context. Learn about the persecutions of the early Christians and how they held fast to the faith as chronicled by the historian Eusebius. As the Church becomes more established, learn how early theologians defended the faith against various false doctrines, as was the case with Irenaeus, the Bishop of Lyon. Learn about the writings of The Apologists, Clement of Alexandria, and Justin Martyr, as well as one of the earliest Christian text after the close of the Canon, the Didache.

12 lessons (video lectures and curriculum) · Grades 9–12+

Early Christianity: the course, the workbook and the Reader
The course streams in the Roman Roads app; the printed Reader and workbook are the optional upgrades.
You’re buyingRomans: Early ChristianityThe complete digital course
$74.75
Included
  • 12 video lectures. Stream or download videos in the Roman Roads app, yours for life
  • The Early Christianity Reader (Vol. 7) as an eBook, in the app
  • Workbook (PDF) with answer key
  • A and B exams with teacher guide
How will you read the fathers? choose one
The workbook choose one

Prefer discs? , while supplies last.

Total$74.75

Readers or workbooks for a second student: Readers · Workbooks
Co-ops and schools: group licensing

The lectures

Twelve lectures, six hours

Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.

  1. 1The Roman Background of Christianity30 min
  2. 2The Jewish Background of Christianity32 min
  3. 3The Didache24 min
  4. 4The First Letter of Clement31 min
  5. 5The Roman World in the Second and Third Centuries29 min
  6. 6Ignatius and Polycarp29 min
  7. 7The Apologists36 min
  8. 8Justin Martyr24 min
  9. 9Irenaeus35 min
  10. 10Clement of Alexandria and Origen26 min
  11. 11Eusebius 150 min
  12. 12Eusebius 244 min
Taught byWesley Callihan
The books

What your student reads

  • The Didache
  • Clement of RomeFirst Letter of Clement
  • Ignatius and PolycarpLetters
  • Athenagoras, Epistle to Diognetus
  • Justin MartyrFirst Apology
  • IrenaeusAgainst Heresies
  • Clement of AlexandriaExhortation to the Greeks
  • EusebiusChurch History

Every assigned text is in the Early Christianity Reader (Vol. 7), 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.

OWC Reader Vol. 7 • Early Christianity
Old Western Culture Reader · Vol. 7

Early Christianity

792 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course

About this Reader
Part ofOld Western Culture: The RomansFour units, 48 lectures, two high-school credits · from from $299
The whole year
Good to know

Questions

Is Early Christianity 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.

Romans: Early Christianity

The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.