The student will renew an overview of the history of the early Christian church and gaina familiarization with several major theological, ecclesiastical and social themes. Themes of particular interest to Seventh-day Adventists will be explored(Sabbath/Sunday, creation, immortality, etc.), as well as themes which can challenge anAdventist self-understanding (asceticism, liturgy, persecution, etc.). The student willgain an appreciation of the tall shoulders on which we stand today as we interpretScripture, do theology and practice our Christianity through living and worship. Thestudent will also learn to evaluate the traditions of the Christian Church as to theirvalidity and value. The project will emphasize gaining the ability to research a given Scripture passage as interpreted by the early Christians, evaluate that interpretation, anduse the information to inform theology and preaching.