Christian Heresy WT

What makes one interpretation of Christianity "heresy" and another "true belief"? In this course we will study the losers and the winners of important theological controversies throughout Christian history. Topics will include debates over the nature of Christ, the Trinitarian understanding of God, the doctrine of predestination, the authority of the pope, and the interpretation of the Bible. In each controversy, we will trace changes in what constitutes "heresy" over time, and the role gender, class, and cultural identity have played in defining boundaries to "orthodox" Christian theology. We will conclude by examining the meaning of "heresy" in contemporary Christianity. (RELI 0130 or waiver for related background) Sem.