Mosaic of a bearded figure in blue and maroon robes, seated on a globe, receiving a leafy branch from a kneeling figure in gray, within a border of fruit and flowers.
Mausoleum of Santa Costanza. Mosaic with the "Traditio Clavium" (Christ giving the keys to St Peter). Rome, Italy
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  5. History of Christianity

History of Christianity

The History of Christianity (HC) concentration charts the development of Christian thought and practice across the ancient, medieval, and modern periods, encompassing a wide geographical expanse that includes both the Western and the Eastern Christian traditions.

What will I study?

Reflecting the diversity of methods and interests of the faculty, the program has particular strengths in:

  • Scriptural exegesis prior to the modern period
  • The development of doctrine and ecclesial practices
  • Spirituality and practice
  • Patristic theology
  • Medieval and early modern scholastic and monastic theology
  • Dialogue and interaction between Judaism and Christian theology
  • The Catholic Enlightenment
  • Latin, Greek, and Syriac Christian traditions in conversation

The program forms researchers in the professional study of primary sources in their respective historical contexts. Students receive dynamic training in a broad range of methods and acquire specialized skills in languages, paleography, and other applied disciplines. Congruent with the rigorous historical methods, the program fosters theological reflection on studying the past in the service of a life of faith lived in the present.

A vibrant, collaborative academic community

While the majority of courses are taken with the faculty in the Department of Theology, students benefit from the multifaceted Notre Dame academic environment that allows them to take courses and participate in the events offered by other university departments including those of classics, history, philosophy, the Medieval Institute, the Tantur Ecumenical Institute, and the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

The University’s rich library holdings include a vast collection of books in theology and the Medieval Institute’s unique collection of reproductions of medieval manuscripts preserved in the Ambrosiana and other important world libraries.

Upcoming Events

Faculty

  1. Headshot of a smiling priest wearing a black suit jacket and clerical collar, standing outdoors with a blurred background of trees and a building.

    Khaled Anatolios

    John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology

  2. Headshot of a woman with short, dark hair, wearing light-rimmed glasses, a dark jacket, and patterned top. She is smiling broadly with trees and a grassy area in the background.

    Ann Astell

    John Cardinal O'Hara Professor of Theology

  3. Headshot of a man with a reddish-brown beard and thinning hair. He wears a navy blue suit, white collared shirt, and dark blue tie. He has a subtle smile and light hazel eyes and looks directly at the camera. The background is solid gray.

    Yury P. Avvakumov

    Archbishop Demetrios College Associate Professor of Byzantine Theology

  4. A man with light brown hair and round glasses wearing a white shirt and black blazer sits on a rock looking towards a beach with gentle waves. The turquoise water stretches to the horizon under a light blue sky.

    Jeremy Brown

    Jordan Kapson College Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies

  5. A man with short gray hair and glasses smiles warmly while wearing a light blue, collared, long-sleeved shirt and striped tie. He stands in front of an orange wall with stained-glass panels visible on either side of him.

    John Cavadini

    Professor

    Director of Doctoral Program

  6. Joseph Flipper

    Associate Professor

  7. Headshot of a smiling priest wearing a black suit jacket and clerical collar against a gray background. He wears clear-framed glasses.

    Paul Kollman, CSC

    Associate Professor

  8. Headshot of a man with a full beard, glasses, and a tan jacket with dark green trim over a white collared shirt. He has short brown hair and is smiling slightly against a gray backdrop.

    Ulrich L. Lehner

    William K. Warren Professor of Theology

  9. Headshot of a woman with short gray hair, smiling at the camera. She wears a light green shirt with a small floral print. Behind her are purple flowers and green foliage, with the branches of a tree visible.

    Blake Leyerle

    Professor

  10. Headshot of an Asian man wearing a blue-gray jacket, light blue collared shirt, and maroon tie. He has short black hair and is smiling slightly at the camera against a plain gray background.

    Joshua H. Lim

    Assistant Professor

  11. Headshot of a man with short, dark hair, graying at the temples, wearing a dark gray t-shirt. He is smiling against a blurred background of green foliage.

    Gabriel Said Reynolds

    Jerome J. Crowley and Rosaleen G. Crowley Professor of Theology

  12. Headshot of a light-skinned man with light brown hair, glasses, and a reddish-brown beard, wearing a dark clerical shirt with a white collar, against a dark gray background.

    Alexis Torrance

    Heiden Family College Professor in Byzantine Studies

    Director of the M.A. Program in Early Christian Studies

  13. Headshot of a man wearing a light gray blazer, blue and white gingham dress shirt, and a dark blue necktie. He has light skin, short graying hair, and offers a subtle smile to the camera against a plain gray backdrop.

    Jeffrey Wickes

    Associate Professor

Graduate Students

  1. Shaun Evans

  2. Headshot of a smiling man wearing a black clerical shirt and a silver chain. He has light brown hair, a trimmed beard, and is standing against a blurred green background.

    Andrij Hlabse, SJ

  3. A man with red hair and beard, light skin, and blue eyes smiles gently, looking forward. He wears a navy suit, white shirt, and a gold and navy striped tie, against a wood-paneled background.

    Christopher Howard