1. Worship, Government, Heresy and Controversy

A critical study of:

Sin and Repentance - with particular reference to the writings of:
Hermas
Hippolytus
Tertullian

Development of Church Government: discipline, order and ministry
Ministry
Authority
Government

Episcopal authority and Church unity

Idea of the Canon of Scripture
Idea of Apostolic Succession and tradition

Emergence and teaching of Gnosticism (Gnosis)

Marcionism

Montanism

The Church's response to these movements with particular reference to:
Irenaeus' polemic against heresy

Orthodoxy
Heresy and Schism

Church Councils: the systematic statement of Christian Doctrine

2. Church State Relations to AD 325

Persecution in the Early Church:
Origin
Extent
Impact

The problem of the martyr tradition

Problem of the Lapsed and their treatment

Constantine's life and religious policy
The Council of Nicaea

Changing Church-state relations