Theology as Dialogue in Early Christianity

In this course, we will work through several examples of early Christian dialogues from writers such as Justin Martyr, Origen of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa, and Augustine of Hippo, and consider what difference a dialogical reorientation of theological method might make. There are rich resources available to us in early Christianity that can inform our theology in ways that help us collaborate well with others (intra- and extra-ecclesia) and embrace the Holy Spirit’s work of transformation in ourselves and in our communities. An exploration of these texts alerts us to the import of theology that is collaborative and transformative. It also reminds us to resist our worst impulses to become impatient and defensive, dismissing out of hand those who disagree with us.