An Introduction to Christian Biography

Christians have been telling their faith stories since the dawn of the church. We see it in the pages of the New Testament as the Gospels recount the life and ministry of Christ. We see it in Acts as Luke recounts the birth and development of the church. We see even Paul giving an autobiographical sketch in several places. Telling our story is a part of our faith and is one of the ways we embolden the faith of others. This January join me for a ten week look at the various ways Christians have told their faith stories and the impact these stories have had on the church.

As one of the options for our Winter Electives I will be teaching An Introduction to Christian Biography. In this course we will examine snippets of various types of biographies and explore both their individual significance and the ways in which these types of biographies worked to shape and influence the church for centuries to come. Here’s a look at some of what we will explore:

• Hagiography (reading portions of The Life of Anthony)
• Martyrdom Biography (reading portions of the Martyrdom of Polycarp and The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity)
• Confessional Biography (reading a snippet of Augustine’s Confessions)
• Reformer Biography (reading a snippet of Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther)
• Missionary Biography (reading a snippet of Through Gates of Splendor)
• Activist Biography (reading biographical sketches of William Wilberforce and Dorthy Day)
• Women & Minority Voices in Christian Biography (reading snippets of The Life of Marcina and The Life Struggles of Mother Walatta Petros)
• Conversion Biography (reading snippets of Surprised by Joy)

In each case we will explore our primary text and also the biographical category as a whole, exploring other works along the way. This course is part literary survey, historical survey, and theological analysis. We will connect ourselves with the church throughout history, evaluate different theological ideas according to Scripture (our foundational text), and seek to understand how Christian biography serves as a type of Christian witness.

Join me for a unique study of both church history and our enduring faith! I am excited to teach this and excited to discuss these works with you. Classes start January 15th.