The Evolution of Christianity in the Roman and Byzantine Empires Through slides, lecture and discussion we will trace the origins of Christianity, from its humble beginnings to the magnificent splendour of the Byzantine Empire. Through the analysis of the art, architecture, and literature of the period, we will examine the evolution of Christianity. As the next millennium begins, the influence of that era continues to pervade our lives. Using architecture as the springboard and main exemplar, this course will explore mediaeval culture as a continuous imaginative performance which first flowered a millennium ago and continues to be re-invented today. Iconography is theology in colour.
Icons are windows on the world of the spirit.
We will discuss the origins and development of iconography prior to and in the era of Constantine the Great, issues of iconoclasm and the victory of Orthodoxy. The theology represented in iconography will be viewed in light of Scripture and liturgical texts. We consider a wide spectrum of iconography from various Eastern Christian Churches. St. Paul Books and Media, 1985. Both courses include illustrations, slides and a visit to an Eastern Christian Church.