research paper topics for church history

History of Christianity Research Paper Topics

This page focuses on providing a comprehensive guide to history of Christianity research paper topics for students seeking to explore this captivating field. The history of Christianity is a rich and expansive subject that has shaped civilizations and influenced countless lives over centuries. For students of history, researching and writing about the history of Christianity offers a valuable opportunity to delve into the origins, development, and impact of this influential religious tradition. From an overview of the key categories to practical tips for selecting and writing a research paper, as well as the writing services offered by iResearchNet, this page aims to empower students in their quest to uncover the complexities and significance of Christianity’s historical journey.

100 History of Christianity Research Paper Topics

The history of Christianity is a vast and diverse field of study that encompasses numerous topics and themes. This comprehensive list of history of Christianity research paper topics is designed to provide students with a wide range of options to explore and analyze. Divided into 10 categories, each containing 10 topics, this list aims to cover various aspects of Christianity’s development, influence, and impact on different regions and time periods. Whether you are interested in theological debates, historical figures, or social movements, this list offers a starting point for your research journey into the history of Christianity.

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Early Christianity

• The life and teachings of Jesus Christ: Examining the historical Jesus.
• The spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
• The role of apostles and early Christian communities.
• Persecution and martyrdom in the early Christian era.
• The development of Christian doctrine in the early centuries.
• Gnosticism and its influence on early Christianity.
• Christian art and architecture in the early centuries.
• The Council of Nicaea and the formation of Christian orthodoxy.
• Monasticism in the early Christian period.
• Christian responses to paganism and the decline of the Roman Empire.

Medieval Christianity

• The rise of Christianity in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.
• The influence of the Catholic Church in medieval Europe.
• The Crusades: Causes, motivations, and consequences.
• The schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
• The role of monastic orders in medieval Christianity.
• The Inquisition: Origins, methods, and impact.
• Pilgrimage and the cult of relics in medieval Christianity.
• The rise of mysticism and Christian spirituality.
• Heresy and dissent in medieval Christianity.
• The impact of the Black Death on religious beliefs and practices.

Reformation and Counter-Reformation

• Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.
• The theological debates and conflicts of the Reformation era.
• The role of the printing press in spreading Reformation ideas.
• The Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent.
• Religious wars and their impact on Europe.
• The Anabaptist movement and its contributions.
• The influence of John Calvin and Calvinism.
• The English Reformation and the Church of England.
• The Thirty Years’ War and its religious dimensions.
• The impact of the Reformation on society, politics, and culture.

Colonialism and Missionary Movements

• Christian missions in the colonial era: Motivations and methods.
• The encounter between Christianity and indigenous religions.
• The role of missionaries in colonial expansion.
• The Jesuit missions in the Americas and Asia.
• The impact of Christianity on indigenous cultures.
• Christian missions and the spread of education.
• The Christianization of Africa during the colonial period.
• Christianity and the slave trade.
• The missionary movement in the Pacific Islands.
• The legacy of colonialism and Christianity in post-colonial societies.

Modern Christianity

• The rise of Evangelicalism and the Great Awakenings.
• The social gospel movement and Christian social reform.
• The impact of the Enlightenment on Christian thought.
• The role of Christianity in the abolitionist movement.
• The rise of Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity.
• Liberation theology and its influence on social justice movements.
• The ecumenical movement and efforts towards Christian unity.
• Christianity and the civil rights movement.
• The role of women in modern Christian churches.
• The challenges of secularism and the decline of traditional Christian institutions.

Christianity in Non-Western Contexts

• Christianity in Asia: Historical developments and challenges.
• The growth of Christianity in Africa.
• Christian responses to colonialism and imperialism.
• Indigenous Christian movements in Latin America.
• The impact of Christianity on indigenous communities in North America.
• Christianity in the Middle East: Challenges and persecution.
• The rise of African Independent Churches.
• Christian missions in post-colonial contexts.
• Christian-Muslim relations in the contemporary world.
• Christianity and globalization in the 21st century.

Women in Christianity

• Women in early Christian communities.
• The role of women in medieval Christianity.
• Women mystics and theologians.
• Women missionaries and their contributions.
• The feminist movement and its impact on Christianity.
• Women’s ordination and leadership in Christian churches.
• Women’s experiences of faith and spirituality.
• Christian perspectives on gender and sexuality.
• Women’s activism in Christian social reform.
• Women’s contributions to Christian art and literature.

Christian Art and Architecture

• Early Christian art and its symbols.
• Christian iconography and its meanings.
• The Renaissance and Christian art.
• Gothic architecture and its spiritual symbolism.
• Christian art during the Protestant Reformation.
• Baroque art and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
• Christian themes in modern and contemporary art.
• Christian sacred music and its development.
• The significance of Christian pilgrimage sites.
• The use of religious symbolism in Christian architecture.

Christian Thought and Theology

• The development of Christian theology in the early centuries.
• The contributions of Augustine of Hippo to Christian thought.
• The emergence of systematic theology in the Middle Ages.
• The impact of Thomas Aquinas and scholasticism.
• The Protestant Reformers and their theological ideas.
• The influence of Søren Kierkegaard and existentialism.
• The theology of Karl Barth and Neo-orthodoxy.
• Liberation theology and its theological principles.
• Contemporary debates in Christian theology.
• Christian responses to science, technology, and ethics.

Christianity and Contemporary Issues

• Christianity and social justice movements.
• Christian perspectives on environmental issues.
• Christianity and human rights.
• Christianity and interfaith dialogue.
• The role of Christianity in peace and conflict resolution.
• Christian responses to globalization.
• Christianity and the modern family.
• Christianity and medical ethics.
• Christian perspectives on sexuality and gender.
• The future of Christianity in the 21st century.

This comprehensive list of history of Christianity research paper topics covers a wide array of subjects that will captivate and challenge students in their exploration of this influential religious tradition. Whether focusing on specific time periods, regions, theological debates, or social issues, the history of Christianity offers a rich tapestry of topics to delve into. By selecting a research topic from this list, students can embark on a rewarding journey of discovery, analysis, and critical thinking. Remember to consider your personal interests, conduct thorough research, and approach your chosen topic with intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.

History of Christianity: Exploring its Origins, Development, and Influence

The history of Christianity is a fascinating journey that spans over two millennia, tracing its origins to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD. From its humble beginnings as a small Jewish sect to becoming one of the world’s major religions, Christianity has had a profound impact on societies, cultures, and individuals throughout history. In this article, we will explore the rich tapestry of the history of Christianity, its key events, influential figures, and the wide range of research paper topics it offers.

The Origins of Christianity

The story of Christianity begins with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Born in Bethlehem in the Roman province of Judea, Jesus preached a message of love, forgiveness, and the coming of God’s kingdom. His teachings attracted a diverse following, including his disciples and a growing number of followers who came to be known as Christians. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus became central events in Christian belief, laying the foundation for the faith.

The Early Christian Communities

Following Jesus’ death, his disciples and followers spread his teachings, forming early Christian communities. These communities faced challenges such as persecution and internal debates about the interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. The apostle Paul played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity beyond its Jewish origins, reaching out to Gentiles and establishing churches in various parts of the Roman Empire. The writings of Paul and other early Christian leaders, captured in the New Testament, provide valuable insights into the early development of Christian theology and practice.

The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity

The Roman Empire played a significant role in shaping the history of Christianity. Initially viewed with suspicion and hostility, Christianity gradually gained traction and attracted converts, including prominent figures such as Constantine the Great, who became the first Christian Roman Emperor. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted tolerance to Christianity, leading to its eventual acceptance as the official religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Theodosius in 380 AD. This shift had far-reaching consequences for the development of Christianity and its relationship with political power.

The Ecumenical Councils and the Formation of Christian Orthodoxy

As Christianity spread and diversified, theological debates and conflicts emerged, leading to the convening of ecumenical councils. These councils aimed to resolve doctrinal disputes and establish orthodoxy. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, for example, addressed the divinity of Christ and formulated the Nicene Creed, which remains a foundational statement of Christian belief. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD addressed the nature of Christ’s divine and human natures. These councils played a crucial role in shaping Christian theology and contributed to the formation of distinct Christian traditions.

The Medieval Period and the Influence of Christianity

During the Middle Ages, Christianity was at the heart of European society, permeating all aspects of life. The Catholic Church held considerable power and influence, playing a central role in political, social, and cultural affairs. Monastic orders, such as the Benedictines and Franciscans, contributed to the preservation of knowledge, the spread of education, and the promotion of spiritual devotion. The construction of grand cathedrals, such as Notre-Dame in Paris and Canterbury Cathedral in England, showcased the artistic and architectural achievements of the period.

The Protestant Reformation and its Impact

In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, published in 1517, criticized the Church’s sale of indulgences and sparked a movement for reform. The Reformation led to theological debates, religious wars, and the splintering of Western Christianity into different branches. The teachings of reformers like John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Wesley influenced the development of Protestant theology and contributed to the diversity of Christian belief.

Christianity and Global Expansion

With the Age of Exploration and European colonial expansion, Christianity spread to new continents and encountered diverse cultures and religions. Missionaries played a vital role in bringing Christianity to Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. This encounter between Christianity and indigenous cultures gave rise to syncretic forms of Christianity and sparked debates about cultural assimilation, religious syncretism, and the preservation of traditional beliefs. The impact of Christianity on colonial societies and the subsequent process of decolonization have shaped the religious landscape of many regions.

Christianity in the Modern World

In the modern era, Christianity continues to be a dynamic force with a global reach. It has adapted to societal changes, engaged in social justice movements, and grappled with ethical issues. The rise of Evangelicalism, the emergence of liberation theology, and the engagement of Christians in environmental and human rights activism are just a few examples of Christianity’s ongoing influence. The challenges of secularism, religious pluralism, and the changing role of religion in contemporary societies have prompted Christians to reconsider their beliefs and engage in interfaith dialogue.

The range of Research Paper Topics

The history of Christianity offers a vast array of research paper topics that can be explored from different angles. Some potential areas of focus include theological debates, the lives of influential Christian figures, the relationship between Christianity and political power, the impact of Christianity on social and cultural developments, and the interaction between Christianity and other religions. Additionally, topics related to Christian art and architecture, missionary activities, Christian responses to social issues, and the challenges faced by Christianity in the modern world provide ample opportunities for in-depth research.

By delving into the history of Christianity and selecting a research topic that aligns with personal interests and academic goals, students can embark on a rewarding journey of exploration, analysis, and critical thinking. It is essential to conduct thorough research, engage with primary and secondary sources, and approach the topic with intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. Understanding the historical context and the various perspectives within Christianity will contribute to a comprehensive and well-rounded research paper.

How to Choose History of Christianity Research Paper Topics

Selecting a captivating and meaningful research topic is a crucial step in writing a history of Christianity research paper. The history of Christianity is vast and encompasses a wide range of themes, events, and individuals. To help you navigate through the rich tapestry of this subject, here are ten tips to consider when choosing your research paper topic.

• Identify your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within the history of Christianity. Consider specific aspects, such as the early Christian communities, key figures like Martin Luther or Saint Augustine, theological debates, missionary activities, or the impact of Christianity on social and cultural developments. Identifying your interests will make the research process more engaging and enjoyable.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Engage in preliminary research to gain a broad understanding of the history of Christianity. Read scholarly books, articles, and surveys that provide an overview of the subject. This will help you familiarize yourself with key events, significant figures, and major themes, allowing you to narrow down your focus.
• Explore Different Time Periods and Regions : The history of Christianity spans across centuries and continents. Consider exploring different time periods, such as the early Christian era, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, or the modern era. Similarly, examine the development of Christianity in different regions, such as Europe, Africa, Asia, or the Americas. This will offer a diverse range of research opportunities.
• Examine Theological Debates : Christianity has been marked by theological debates throughout its history. Investigate significant theological controversies, such as the nature of Christ, the role of grace, the authority of Scripture, or the relationship between faith and reason. Analyze the positions of different theologians and how these debates have shaped the development of Christian thought.
• Consider Social and Cultural Perspectives : Christianity has had a profound impact on society and culture. Explore the intersection between Christianity and social issues, such as gender roles, slavery, colonization, or the role of Christianity in shaping art, literature, and music. Investigate how Christian beliefs and practices have influenced social and cultural norms throughout history.
• Analyze the Lives of Key Figures : The lives and contributions of key figures within Christianity offer fascinating research avenues. Study influential individuals like Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Wesley, or Mother Teresa. Examine their theological insights, social activism, or their impact on Christian movements and institutions.
• Investigate Missionary Activities : Christianity’s global expansion was facilitated by missionary endeavors. Explore the missionary activities of prominent individuals or missionary organizations in different regions. Analyze their methods, encounters with indigenous cultures, and the implications of religious syncretism or cultural assimilation.
• Examine Christian Responses to Social Issues : Throughout history, Christians have responded to various social challenges. Investigate how Christianity has addressed issues such as poverty, social inequality, civil rights, or environmental stewardship. Analyze the contributions of Christian movements, leaders, and organizations in promoting social justice.
• Investigate Interactions with Other Religions : Christianity has interacted with other religious traditions, leading to exchanges, conflicts, and syncretism. Study the encounters between Christianity and Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, or indigenous religions. Analyze the theological dialogues, cultural assimilation, or religious conflicts that have shaped interreligious dynamics.
• Consult with your Instructor or Advisor : Seek guidance from your instructor or academic advisor when choosing your research topic. They can offer insights, suggest relevant literature, or provide additional resources. Discussing your ideas with them will ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the course objectives and academic standards.

Choosing a compelling history of Christianity research paper topic requires thoughtful consideration and thorough research. By identifying your interests, exploring different time periods and regions, examining theological debates, and investigating the lives of key figures and social issues, you can uncover fascinating aspects of this rich historical subject. Remember to consult with your instructor or advisor throughout the process to receive valuable guidance. A well-chosen topic will set the stage for a captivating and academically rigorous research paper.

How to Write a History of Christianity Research Paper

Writing a history of Christianity research paper allows you to delve into the rich tapestry of the Christian tradition and explore its historical development, theological nuances, and societal impact. To guide you through the process, here are ten tips to help you write a successful and engaging history of Christianity research paper.

• Formulate a Clear Thesis Statement : A strong thesis statement is essential for any research paper. Clearly articulate your main argument or research question related to the history of Christianity. This will provide a focused direction for your paper and guide your research and analysis.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Thoroughly research your chosen topic to gather a wide range of primary and secondary sources. Consult scholarly books, articles, historical documents, and reputable online resources. Take detailed notes and critically evaluate the sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Analyze Primary and Secondary Sources : To construct a well-rounded and nuanced research paper, analyze both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include historical documents, letters, diaries, and eyewitness accounts from the time period you are studying. Secondary sources are scholarly works that interpret and analyze primary sources. Incorporating a mix of primary and secondary sources strengthens the depth and authenticity of your research.
• Explore Different Perspectives : The history of Christianity is marked by diverse theological, cultural, and social perspectives. Explore different viewpoints and interpretations related to your research topic. Engage with scholarly debates and consider how various perspectives contribute to your understanding of the subject matter.
• Organize Your Paper : Develop a clear and logical organizational structure for your research paper. Outline the main sections, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or supporting point related to your thesis statement. Use topic sentences and transitional phrases to ensure a smooth flow of ideas.
• Support Your Claims with Evidence : Back up your arguments and claims with evidence from your research. Use direct quotations, paraphrases, and citations to support your analysis. Ensure that you properly cite all sources following the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago/Turabian.
• Engage with Historiography : Examine the existing scholarly literature and historiography on your chosen topic. Familiarize yourself with the key debates, theories, and interpretations within the field of Christian history. Engaging with historiography will strengthen your analysis and allow you to contribute to the ongoing scholarly discourse.
• Critically Analyze and Interpret : Approach the historical material with a critical mindset. Analyze the context, motivations, and biases of the sources you encounter. Develop your own interpretations based on the evidence and engage in critical thinking to evaluate the reliability and validity of different perspectives.
• Write with Clarity and Coherence : Craft your writing in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Use appropriate language, avoid jargon, and define specialized terms. Present your arguments and analysis in a logical sequence, providing smooth transitions between paragraphs. Revise and edit your paper for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.
• Reflect on the Significance and Implications : Conclude your research paper by reflecting on the significance and broader implications of your findings. Discuss the impact of your research on the understanding of the history of Christianity, its relevance to contemporary issues, or its contribution to the field of historical scholarship.

Writing a history of Christianity research paper is an opportunity to engage with the rich history, theology, and societal impact of the Christian tradition. By formulating a clear thesis statement, conducting in-depth research, analyzing primary and secondary sources, and critically interpreting the material, you can construct a well-organized and compelling research paper. Remember to engage with historiography, write with clarity and coherence, and reflect on the significance of your findings. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing academic discourse surrounding the history of Christianity.

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• Top Quality : Quality is our top priority. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our writing services. Our writers meticulously craft each research paper, paying attention to detail, coherence, and academic rigor. We ensure that your paper meets the highest academic standards and demonstrates a deep understanding of the history of Christianity.
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228 Church Topics & Examples

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• The Role of the Church in the Life of the Middle Ages The church was thus an inseparable part of the medieval times, and anyone researching the history of the middle ages, must come across the role played by the church during this time.
• Paul’s Life and Significance for the Church Today These documents also explained the necessity of rituals now considered the basic ones for Christianity and contributed to the rise of the Church to the institution playing the fundamental role in the modern world.
• Should Churches Be Taxed? The reason for this is that, as practice indicates, the activities of just about any Church are being ultimately concerned with making it possible for the affiliated clergymen to ensure the never-ending flow of monetary […]
• Church Going The poem is an exposition of the erosion of the old beliefs of the religious institution delimited by the church. The narrator is contemptuous of the habit of visiting churches and derides the various instruments […]
• Catholic Church View on Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Therefore, the authors had a negative stance on cosmetic surgery performed on women, stating that it was a betrayal of the “truth of the feminine self” and a contribution to the exploitation of the female […]
• Church as a Social Institution The social correlation that has greatly emerged among aged people in modern society has been greatly contributed by the church which has created a strong belief that the single believers who have developed the attitude […]
• Analysis of Church Strategic Plan The project is focused on teaching adults the basics of the Word of God, attracting new parishioners, glorifying the Church and its mission.
• Heretics and Early Christian Church Fathers To the early church fathers any person who denied the deity of Christ, same as whoever identified Jesus and the Father as being the same person was considered heretic.
• The Role of the Church in Ireland: Past and Present For this reason, the key aim of the paper is to answer the following research question: Speaking about the unusual position of the Church in Ireland, it is critical to mention that unlike the population […]
• Religion Classification: Church, Sect and Cults In most parts of the world, Christianity is the mainstream spiritual institution and therefore small spiritual units developing in a given place will either be referred to as sects or cults.
• Baptist, Roman Catholic Church, and Episcopal Church: Comparison It evolved immediately after the American Revolution after a forced break from the Church of England due to the penalty of disloyalty as the clergy of the Church of England were obliged to swear their […]
• Paper Church Designed by Shigeru Ban The purpose of this paper is to analyze the significance of Ban’s designs with the help of Paper Church as an example.
• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Spirituality of Church Members Through the qualitative data methodology, the researcher predicts that the findings will establish that Church members maintained and increased their spirituality despite the adverse effects and experiences of the pandemic and lack of physical attendance […]
• The Foundation of Christian Church The early church was founded in Roman Judea, with the teachings based on Jesus Christ’s teachings. However, the Jewish authorities’ prosecution of Jesus’ followers led to the formation of the first multiethnic church in Antioch.
• The Church’s Role During the Feudal Era Such land relations broadly defined the character of the political regime and the essence of the state and law. At that time, religion and the church served to protect the interests of the upper class.
• Women in Pre-Vatican II Church First, prior to discussing the place of women in the Pre-Vatican II Church, it is necessary to define the notion of the Church itself.
• Christian Church Service in Personal Experience As I entered the gate to this big building, something inside me told me I was not in the right place.
• The Concept of the Church’s Heresies This essay focuses on the Gnosticism heresy, including its teachings, effects on the early church, how the church dealt with the heresy and how it relates to the current church.
• Separation of Church and State The accomodationist’s position is the first one and maintains that the government has a moral responsibility to enact policies that recognize the role of religion in the society.
• Church’s Attitude to Stendhal’s “The Red and The Black” One of the masterpieces that caused political and public outcry was the novel The Red and the Black written by Stendhal, the famous French novelist of the 19th century.
• The Household of God: The Nature of the Church The book “The Household of God: Lecture on the Nature of the Church” written by Newbigin in 1953 explores the history of Christendom to understand and explain the meaning of the word ‘church.’ The author […]
• Church Visit Reflection Thus the outward mission of the church, its serve to the kingdom, is to announce the good news, inviting individuals to receive it and to become members of the body of Christ.
• Leadership Challenges in the Church The essence of a proper delegation is to plan the task and organize the work process to achieve the goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The Acts of Corruption Committed by the Church The purpose of this paper is to list some of the prevalent acts of corruption committed by the church and its followers and to understand the reasons behind them.
• The Corruption of the Catholic Church in Chaucer’s Works Using the central theme of religious hypocrisy, Chaucer successfully used the Pardoner, the Friar, and the Summoner characters to expose the church representatives’ corruption and evil practices.
• Church Discipline and Restoration He also imposed a regulation not to eat the fruits from the tree of knowledge that appeared in the middle of the garden.
• The Increase of Sexual Misconduct in the Church Religious leaders attribute occurrence and increasing incidences of sexual abuse and misconduct to influence from the secular world, degradation of religious values and tolerance of the behavior among members of society.
• History of Catholic Church Catholic religion dominated the lives of the medieval people between the 5th and the 15th century. It was not easy to dislodge Christianity from the lives and minds of the medieval men and women, as […]
• Church-Sect Theory The typologies of religion are usually referred to as ideal types meaning that they are mere examples of other categories Based on the church-sect theory, the church is described as a religious organization that is […]
• The Catholic Church in the Roman Empire In its ethical concepts, the Roman Catholic Church developed from Stoicism, which was in great harmony with the public mood of the Roman Empire.
• Ethical Failure in the Pulpit: Impact on the Church, Congregation, and Community It claims that when the people of the congregation of the minister sin, the priest is the one to blame. Thus, the pulpiteer must avoid ethical failures in addressing their congregation, as they know the […]
• A Church’s Organizational Structure and Behavior These systems contribute to the wellbeing of the society through various means, for example, they bring together resources in order to accomplish a society’s needs, help to facilitate innovation, they facilitate easy accommodation of ongoing […]
• The Theory of Church-Sect The church portrays the spiritual standards and principles of society meaning that they are the janitors of faith in a particular society.
• Seventh Day Adventist Church The denomination began in the middle of the 19th century in the United States of America because of the Millerite movement.
• Children’s Ministry in Churches Challenges The first suggestion refers to the idea that, for the ministers to be able to set children on the proper track of affiliating themselves with God, they will have to teach them how to address […]
• Administration of a Local Church Beginning with the collection of information about the current state of the organization, the sequence continues with the gathering of data and a discussion in which all members of the organization continue with the design […]
• The Christian Church’s Organizational Chart Specifically, with the emphasis on Servant Leadership and the resulting promotion of the freedom of choice for the key stakeholders, the Redeemed Christian Church of God introduces opportunities for a situational approach and options for […]
• Indulgences in the Catholic Church The Pope is the highest level of clergy in the Catholic Church, with explicit respect and authority granted by the Christian ecclesiological doctrine.
• Trinity Church: An Influential Architectural Design Up to date, the Trinity Church is known as one of the highly significant and influential buildings in the history of American architecture.
• Eastern Orthodox Church and Its History Thus, the investigation of the church history is treated as tracing the presence of a hand of God everywhere in men’s life ways. The research of church history is necessary as it provides the comprehension […]
• The New Global Mission: Escobar’s Global Church Conception While exploring the new realities of the globalized community and assessing the changing patterns in carrying global mission, which is both secular and sacred, Escobar introduces a new theological framework of biblical mission, revisiting the […]
• Tax Exemption of Churches From Tax Payments It is unfair for the government to exempt religious groups from paying taxes because this marginalizes some other groups, including LGBTQ and atheists.
• The History of the Congregational Christian Church The Congregational Christian Church is one of the five historical streams of the United Church of Christ. However, I acknowledge my weaknesses and imperfections that I will work on in order to be able to […]
• The Afro-Christian Connection and United Church of Christ Afro-Christian congregations maintained their fundamental nature from the start of Afro-Christian church activities, directly following the Civil War, until the creation of the United Church of Christ.
• Authority in the United Church of Christ In addition, the covenant aspect in the structure of the church eliminates the hierarchy component, emphasizing the unity and freedom of religious expression in the combination of European and American roots of the church.
• STEEPLE Environmental Scan of the Trends Driving the Church Congregants fear that people could ask them tough questions because of the preparedness of the world to criticize Christians due to the exposure to the media.
• Christian Church: The Action Research The penultimate stage is to implement the action plan and eliminate the identified problems. In conclusion, Action Research is a positive tool that allows you to work with the effectiveness of churches.
• “How the Local Churches Go Global” Review Local churches form the basis of missions and should cooperate to fulfill the biblical obligation of spreading the gospel. God gives instructions to churches on how to coordinate local and global missions in the Bible.
• The United Church of Christ Analysis As discussed in a number of resources about the church, and its own website, the emergence of the church is more of unification and acceptance, emerging as a way to mend the late disagreements of […]
• The Parliamentary Reform of the Church of England in the 19th Century England is a fairly good example of the reformation of the foundations of the system of power.thus, the country made the necessary changes not with the help of revolutions and social unrest, but with the […]
• The Church and Reliquary of Sainte-Foy: Contextual Analysis Second, the paper provides a formal analysis of the Church and Reliquary of Sainte-Foy without value judgment to enable the reader to understand the object of the inquiry.
• What Does Paul Say About the Church? In particular, the analysis of 1 Corinthians 12-13 and Romans 12 reveals that Paul emphasizes the role of love and self-sacrifice and compares the Church to a body, while believers are its essential components.
• Women in Church, Politics, and Society The role of women in the church is determined by the role women had in ancient society and is reflected in the Bible.
• The Church’s Involvement in Politics According to the Bible The church can teach the leaders of man how to properly carry out their duties in accordance to the Word of God.
• Should the Church Baptize Babies of Commited Christian Parents? One of the most common is the idea of the unity of the believers that surpass any genetic or race accessory.
• The Survival and Development of Christian Church For the first five hundred years, the Church was almost entirely in the territory of the Roman Empire, which was a powerful state with many tools for punishing the unwanted.
• Personal Reflection on Bethlehem Lutheran Church Visit The main purpose of the visit was the review the key advantages of the service performed at the Lutheran Church. Other elements of the interior included the projector aimed at prompting and instructing the congregation […]
• Retention of Youth by Indian Church of God A case study approach gives a chance to assess how strong the impact of the Indian Church of God is and to evaluate the role of individual members of the church, in particular, the senior […]
• A Blog Post for the Church Website In fact, the Apostle identifies the Jewish people as the dominant part of the entire population of Jerusalem and the main church workers.
• Religions Resources and Church Growth: Summary For the duration of this article, we will be focusing on both the unique and the generic. Another paper dealt with the dynamics of religious organisations and the people who belong to them.
• New Testament Church and Missional Theology Examining the ways of using the Missional Theory in encouraging compliance with the principles of the New Testament Church, one should focus closer on the values and ideas that the aid New Testament Church invites.
• Interreligious Dialogues of Church and Non-Christian Religions A final thing that I like about the school community is that people participate in the religious traditions and customs of others.
• The Christian Church at the Council of Nicaea The Council of Nicaea became the turning point in the religion since it created the principle of the Holy Trinity. The church persecutions, as well as the crisis in the Empire, played a considerable role […]
• Ethical Failure and Its Effects on the Church Congregation Therefore, the results of the minister’s actions, especially their wrongdoings, could be disastrous and could affect a lot of people within different scenarios.”Ethical failure in the pulpit affects the pew” – the leaders of religious […]
• Center Church by Timothy Keller Review The first section is about the gospel, in which the author shares his perceptions of the gospel, referencing various sources and connects it to certain aspects of life.
• Role of the Black Church the Twenty-First Century Thus, the author notes the importance of the participation of the Black church in the public sphere as an agent of change and a connecting link for people of color who need help from the […]
• The Need for the Ministry of Helps in the Church The Ministry of Helps is a vital structure within the church responsible for the support and maintenance of the smooth operation of the church.
• The Church’s Attitude Toward Homosexual Marriage Erickson Millard claims that Jesus’s teaching about the permanence of marriage is based on the fact that: God made humanity as male and female and pronounced them to be one.
• Philosophy of Religion: Approaches to Faith and Church The epistemology in this work is not based on avid socialism but a specific definition of concepts and their application to religion.
• The US Churches Working Through the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown led to a crisis in the economy and industry, jeopardizing the business of many small and medium-sized enterprises, and leaving a large percentage of the population unemployed.
• Relation Between Medical Sociology and Church As a result of the poor sanitation and wars which were going on, the church had sent nurses to attend the sick and the injured within the community.
• Church and State, Offices and Officers Attachment In the book of Romans 13:1-7 and Mathews 22:15-21, Christians are expected to honor and live within the authority of the earthly leaders and even pay taxes since it is only God who has the […]
• “The Upside Down Church” Book by Greg Laurie Laurie writes against this and insists upon the need to reshape the church structure so that it models that of the early church, which is in the book of Acts in the New Testament.
• Tort Law: Lawsuit Against the Church That the actions of the church made the society to have a negative attitude towards the parents. The parents in this case can be said to be the legal owners of the child.
• Australia Church History Overview: Cultural and Social Differences Between the Clergy and Their Parish Charles Strong was one of the prominent members of the Australian peace movement and the first minister of the Australian Church.
• Westminster Abbey or the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, London To sum up, Westminster Abbey is the most significant religious site in England with a rich history and a deep spiritual meaning.
• The Visit to Ridge Community Church I felt my ethnocentrism at first as I tried to evaluate the meaning of the worship events and procedures from the point of my beliefs and experience.
• The Role of George Fox in Church History 2 This research paper investigates the life of George Fox, including his path to the separation from the Church of England, missionary work and traveling, views on social and political issues, and legacy.
• The History of the Australian Church: Charles Strong’s Religious Activity and Aspirations Furthermore, the role of Bernard O’Dowd in the development of the Australian Church will be outlined. Church in Australia at the turn of the century Charles Strong Bernard O’Dowd The anti-conscription movement
• The Model of Church Closest to the Apostolic Church of the New Testament Among the six models of a Christian Church that are described in Dulles’ book, the model of Church as Herald appears to be the most conformable to the model depicted by the apostle Paul and […]
• Russian Youtuber Convicted for Playing Pokémon Go in Church I took three articles of The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post to compare their presentations of the case that was mentioned above.
• Image of the Contemporary Church As a result, this tendency caused the capitalization and bureaucratization of the church that are currently seen as the main factors contributing to the problems of the modern church.
• Evangelism Exploring a Missional Practice of the Church This is one of the points that should be identified. It seems that this question is important for the promotion of Christian values in various developing countries
• Christian Methodist Episcopal Church History First, the CME Church was challenged by the African Methodist Church over the property that was deeded to the CME Church by the M.E.
• The Separation of the Catholic Church This paper highlights the premises of the schism between the Roman Church and the Protestants. That was a basic reason for split and separation of the Catholic Church.
• Controversial Topic Within Modern Catholic Church These and the abundance of the other places from the Holy Scriptures establish God’s position as the Giver of life, and the only person having a right to operate the gift of life which stem […]
• Origins and History of Christianity: The Early Christian Church Believers and Gnosticism In the first scenario of the gospel of Judas, Jesus was engaged in a verbal conversion with his disciples between the significant and spiritual value of thanksgiving and the Eucharist.
• Public Speaking at Church – Critique It also can be sensed that the subject of the speech along with its content indirectly was used as guidelines in assessing certain behavior in the light of the recent difficult financial situation that the […]
• Pope Gregory VII and His Attempts to Reform the Church Other than the King, the pope was relentless against the practice of Simony and the misdeeds of Bishop of Strasbourg came to his notice.
• “Upon This Rock: Miracles of a Black Church” by Samuel Freedman In is obvious, then, that the church intervention into the black society contributes to improvement of the situation in the city and a better organization of the church where Youngblood philosophy was of great value.
• Spanish and Portuguese Churches: Influence on European Baroque Developments Churches in the Spanish New World were influenced by the Baroque style, as this was promoted by the Roman Catholic leadership, who would promulgated at the Council of Trent that the arts should demonstrate religious […]
• Religion: Why the Bible and Churches Are Needed This attitude towards the church of that time may be explained by the power of the Word of God among people and the Power of the Holy Spirit.
• Psychology Field Practicum at First Baptist Church of Anaheim The importance of a psychology practicum is to allow the students to apply the theory learned in class into the fields to gain more knowledge, skills, and experience in their area of professionalism.
• Origin of the Church History Through the Middle Ages To some of His fellow Jews Jesus of Nazareth was the long awaited messiah, the fulfillment of the Prophecies, the savior of the people and the expected of nations.
• Causes of the Reformation and Changes of the Church This was not the end of Church divisions, as XVI century was the year of different changes in the church canons and as the changes occurred everywhere, so the whole period was called the Reformation.
• Church and State Separated Separating the church and the state is both a political and a doctrine of the American government law requiring the religious institutions to be disconnected from the government and operate independently It revolves around the […]
• Corruption of Government in Church Some people argue that that most of the actions of the church in the course of its development cannot be regarded as corruptive whereas others state that the desire of the church to enrich itself […]
• The Church: The Body of Christ In such way Paul has expressed the live, indissoluble connection of the Lord with the believers, shown in the constant influence of the Christ on Church, which He invigorates and fills with His Spirit; being […]
• Education in Jewish Church and Family Services Therapeutic Day School At the beginning of the lesson the teacher was observed to announce to the class that lesson was about to start.
• Postmodernism in the Church Analysis Milbank, John observes that one of the things to note of the postmodernism ideology is that its elaborate and rudimentary forms and implications have crept into the church itself.”The influence of postmodernism has been experienced […]
• Understanding Postmodernism Through the Emerging Church Another perspective on this term is connected to the connection to anything of the current and that which has been approved and is also appealing to the human being.
• Roman Catholic Church: Congregational Worship Experiences The largest of the Christian churches which entails the Roman Catholic church, although present in all parts of the world, is identified as Roman because of its historical roots in Rome and because of the […]
• Sex Abuse Allegations Against the Catholic Church For one to understand, the reactions of the church towards the allegations we need to examine the human behavioral response to the crisis.it is human to see people react towards the crisis in form of […]
• Church History: Judaism, Islam and Christianity The conversion of Empire Constantine to Christianity was on of the milestones in the spread of the Christian faith. He ensured that the initially feared religion was legitimized in Rome, declared it the religion of […]
• Turmoil in the Church During the Middle Ages The new pope was under the control of the French king, putting the authority of the Church under that of the political ruler.
• Church/Religion in Today’s World The greatest role that religion should play in the modern world is the regulation of behavior and provision of mental peace.
• Church’s Fried Chicken Promotion Plan in Egypt The centrality of this objective is to eliminate the aspect of the health concern in the product of interest. The product name is Church’s Fried Chicken and the advertising objectives of the product are to […]
• Observations in the Local Church The report attempts to present an in-depth personal profile of the youthful priest during a sermon within the church from an insider perspective. As I sat in the church, I noticed that these people possessed […]
• Middle Ages: Churches and Book Illustration In short, the ideals of the monastic reform movement during the medieval periods such as total devotion to worship and seclusion from the material world were generally manifested in the architecture of the churches in […]
• Christian Experience of San Francisco St. Patrick Church To the Catholics, the Holy Communion is a command from Jesus himself and he is the initiator of the practice. Martins Church in San Francisco and learned about the practice as highlighted throughout this paper.
• Multicultural Experience of Visiting a Church Although the experience was definitely, a revelation of the minor details I missed from my congregation, one of the things I noted during the next worship visit at my church involved the decorations and symbols.
• Christian Church as a Social Answer to Human Problems The easiest way of achieving dealing with oppression in the world is getting the oppressors to appreciate the benefits of solidarity with the oppressed.
• The Church as Forgiving Community The church is one of the institutions that can be used to spread the gospel of forgiveness by offering practical tools to be used by the offended parties as they recover from their hurt. Consequently, […]
• Eusebius’ History of the Church From Christ to Constantine He was among the first scholars to write about the history of the church. The persecution of the church did not dissuade Eusebius from writing the text known as the history of the church.
• Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster remains instrumental in understanding the position of the society on issues and its own metamorphosis as the concept of capitalism, dominance, economic clandestine, and spheres of aesthetic and […]
• Santa Clara Church: Catholic Mass Experience The idea of conducting this study made me nervous because of the entire experience I would have during the Mass. Inside the church, there was a font of water at the front end.
• Church and State Issues: Religious Pluralism It is one of the main points that should be considered. It is one of the main pitfalls that should be considered.
• Mystery Compositions in Church Music It is necessary to mention the meter of the present composition, which serves to create the same effect. It is the effect of harmony in the world.
• American Church in Kwame Appiah’s Interview At that time when the slave trade was still thriving in America, the Baptists and the Methodists blatantly encouraged the slave trade in the south.
• Church in Exile as a Reality of the Western World The role of the Western church decreased in the last decades, which is caused by the low interest of people and socio-cultural shifts. The question of the head and the heart unity remains critical concerning […]
• The Concept of Kind in Church History: Analyzing Quotes From a Spiritual and Philosophical Perspective The usage of the concept of ‘kind’ can be traced to the early church period. The concept of ‘kind’ is evident in both of the quotes.
• Greedness and Church Marketing However, in the bid to make an impact and overcome the challenges of the first-mover advantage, church leaders pursue dangerous aspects of Gospel marketing.
• Church Leadership: Ethical Perspective and Positioning The passage of Scripture is related to the issue of leadership at church.”The elders” refers to the wise and experienced members of the congregation.
• The Church and Postmodernism-Driven Attitudes of People The pivotal goal of implementing change processes concerning the church is to achieve the convergence in how God and people view others.
• Church Mission and Postmodernism The following mission statement can be proposed: The church proclaims the principles of the Christian faith to help people understand God’s words and will and improve their reason to act as adults against the evil, […]
• Orthopraxy and Leadership in the Church The concept of orthodoxy that refers to the conformation with the Christian creeds, truths, and images is beneficial in understanding a Sunday School Teacher’s expected position in the context of change.
• Pastors of the 21st-Century Church: Love and Exile For them, it is vital to teach and show love for the population to allow for the growth of a church.
• Practical Theology and Church Visitor’s Authority Concept For the 21st century church, it is especially important to identify itself in the context of exile that is a resource of renovation, as stated by Beach.
• Church in Exile and Ministry Environmental Analysis The antidote to the Western church’s arrogance and complacency is penitence. The integration of identity, theology, and mission points to the strategy of people living in exile, which is the praxis of the church.
• First Baptist Church and Religious Society of Friends A woman of approximately 25 years of age, Terry agreed for a short interview after I explained the purpose of it as studying the current and the future place of religion in the formation of […]
• One Sacred Effort: Southern Baptist Church The Baptists believe in the infallibility and the sacredness of scripture as the sole reservoir of authority. Baptists live by the teachings of the New Testament with respect to baptism and the work of the […]
• Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Reformers’ Confrontation The debate was crucial to the development of the Reformation thought, as it was during this debate that Luther for the first time argued that the Pope had no official power since the Bible alone […]
• Church Role in Witch Hunting Despite the fact that a lot of research has been done on the history of witch prosecution and the part of the Church in it, it is still debatable whether its power exceeded the influence […]
• Weber on Separation of Church and State in the US In the United States, the ‘separation of state and the church’ policy was strictly observed. Perhaps aware of the corrupt and unscrupulous members of the guild, the seller explicitly expresses his optimism with the sect […]
• Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and St. Ignatius Church The difference is probably due to the history of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the message that its adherents desire to convey to the world.
• Galileo’s Defence and Roman Catholic Church
• Human Sexuality in United Methodist Church’s View
• Thomas Church’s Garden Design in Architecture
• African Diaspora and the Black Church
• Church’s Role in Encouraging Homeschool Education
• Pentecostal Church Service: Elements and Features
• The Modern Church Ministry Management
• Church-State Relations in the Public School System
• Pope Francis and His Effect on the Roman Catholic Church
• The Role of Pope in Western Christian Church
• Volunteering Portfolio: Methodist Church of Britain
• The Orthodox Church in San Francisco: Christian Experience
• Miracle of the Sun in the Catholic Church
• War Against Indians: Captain Benjamin Church
• The Church of Christ
• Mount Vernon Methodist Church in Baltimore
• Lent History and Meaning in the Catholic Church
• The Church as a Business Organization
• Women Role in the Church
• Orthodox Church in China
• The Parkcrest Church Organization
• Benefits of Attending Churches for International Students
• The Crusaders and the Church
• The Church as a Forgiving Community
• Religious Teachings: Carl Barth – Church Dogmatic
• The Separation of Church and State With References to Roger Williams’ Ideas
• The Nature and Mission of the Church in the Twenty-First Century
• The Biblical Mission of Church Struggle
• Darrell Robinson’s “Total Church Life”
• Protestant Reformation and the Western Church
• “Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and You Can Too” by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson
• Creating the Plant Church: Ministry Application Project
• Deacons and a Special Office in the Early Church
• Churches Are Going Mega While Small Churches Are Dying Out
• Christian Church History: Conversion Into Christianity
• Tzintzuntzan – Can People Who Participate in Different Churches Get Along Peacefully?
• London Church Furniture Marketing Strategy
• How Important Has the Institution of the Church Been for African-Americans?
• The Politics of the Catholic Church in Latin America
• Church & Dwight: Economy Factors Affecting Business
• The Church & Dwight Co
• Modern Estates: Church, Nobility & Peasantry
• Founding Fathers Religion: The First Amendment Role in the Church-State Separation
• Role of Women in the Church
• The Christian Church and Society/Christianity and Economics
• Renaissance and the Church
• Philosophers and the Church Doctrine
• The Protestant Church Reformation
• Idea of Hybrid Church by Dave Browning
• Church Versus State: Antigone and Modern States
• The History of the Christian Church
• The Role of African American Churches
• Importance of the Church to African Americans
• Political Climate: Church-State Separation
• The Divine Life Church
• Role of Religion in Public Life (Church and State)
• Position of the Christian Church on Homosexuality
• Blurred Lines: State and Church
• State and Church Primary Issues
• Latin America and the Catholic Church
• Role of Catholic Church During Ns Regime
• Ethical and Christian Worldview Analysis of ”Willow Creek Community Church”
• Composing and Performing Church Music
• Mary Magdalene: Christian Work of Early Women of the Church
• Westboro Baptist Church: The Problems It Caused
• The Church Institution Importance for African-Americans
• Did the Church Play Positive or Negative Role in the Middle Ages?
• What Are Some Issues in the Church?
• What Is the Most Divisive Issue in the Church Today?
• What Are the Causes of Conflicts in the Church?
• Did the Church Exploit Peoples Faith to Gain Wealth?
• Did the Catholic Church Hinder Italian Unity?
• How Important Was the Church in Medieval Europe?
• How Charlemagne Enhanced Church’s Authority?
• How Did Erasmus Use Folly to Criticize the Catholic Church?
• How Far Did Church Have a Positive Role in Medicine during the Period 1350-1750?
• What Destroys Unity in the Church?
• How the Catholic Church Held up during the Middle Ages?
• How the Catholic Church Took Advantage of the People in the 16th Century?
• How the Church Handles Postmodernism Theology?
• What Impact Did the Black Church Provide for Reconstruction?
• What New Trends Are Affecting Church Administration?
• Why Did Henry VIII Create the Church of England?
• Why Martin Luther Became Disillusioned with the Church of Rome?
• What Was the First History of the Church?
• What Are the Periods of Church History?
• What Is the Purpose of Church?
• How Can the Church Live within Unity?
• How the Catholic Church Influenced the Chartres Cathedral?
• What Is the History of the Negro Church in America?
• What Are the Links between Liberation Theology and the Institutional Church?
• Catholicism Topics
• Holy Spirit Titles
• Belief Questions
• Hope Research Topics
• Judaism Ideas
• Buddhism Topics
• Islam Topics
• Sikhism Research Topics
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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153 Church Research Topics & Essay Ideas

🏆 best essay topics on church, ✍️ church essay topics for college, 👍 good church research topics & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting church topics to write about, 💡 simple church essay ideas, ❓ questions about church history.

• Leadership Styles Used by the Church
• The Relationships Between Church and States in Europe
• Criticism of the Church in Canterbury Tales
• Servant Leadership in the Church and Its Purpose
• The French Revolution: Impact on the Church
• Revival as the Impetus for Church Growth
• Women’s Role and Leadership in the Church
• The Role of Gothic Cathedrals in the Popularization of the Catholic Church When Gothic architecture first emerged in the 12th century, it made an immense impact on the popularization of faith and the attraction of new followers.
• Pentecostal’s Church Approach to Death, After-Life, and End of Life About 4 million Pentecostals live in the United States. This paper aims to discuss the Pentecostal church’s approach to death, after-life, and end of life.
• The Catholic Church and Western Classical Music Many secular elements of culture like the creation and composition of music had their origins in the Roman Catholic Church or were influenced by the music of the Catholic Church.
• The Purpose of Missions in the Church The paper aims to evaluate the present status and intentions of missionary work of the Christian Church, specifically focusing on the Protestant branch of it.
• Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela Efforts, money, and time spent on saving such religious places as Rock-Hewn Churches positively influence it by modern technologies and help create history.
• The Church and School: Where Do the Children Play The church and the community as a unit, used to be a source of values, of commitment, of stability and strength for children.
• Church Discipline: Process and Necessity This paper examines the Biblical views of church discipline, how it is applied or practiced in the context of church conflicts, and comments on its appropriateness.
• Catholic Church’s Contributions in Medieval Europe The Catholic Church was influential in Medieval times as it determined individuals’ economic, social, political, and religious lives.
• The Local Church of Christians The local church refers to a group of Christians who often oversee and affirm each other’s membership in Christ and God’s kingdom.
• Why Is It Important for a Christian to Study Church History? The church’s history began with Jesus Christ and apostles, who, after the Resurrection, carried his word to all parts of the world, particularly to Greece and then to Italy.
• The Catholic Church’s Deontology and Utilitarianism Perspectives This paper compares and contrasts the Catholic Church’s deontology and utilitarianism perspectives, underpinned by the natural law and divine command theory.
• The Christian Church and Its Organization The paper indicates that in Roma, the Christian church was close to the state, leading to Christianity’s rapid growth in the region.
• Nature and Mission of the Church There is need for the church to live in a different way than the nations because the church is the people of God bound by a covenant.
• International Church of the Foursquare Gospel The Foursquare Gospel is an evangelical Pentecostal denomination the name of which is closely related to the emblem, represented by four squares.
• Change and Conflict Management in Church Over the last few decades, the Christian church has been rocked with major sex scandals, which hints at the necessity to rethink modern leadership.
• Books on Teaching Children in Church Dunlop’s Follow Me as I Follow Christ book is a guide for educators teaching children in a church setting. Thomas’ Teaching was a valuable reading for my professional development.
• The Catholic Church and People’s Mental Health The Catholic Church contributes to strengthening the nation’s faith and mental health and supporting those who are too weak to go through their problems alone.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church on Jesus Christ The only one lord Jesus had a paramount duty to serve and suffer for man, born of a virgin woman through the power of the Holy Spirit as such one substance with God the father.
• Leadership in Church and Its Theological Aspects ​In theology, leadership has various meanings, but all have their foundation in Christ. All leaders aspire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and lead others to redemption.
• Knowledge Sharing Description: Believers in Christ Church International The capacity of an institution to share and use knowledge among various organs and individuals in operational activities is considered a unique business strategy.
• The Practice of Church Building This essay will concern itself with evaluating the practice of church building over time through the lives of St Bartholomew, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Kathleen Drixel.
• Zion Revival Church and Its Management This paper analyzes the various aspects of ZRC’s profile before identifying the issues that undermine the health of the congregation, staff members, and the community.
• Launch: Starting a New Church From Scratch The first acknowledgement presented in the book “Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch” is that the decision to begin a new church can be quite frightening.
• Establishment of the Papal Supremacy in the Catholic Church The papal supremacy is a doctrine of the catholic church that puts the pope and his office as the Vicar of Christ.
• Discipleship in a Healthy Church A Healthy Church defines a church that resembles and functions simply as a healthy body, namely the Body of Christ. It is the same desire that Jesus has for his body.
• Disciple-Making Activity in the Local Church This paper addresses how the local church should go about the activity of disciple-making by utilizing the input of pastors, saints, and spiritual gifts.
• How the Jesus Movement Became The Church The paper relates to the Jesus movement and responds to why the action continued and flourished; people’s faith in Jesus was strong, and they wanted to unite with Jesus Christ.
• Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse in “Doubt” Film The issue of sexuality has stirred divided opinions amongst people of different beliefs and faiths in society, making the topic a challenge to tackle.
• Rapture of the Church of God The church of God’s rapture is an encouragement for true believers and anticipation to live with Christ forever.
• Lake Worth Church Fire, Texas: Causes and Fatal Consequences The fire in the single-storey building that acted as a church led to the death of three fire fighters after the roof of the church collapsed and barricaded them.
• The Worship Styles and Elements of the Baptist Church This paper traces the history and development of the worship styles and elements of the Baptist church from its early beginnings and up to date.
• Women Leadership Within the Church The research project looks into details the place of women in the church which is women leadership in the church.
• A History of Christian Church: Gnosticism The basic line of Gnostic ideas is the radical dualism in relations between the God and the world, the person and the world.
• Latin America and the Catholic Church The Catholic Church had a great influence on people in Latin America, people were very religious. People’s attitude towards the Pope changed in the 1980s in Nicaragua.
• Government and Church’s Role in Wealth Redistribution The government should participate in redistributing wealth to the poor, as the church addresses economic injustice while faith organizations are involved in eradicating poverty.
• Why Augustine Is the Shaper of the Western Church This paper explores the significance of Saint Augustine in the development of Christianity and his influence on Western philosophy and Western Christianity.
• Lutheran Theology – Insights for Today’s Church Martin Luther’s theology started the reformation in Germany through his famous 95 Theses and, in doing so, helped model the contemporary society and Protestant Church.
• The Missional Church and Its Impact on Ecclesiology The paper describes the missional church and how it attempts to update the practice of North American ecclesiology.
• Pandemic Effects on Churches and Families Both churches and families appreciate those moments when they can be together, as it is often taken for granted pre-Covid 19.
• Churches in the Arabian Gulf – Arabian Peninsula Economically, the gains from the establishment of churches in the Arabian Gulf started growing gradually at the moment when religious coexistence became achievable.
• Christians and Going to Church It is important for Christians to meet regularly apart from the times when one may be in a hospital bed or working in a place where no church is available.
• Early Church History: Persecution of Christianity The early Christians endured persecution not only from non-believers, but also from believers who sought to change their faith.
• “Planting Churches Cross-Culturally” by David Hesselgrave The book “Planting Churches Cross Culturally” is an informative literature that supports the importance of evangelistic work. The book acts as a guideline on church planting in unreached areas.
• Theology: Discipleship and a Healthy Church The report presents a disciple-making plan aimed to improve the organization’s efficiency in the task of making disciples and boost evangelistic efforts.
• “Planting Missional Churches” by Ed Stetzer: Summary and Critique The book under analysis was written by Ed Stetzer and entitled Planting Missional Churches. The author provides valuable insights into the process of planting evangelist churches.
• American Church History: The Rise of American Christian Fundamentalism This paper explores American church history: American Christian Fundamentalism, Christian reactions to evolution theory, and the emergence of Higher Criticism in the Bible.
• The Pastoral Letter of 1837 to the Congregational Churches of Massachusetts The Pastoral Letter of 1837 to the Congregational Churches of Massachusetts aims to speak against a movement that advocates for women’s rights.
• Catholic Church as Social and Spiritual Organization The Catholic Church remains an important social and spiritual organization, which helps people find their ways and maintains a strong and supportive worldwide community.
• United Methodist Church: Organizational Systems This essay seeks to illustrate how the Systems Thinking concept fits into an institutional set up. For this purpose, the United Methodist Church.
• Unification Church Founded by Sun Myung Moon Sun Myung Moon is the founder and head of the Unification Church. It started in Seoul in 1954 as ‘The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity’.
• Catholic, Church of Christ and Jewish Religions Comparison While the pope is the head of Catholic Church, Protestantism and Judaism refer to Christianity that is not a subject to Papal authority.
• The Church Guides on Sexuality and Cohabitation Cohabitation before marriage is a debate between families and religious institutions. Cohabitation is often associated with issues such as sex, money, fame, and child-rearing.
• Republicans vs. Democrats on Separation of Church and State Most Republicans have a rather negative attitude towards separating it from the state. While many Democrats believe that faith should not interfere with any political processes.
• The Cathedral Church of St. Paul: Servant Leadership The paper has demonstrated that the Cathedral Church of St. Paul is an example of an organization that relies on servant leadership.
• Ethical Issues of the Southern Baptist Convention Church The CNN article published on 23rd May 2022 addresses the ethical issues surrounding leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention church.
• Religious Freedom: The Separation Between Church and State The paper indicates that many Christians consider efforts to separate state and religion as an assault on America’s majority religion.
• Leadership in Church: Uncharted Territory Leadership in a church needs someone courageous enough to stand up against external forces such as political leaders and lead according to the principles of the word of God.
• White Supremacy in American Churches This paper will demonstrate that white supremacy has been ingrained in US Christianity and has permeated the country’s moral fabric profoundly.
• The Future of the West and the Church The following essay will review the future of the West and the Church, explaining how some of the values may affect it.
• American Church’s Complicity in Racism This article demonstrates the theological challenge that slavery posed to the American church during the Civil War.
• The Second Great Awakening and Its Influence on Baptist and Methodist Churches The Second Great Awakening caused an influx of Methodist and Baptist members. The socio-political conditions led many to desire liberation from the daily issues.
• Grey Fathers Church From Sociological Perspective Religion is a complex and integral phenomenon within humanity’s history that can be defined in a plethora of different ways.
• Church’s Responses to Development of Capitalism This paper analyzes different reactions of the Christian society to the Industrial revolution and defines which is the most consistent with Biblical Scripture.
• Romanesque Church: Religious Imagery The Romanesque style reflected the time’s culture and geography. With time, churches became monuments rather than places of worship.
• The Challenges Facing Church and Denominational Leadership The paper discusses the unique challenges facing the church and denominational leadership as we witness this major demographic shift in North America.
• The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism Personality development is essential for personal growth and involves different assessments, including awareness, relationships, and commitment.
• The History of God’s New Testament Church In his book “Turning Points,” historian Mark Noll attempts to trace significant events in the two-millennium history of God’s New Testament church.
• Bannister’s “The Word and Power Church” Bannister’s “The Word and Power Church” provides a very accurate description of the nature of the current conflict within the Christian Church.
• Snake Handling in Churches Myth Spread by Activists The practice of snake handling in churches is not a new tradition, and its emergence was underpinned by the spread of interpretations of the Bible.
• The Church and the Understandings of God For church leaders, remaining firm in their priorities was a consciously selected strategy to avoid rhetorics that would make God the loyal helper of the powerful.
• Analysis of Article “Religions Resources and Church Growth” The authors argue that under resource mobilization theory, the higher the inputs of time and money, the greater the outputs that facilitate growth and limit decline.
• Lutheran Theology and Its Implications for Contemporary Church and Society This study, therefore, focuses on Lutheran theology and explains why Luther can be regarded as the founder of the modern church and society.
• Reflections of the Black Church From Yesterday Till Today The aspects of slavery in the United States started in the August of 1619 when 20 Angolans’ names were first recorded in a journal entry.
• Abortion and Catholic Church’s Attitude This paper discusses the theme of abortions, the ways of abortions, and the attitude of Catholic Church to abortion.
• Mary Church Terrell and Her Activist Achievements Mary Church Terrell was an outstanding historical figure that was engaged in social activities in the late nineteenth and second half of the twentieth century.
• Ethical Standards in the Westboro Baptist Church Case The Westboro Baptist Church case reveals a controversial decision allowing religious activists to express their perspectives at a funeral.
• Megachurches Research: Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church The essay examines the Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church as a typical example of a megachurch and identifies its audience and the reasons behind its popularity and a large following.
• Reaching Migrant Workers in the Malaysian Church: Establishing a Leadership Model This research will be insightful in showing how various leadership models may be used to reach migrant workers in the Malaysian Christian community.
• The Malaysian Church’s Budgetary Considerations The Malaysian United Methodist Church maintains a budget to fulfill its objectives and goals, the research focuses on church budget preparation.
• Financial Responsibility of Churches The purpose of this essay is to determine the legislative path in the U.S., which is the idea of returning the obligation to pay tax to religious organizations.
• Methodists Church: Organizational Leadership Methodists Church has introduced what is currently known as the prison ministries. The leaders of the church wanted some way to get to those people wrongly accused by the government.
• Reading Reflection “The Emotionally Healthy Church” The main idea raised by Peter Scazzero in his book “The Emotionally Healthy Church” is that many Christians appear to have a hard time trying to relate to their religious beliefs.
• Peolpe Management in the Church The task of the administrative support of the church in northern Virginia is never easy to implement since people always seek to be led, not managed.
• Religion and Architecture: Christian Church, Buddhist, Islamic Mosques Religious architecture is mainly concerned with design and building of houses of reverence or holy deliberate places such as stupas, mosques, churches and temples.
• Church Views in Past and Present This paper considers how controversies have been handled in the past and how such knowledge is relevant to the handling of controversies facing the present church.
• Church History: Egeria and the Crusades Egeria was “a pious woman from Spain who recorded a pilgrimage to Sinai and Palestine”. The historic figure of the woman, her name, status, homeland are wrapped up in mystery.
• A Baptist Church Visit in Beverly Hills City The Baptist church did not use any symbols for their sermon, even the sign of the cross that we used in our catholic church.
• Increasing Physical Activity Among Church Members The study used the community-based participatory research approach wherein members of the congregation or church were trained to administer the interventions to the participants.
• Church in Slaves’ Lives and How They Survived Slaves saw church and God as their only foundations of comfort and employed their religious beliefs as a basis through which they anchored their purpose in life.
• The St. Patrick Catholic Church I attended a Roman Catholic Sunday Mass Celebration at the St. Patrick Catholic Church. Parishioners visit the Church that is located at Miami Beach, within Miami-Date County, Florida.
• Romans and Church History: Exegetical Assessment Whatever the laws say, speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God.
• Christian Doctrines and Church Attendance Christianity as a religion has many faith groups and denominations which subscribe to various specific set of doctrines, based on various interpretations of the Bible.
• Catholic Church: Religious and Imperial Expansion Impact This paper discusses how the religious and imperial expansion challenged the authority of the powerful institutions such as the Catholic Church.
• Effective Church Models: The Apostolic Harvest Church and the Team Planting In this discussion, two models, the apostolic harvest church and the team planting will be compared in terms of their strengths and shortages.
• Methodist Episcopal Church and Primitive Methodist Church This essay compares and contrasts two church denominations. The essay looks deeply into the origins of the primitive Methodist church and the Methodist Episcopal church.
• Innovate Church: Non-Negotiable Commitments There are four non-negotiable commitments. Each of them plays an important role in understanding God, human beliefs, and the power of faith.
• Art of Manuscripts and Churches The medieval period produced a number of beautiful manuscripts and architecture. Manuscripts allowed people to learn the Bible while enjoying detailed illustrations.
• Women’s Dignity in Hong Kong’s Church and Society The central question that Yuen raises is whether the practice of Church leadership is adequate if applied to gender justice and equality.
• Discipleship, Healthy Church, and Their Goals This essay explores the concepts of discipleship and the healthy church while highlighting goals for discipleship, personal ministry, and available avenues for improvement.
• Relationship Between the Catholic Church and Chivalry
• Church: Christianity and Late Middle School
• Analyzing Pope John Paul II and His Church Role
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Its Differences to the Western Church
• Aristotle’s Philosophy, Science, and the Christian Church
• Christian Education Through the Church and Mission Work
• Church Split During Middle Ages
• Cross-Cultural Church Planting in America
• Church Toward Popular Magic in Renaissance Italy
• Financing Options for Church Construction
• Church, Money, and Power in Medieval Times
• Conflicts Between Galileo and the Church
• Contemporary Issues Facing the Church
• Faith-Based Organizations vs. The Separation of Church
• Galileo and the History of the Catholic Church
• Challenges Facing the Australian Catholic Church of the 21st Century
• Roman Catholic Church Assisted in the Persecution Proceedings of the Witch Trials
• Church and State Separation Necessity in Canadian Education
• Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry in the Church
• Roman Catholic Church Influences on Europe in the Middle Age
• Church Reforms During Renaissance Era
• Roman Catholic Church and Judgement in the Middle Ages
• What Does the Roman Catholic Church Believe?
• How Does Church History Fit With Biblical Theology?
• Why Was the Catholic Church So Influential?
• Is There a Separation Between Church and State?
• How Did the Church of England Respond to the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s?
• What Would Happen if There Was No Separation of Church and State?
• Did the Church Help or Hinder Medical Progress in the Middle Ages?
• What Role Did the Catholic Church Play in the Development of the Heliocentric?
• Did the Founding Fathers Really Intend for a Total Separation Between Church and State?
• What Are the Periods of Church History?
• Does the Church Have to Combat Poverty?
• What Was the Importance and Impact of the Catholic Church in Colonial Mexico?
• Does the Church Make the Eucharist, or Does the Eucharist Make the Church?
• What Is the Relationship Between Church and State of Christianity?
• Did the Early Church Baptize in the Name of Jesus?
• How Did the Church and Monarch Fight for Power?
• How Did Catholic Church Respond to the Scientific Revolution?
• Is the Church of England Catholic or Protestant?
• What Does the Bible Say About Resolving Conflict in the Church?
• How Are Church and State Handled in the Islamic and Christian Communities?
• What Did Galileo Do to Anger the Church?
• How Can Church Teachings Be Used in a Discussion About Abortion?
• What Influence Did John Calvin Have on Church History?
• How Did Martin Luther King Predict the Decline of the Mainline Church?
• What Was the Conflict Between the Monarchies and the Church?

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These essay examples and topics on Church were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 5, 2024 .

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Church History

Voices from the past brought to the present

In This Section:

Writing a church history digest, writing a church history paper, sources for historical research, research and writing church history, common problems in church history writing, writing for church history.

Understanding the present requires understanding the past. Church history is thus a critical discipline in every generation. The purpose of church history writing at Westminster is to present a careful and original analysis that explains how a given event, written work, or important individual relates to surrounding historical forces.

Church History courses at Westminster require two kinds of writing: digests and papers.

“Understanding the present requires understanding the past.”

In many ways, digesting for church history is similar to digesting for any other class. One significant difference, however, is that in a church history digest you are usually asked not only to summarize a reading, but to also assess and respond to it.

• Digests include summary. When summarizing, avoid stringing together long quotations. Istead, present the essential information in your own words.
• Digests include assessment. You might discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and problems of the text; you could also unpack the relationship between the author, the text and their context.
• Digests include a response. Answer any of the following questions. How did it make you feel? How would you apply these ideas in your life? Would you recommend this reading? Why and to whom?

Not all elements of the analysis and response usually need to be included. A digest should be ⅔ to ⅘ summary, and ⅓ to ⅕ assessment and response. The assessment and response can be at the end or interwoven throughout.

In order to avoid simply quoting, first read carefully, taking notes or making notes in the margins. See if you can summarize the reading without your notes briefly first, then use your notes or outline to write a more thorough summary. Assess or respond to each point as it comes up, or write your entire assessment/response at the end.

Introduction

In many ways, writing a church history paper is similar to writing for any other class. As in other classes, your paper should be unified with a clear thesis—a statement of the position that you are striving to explain and argue. This thesis is usually the answer to the research question with which you began your paper writing process.

Why Did This Happen?

A historical paper is different from papers in other classes because of the kind of question it answers and because of the sources it uses to answer them. In a historical paper, the thesis sometimes answers the question, What happened? This is especially the case if there is disagreement about what happened. But it will also answer the question, Why did this happen?

• What kinds of things answer “why” questions? We can answer “why” questions by examining the forces of history such as economics, socio-political power, and war.
• What are good examples of research questions? Good research questions are narrow and yet have broader implications. A good research question must also be something that you can answer by doing research. For example, you cannot ask, “What was Augustine thinking while he wrote book XI of his Confessions?” However, you could ask, “What philosophical movements may have influenced Augustine’s thought in book XI of his Confessions?”
• What are good examples of thesis statements? Good thesis statements are narrow and sufficiently supported by the research for the paper.
• Where can you find your answers? You can find answers to your research questions in primary and secondary sources.

Writing a paper for church history is, like for all disciplines, an exercise in persuading people. But it is also an exercise in understanding people. Thus, the church history paper is not merely a “report” of what happened but an attempt to explain why an event, written work, person, movement or doctrine took the particular shape it did.

The Forces of History

Your analysis of church history must therefore pay close attention to the various forces that drive history forward. These forces include:

• environment
• ideology (including, but not limited to, theology)

Although our God is ultimately Lord over these forces, his providential purposes are hidden from us, and so we, as historians, focus upon the study of secondary causes.

Engaging with Sources

In pursuit of this goal, the church history paper should engage directly and deeply with primary sources. But this interaction should happen in dialogue with key secondary sources.

Not only will these sources help to frame the research question (i.e., what question are we trying to answer in our research?), but they will also marshal evidence from the primary sources to either confirm, refute, or nuance the theses of secondary sources.

Historical research involves the investigation of the past through primary and secondary sources. A primary source is any material (text, artifact, etc.) from the past that the historian studies directly. Primary sources thus provide direct evidence for historical investigation.

Secondary sources are writings by historians that summarize, analyze, or interpret information gathered from primary sources. Consulting secondary sources is essential because the insights of professional historians will guide our own thinking.

Primary Sources

As mentioned above, primary sources provide a direct window on the past. Although the study of some primary sources requires specialized skill (knowledge of other languages and cultures, archeological technique, etc.), most primary sources can be studied profitably by non-experts. Because the direct evidence of primary sources is uninterpreted by secondary sources, primary sources “speak for themselves” in a way that secondary sources do not. For this reason they are of primary importance to historical study and are the focus of church history research at Westminster.

Examples of Primary Resources

Primary source material may include published or unpublished writings, personal letters, photographs, artifacts, audio or video recordings, interviews, personal testimony, or other materials that come directly from the past. Examples include:

• The Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin
• The Collected Writings of J. Gresham Machen
• The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis
• The Minutes of the Pennsylvania Legislature

Secondary Sources

No study of primary sources is complete without a complementary familiarity with the pertinent secondary source material. Secondary sources . . .

• summarize the historical background for areas of study that the student does not have the time or expertise to investigate directly through the study of primary sources;
• make the student aware of the findings and conclusions of professional historians; and
• help determine what historical question the research will strive to answer.

Examples of Secondary Sources

Secondary source material includes any scholarly writing that discusses, analyzes, or interprets the past. The distinguishing mark of secondary sources is that they are not part of the history they discuss.

Examples (corresponding to the primary sources listed above) include:

• A Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis, edited by David W. Hall and Peter A. Lillback
• Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America, by D.G. Hart
• C.S. Lewis: A Biography, by Roger L. Green and Walter Hooper
• History of Proprietary Government in Pennsylvania, by William Robert Shepherd

Preliminary Steps

Establish a schedule.

Because of the volume of primary and secondary material available, you will not be able to read everything pertinent to your topic before you write your paper. It is therefore helpful to give yourself a deadline for finishing your research.

Establishing a date after which you will stop gathering and reading material will allow you ample time to synthesize your research and write the paper.

Clearly Identify a Question or Topic

You will have the least difficulty synthesizing your research into a paper outline if your research is narrowly focused upon a specific historical question.

Here are some suggestions for narrowing your topic:

• Choose a person, written work, doctrine, movement, or event to investigate. If you select a general topic initially, allow your research to guide you to a narrower topic. If you proceed in this manner, leave yourself extra time for analyzing your research and clarifying a specific research question.
• Avoid choosing a topic that is either too complex or too simple. For example, you will not have time or space to discuss the forces that shaped American Evangelicalism; such a broad topic can only be treated in a lengthy monograph. On the other hand, do not research a question so simple that its answer is a matter of general knowledge, requiring little research or verification.
• Choose a topic that interests you. Let your natural inquisitiveness guide your research. You will be much more likely to do your research and writing well if you are enthusiastic about your topic.

Gather Primary and Secondary Material

Once you have clarified your topic, begin gathering your research material. If you will be studying a particular author, read as much of his or her writing as possible, focusing on material relevant to your topic.

Because you will be seeking to understand the world in which your author wrote (or in which your event took place), you should also seek out primary sources that tell you something about that world directly.

For example, if you are studying J. Gresham Machen’s doctrine of the church, you would . . .

• investigate his writings about the church,
• investigate the writings of thinkers with whom he disagreed, and
• consult biographical material to see if any of his experiences might have shaped his thinking.

Because you will inevitably be unable to answer every question by appealing to primary sources, gather secondary sources that discuss your topic. This material will supplement your study of the primary sources by familiarizing you with various scholarly interpretations of your topic.

The easiest way to begin this secondary research is to search for your topic in the catalog of Westminster’s Montgomery Library. Access to an extensive database of journal articles is available to Westminster students through the library website.

Read Selectively

Not every piece of research you gather will be useful to you. Carefully study sources that deal directly with your topic, but skim sources that are less directly related for useful information. When reading a book, utilize the table of contents and index to locate the specific information you need.

Critically Analyze your Sources

Ask these questions of the material you are reading:

• What appear to be the influences bearing upon your sources?
• What fundamental assumptions and commitments shape the writer’s statements?
• In what environment was a given work written, and how is that work shaped by and addressed to that environment?
• What is the relationship between theology and the social environment for your topic?
• What factors account for the particular emphases and omissions of theological works?
• In what ways are the historical personalities you are studying conscious or unconscious of influences upon them?

Questions such as these will prompt your critical thinking and lead to a well-researched thesis.

Narrowing your Topic

Many students struggle to clarify the right topic for their paper. Sometimes a thesis does not readily present itself from your research. Usually, however, sustained and focused investigation of a single topic will turn up enough material for you to formulate a basic thesis. Successful paper topics often concern the beliefs of a particular person or the causes of an important event. Sample paper topics include:

• Charles Hodge’s Doctrine of Justification
• J. Gresham Machen’s Response to Modern Social Crises
• Social and Ideological Forces Shaping the Black Theology of James Cone
• Political Ideology and English Confessions: A Comparative Study

Maintaining Analytical Distance

When you are researching a topic that is of personal interest, you may find your personal opinions affecting how you read a particular source. While it is impossible to avoid this subjectivity entirely, you should seek to be self-conscious and self-critical as you approach research. Do not to allow your own bias to prevent you from hearing and considering the positions of your sources. In order to maintain a proper analytical distance between you, the historian, and your sources, distinguish the separate tasks of investigating sources and analyzing those sources. Only after you have suspended judgment long enough to understand (i.e., investigate) your research should you make historical judgments (i.e., analyze). Remember too that the purpose of a church history paper is not to make a moral or theological judgment of your subject (e.g., Machen was right) but to analyze the historical forces that were operative in shaping what took place (e.g., this is why Machen did what he did).

Avoiding Anachronistic Analysis

All good historical study involves an act of imagination, by which the historian travels into a time and place different from his own. Therefore, the historian must guard against allowing the assumptions of his own time and culture to hinder understanding the past on its own terms. When researching and writing your paper, the temptation is to expect past people and institutions to share your own worldview assumptions, leading to shallow analysis and unfair judgments. On the other hand, awareness of the differences between your worldview assumptions and those of the time, place, and persons you are studying will make your analysis fair and insightful.

Capturing Historical Complexity

It is sometimes tempting, when studying the influences upon a person or event, to single out one historical factor as the sole or primary cause of a historical phenomenon. But careful historical inquiry ordinarily finds that multiple forces converge to cause historical phenomena, rendering single-cause explanations short-sighted and simplistic. Your analysis should therefore avoid the reductionistic tendency to formulate at a thesis such as, “The basic cause of the Protestant Reformation was….” Only when you give attention to the complexity of the historical process will your analysis be cogent and compelling.

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Church History: Reflections on the Importance of Knowing Church History

This brief essay explains the importance of knowing history, and in particular, church history. It also highlights why this subject should be taught in church youth and adult education ministries.

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C.S. Lewis once stated reading old books was important because, “If you join at eleven o’clock a conversation which began at eight, you will often not see the real bearing of what is said.” There is truth to this when it comes to learning about the historical development of Christianity and the church. This paper reflects on how studying church history can teach us: to appreciate the entire “iceberg” of our Christian heritage; why unity is so precious but fragile; and the need for humility and faithfulness in our part of history still in the making.

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Required Texts: González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1984. Bettenson, Henry. Documents of the Christian Church. 2nd edition Oxford University Press, 1967.

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Top 150 Christianity Research Paper Topics

Table of Contents

How to choose christian research paper topics, history-focused christianity research topics, modern world christianity research topics, cause and effect topics on christianity, controversial christian topics, other christianity research topics.

Taking a course in theology is fun. With its large area of study and the crux of the discipline, some people find themselves jumping for joy when they get admitted.  However, it is commonplace to see this joy wane when it is time to pick Christian research topics.

Getting topics to write about global Christianity is not easy for most people. But those years of worries are over. We have put together Christianity and religion topics to make theological studies easier for you.

We have interesting Christian topics, and areas for discussion. You have the option to making your choice! Even more interesting is that we present the Christianity essay topics free. You can even ask us “ do my assignment ,” and we’ll do our best. With our help,  your studies can be fun!

Before picking Christianity topics for research papers, there are areas you have to consider.

When it comes to picking Christianity essay topics, your interest matters. Your interest will propel you when your encounter difficulty. Sometimes, writing a thesis gets challenging, but your interest keeps you motivated.

Christian topics can be broad. You should have a scope for your study. You can better handle the theological topics Christianity has to offer if you take a bite-size. Having a scope of focus will enable you to do a thorough study.

While having Christian topics to write about is one thing, having the right material for the study is another. The controversial topics Christianity cover require adequate materials for their study. The materials will complement your interest to make the research go smoothly.

If you want to interrogate the historical background of people, places, and practices, there are several interesting history of Christianity research paper topics at your disposal. Delving into topics like the early church, theological debates, or historical figures can provide rich material for exploration. And if you find yourself needing guidance or assistance, consider utilizing a history homework assignment help service to navigate through your research and writing process.

• The History of Christianity in Europe.
• A Summary of the History of Christianity
• The History of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
• Christianity in Africa: a historical appraisal
• The history of Christianity in the Roman empire
• Theology and the practice of Christianity: a historical approach
• Christianity in the middle ages: a historical study.
• Christianity in medieval civilization: a historical study
• The history of Christianity in the western world
• A socio-historical study of African American Christianity
• Orthodox Christianity and the myth of creation
• The myth of creation: the Bible and the world
• A historical study of Christianity in Ireland
• The history of Christianity: from Jesus to the Roman empire
• Journey motif in the Bible: a systematic study of the old testament
• Journey motif in the Bible: a systematic study of the Bible
• Women in early Christianity: a study of selected women in the Bible
• Conflict resolution in the early Christian church
• African American Christianity: from slavery to freedom
• Archetypal symbols in Christianity and Islam
• British footprint in Africa: Christianity and language
• The history of Christianity in China
• Christianity in the postcolonial era: a study of a specific country
• African American Chris: a study of the negro spirituals and gospels
• Birth and rebirth in the new testament
• What is the origin of man and the universe according to the Bible?
• Christianity and slavery in Africa

There are modern topics Christianity has to answer. Man has always been inquisitive. Most Christian debate topics are products of the curiosity in people’s minds and they want answers to them. Here are some great topics you can research.

• Changing paradigms: The heart of Christianity in modern times
• Conservationist and evangelical Christianity
• Borders of practices: evangelists and conservationists
• Christianity in the modern age
• Modernism and Christianity
• Modernism, postmodernism, and Christianity
• Cultural diversity: its impacts on modern-day Christianity
• Death and life in the concept of modern Christianity
• How do Christians in the modern world see music?
• Psychology and Christianity: a psychoanalytic study of King David
• The teachings of Jesus and his disciples: a linguistic appraisal
• Fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
• The Materialist Theory of Christianity
• Christianity, Islam, and modernity: acceptance and prohibitions of queerness
•  Christianity and psychology: a help or for of depression
• Christianity and psychology: an integrative appraisal
• Economic and social dimension to church planting
• Evangelism as art: between spirituality and entertainment
• Religious pluralism and the foundation of Christianity
• Colonialism in Christianity: a study of the old testament
• Naming, marriage, burial rites: a sociological study of the old testament
• Christianity in Four Weddings and a Funeral
• The concept of journey in the Bible: a case study of the Exodus of the children of Israel and the journey of the Magi
• A Marxist reading of the old testament.
• Church planting in a specific city: prospects and challenges
• Peace and conflict resolution from a biblical perspective
• The Lion and the Lamb: a study of the life of Jesus
• An archetypal study of sacrifice in the Bible
• The paradox of Christianity: freedom and bondage in the same package
• Struggle and Survival in the old testament: a Marxist reading
• Cristian unity in a specific country: a study of Christian denominations in a specific city
• Society in dialogue: Christianity, politics, and education
• Sexuality in the light of Christianity: a biblical study

Christianity and other kinds of religion have made some impact on people, institutions, and practices. There are interesting Christian discussion topics that interrogate the effect of religion on society. Also, some topics examine the cause and effect relationship between biblical doctrines and people’s ways of life. Here are some of the fantastic topics you can explore.

• The resurrection of Jesus and the faith of Christians
• What is the effect of Christianity on legal practices?
• Hellenism and the birth and spread of Christianity
• The relics of colonialism: Christianity in Africa
• The great commission: the effect of the teachings of apostle Paul on the growth of the church
• The decline of Christianity in Europe
• Biblical prophetic impulse: its relevance on Christian faith
• How does the Christian doctrine shape the response of slaves to their predicament?
• How did the slave masters wield the weapon of Christian teachings to subjugate slaves?
• What are the impacts of scientific revolution on Christianity?
• The commercialization of Christianity: a study of specific societies
• The spread of Christianity: a study of the contribution of apostle Paul
• Influence of Christianity in politics and policymaking: a case study of a specific country
• The question of authority in Christianity and Islam
• Impact of information and digital technology in church development
• Is the relationship between the church and society influencing the growth of the church.
• Implications of the doctrine of justification for Christian living: a study of the new testament
• Effect of traditional festival in church growth: a critical study of Colossians 2:16-18
• Christian in life in the modern-day: impacts of the teachings of apostle Paul
• Faith and other gifts: a study of the new testament
• What are the factors causing division in the church from a biblical perspective?
• Church administrative influence on church-owned educational institutions: a case study of a specific University
• What is the impact of Pentecostal churches in the development of the education sector in a specific country?
• The effect of poor infests in the teaching and learning of Christian religious studies
• Effects of teaching method of Christian religious studies on the academic performance of students of junior secondary school: a case study of specific schools
• Impact of theological studies on societal morality
• The role of evangelism in church growth: a case study of specific churches
• Christianity and politics in the society: a study of a specific place
• Impact of POS banking in churches in a specific city
• What is the impact of the church on the economic situation of a country?
• What is the role of the church in reducing the unemployment rate in the country?
• What is the influence of the church on protests in a specific country?

Students of theology and religious studies have often wondered what are good controversial topics to discuss for Christianity? Well, there are a lot. Controversial Christianity discussion topics are often avoided because they tend to upset people’s beliefs. Some people perceive these topics as radical and rebellious.

But, the fact remains that controversial topics in science and Christianity arouse curiosity in people and they want to dig deeper into them. If you are curious, here are some controversial topics in Christianity you can choose.

• The Foundation of Christianity in times of change
• Diversity of worship: Idol worship or Catholicism
• Religion and manipulation: the moving power of the word
• God and gods: the unity of divinity
• Christianity and Catholicism
• Culture and Christianity in dialogue: societal practices in the light of the gospel
• Christianity and slavery: an unholy union
• Christianity and idolatry: the changing paradigms
• Christianity, Religion, and society.
• War and peace: two sides of one coin
• Christian doctrines as a weapon of societal subjugation
• Western supremacy and Christianity as the weapons of oppression.
• Feminism and Christianity
• Christianity in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
• The pull and push factors if migration: the place of Christianity
• Science and Christianity
• The politicization of Christianity and Christianization of politics
• Religion and politics: a critical study of Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam.
• What is the biblically approved method of baptism?
• Gender equality in biblical perspective
• Women’s roles in social reconstruction: a critical study of the Bible
• Marriage and divorce from biblical prep
• Christianity in the society: religious perspectives on marriage
• Gender pluralism: a biblical appraisal
• Gender roles in the church: a study of the new testament
• The blood and the life: a biblical perspective on abortion
• Politics from the pulpit: a critical appraisal
• Peace and war from a biblical perspective

Theological and religious studies offer a broad area of study. Aside from controversial, historical, and modern areas of focus, there are several other Christian persuasive speech topics to explore.

Some topics are based on literary texts while some examine the interaction between religion and society. If you are wondering what topics fall within this area, here are some great ones we have put together for you.

• Christianity and Magic in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
• Christianity, Judaism, and Islam: Similarities and Differences
• Christianity: an examination of the life of Jesus
• Asceticism and Christianity
• Christianity, slavery, and colonialism: the journey of African Americans
• Beliefs and symbols of Christianity
• Significant events in Christianity
• The concept of virtues from a biblical perspective
• The role of the church in nation-building
• What is the biblical concept of good and evil?
• The philosophy of “Mere Christianity”: a critical appraisal
• How does a broken marriage affect children in Christian homes?
• The role of the Christian teachings during slavery
• Christianity and economics: a study of specific societies
• Literary aesthetics of the parables of Jesus
• The concept of death and love  in the new testament
• Unity in diversity: Christianity, African traditional worship, and the society
• The interrogation of paganism and Christianity in Dante’s Inferno
• The concept of the Messiah in Christiana and Judaism
• Feeding the flock: apostle Peter’s contribution to the spread of the gospel
• Pentecostalism and speaking in tongues: a case study of some Pentecostal churches
• Academic performance of students of junior secondary school students in Christian religious studies
• Literary aesthetics in the teachings of Jesus Christ: a case study of the sermon on the mount
• The roles of Christian leaders in societal order
• Leadership and politics in Christianity: a study of some old testament figures
• What is the role of the church in troubled times?
• Aesthetics and significance of aural texts: a literary analysis of some Psalms
• What are the roles of Christianity and religious leaders in children’s upbringing?
• Theism and the question of evil: a critical study
• What is the role of Christian associations in times of crisis and disasters?

If you are searching for Christian speech topics for class discussions or Christian thesis topics for your project, these are suggestions that will help you a great deal. These topics cover a wide area of study to enable you to make a smart choice. You can also check out philosophy topics or contact us if you need our help.

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Home > Religious Education > Church History and Doctrine > Theses and Dissertations

Church History and Doctrine Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2020 2020.

How Governor Thomas Ford's Background, Choices, and Actions Influenced the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail , Stuart Rulan Black

Joseph Smith's Vision of the Celestial Kingdom: Context, Content, Ritualization, Canonization and Theological Implications , Jubal John Lotze

Defending "The Principle": Orson Pratt and the Rhetoric of Plural Marriage , Jake D. Simmonds

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Power of Motherhood: Leah Widtsoe's Writings on Women's Roles, Influence, and the Priesthood , Ashley Marie Laneri

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

"An Hungry Man Dreameth": Transcendental Film Theory and Stylistic Trends in Recent Institutional Films of the LDS Church , Mark T. Lewis

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The First Mission of the Twelve Apostles: 1835 , Maclane Elon Heward

Behold an Angel of the Lord Came and Stood Before Me:A Cultural Examination of Joseph Smith's 1823 Visions of Moroni , Adam Price Hock

When Ye Are Assembled Together: Congregational Patterns and Worship Practices of the Early Latter-day Saints 1829-1846 , Matthew Johnson

The Relief Society and President Spencer W. Kimball's Administration , Carrie L. Taylor

The Resources and Results of the Radio, Publicity,and Mission Literature Committee:1935-1942 , Matthew Porter Wilcox

Your Sons and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy...Your Young Men Shall See Visions: The Role of Youth in the Second Great Awakening, 1800-1850 , Trevor Jason Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Joseph Smith—History: From Dictation to Canon , Russ Kay Bennett

Love Your Enemy Evangelical Opposition to Mormonism and Its Effect upon Mormon Identity , Derek J. Bowen

The Laie Hawaii Temple: A History from Its Conception to Completion , Richard J. Dowse

Latter-day Saint Young Adults, Narcissism, and Religiosity , Jacob D. Judd

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Taking the Gospel to the Lamanites: Doctrinal Foundations for Establishing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico , Matthew G. Geilman

The Worldwide Expansion of Seminaries to English Speaking Countries from 1967 - 1970 , Jon E. Thomas

Lilburn W. Boggs and the Case for Jacksonian Democracy , Robert John Walker

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Doctrine and Covenants Section 110: From Vision to Canonization , Trever Anderson

The Messages of the Restoration: A Study of the Doctrinal Development of the Missionary Message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Sheldon Nixon

A Historical Analysis of How Preach My Gospel Came to Be , Benjamin H. White

An Analysis of the Teaching Aids Provided for Sunday School Teachers in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Kevin Douglas Whitehead

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Corporeal Man: A Latter-day Saint Perspective , Todd S. Davis

Doctrinal and Historical Analysis of Young Women's Education in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Andrea Erickson

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Enters Albania, 1992-1999 , Nathan D. Pali

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Joseph Smith's View of His Own Calling , Tucker John Boyle

Joseph F.Merrill: Latter-day Saint Commissioner of Education, 1928-1933 , Casey Paul Griffiths

A Comparative Study of Muhammad and Joseph Smith in the Prophetic Pattern , Todd J. Harris

The Influence of the First World War on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , James I. Mangum

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in National Periodicals: 1991-2000 , Casey William Olson

James E. Talmage and the Nature of the Godhead: The Gradual Unfolding of Latter-day Saint Theology , Brian William Ricks

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

A Study of the History of the Office of High Priest , John D. Lawson

Personal Scripture Study of Prospective Missionaries , Eric Lyon Wing

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Cornelius P. Lott and his Contribution to the Temporal Salvation of the Latter-day Saint Pioneers Through the Care of Livestock , Gary S. Ford

The Etoile Du Deseret: Portrait of the French Mission, 1851-1852 , Douglas James Geilman

An Analysis of the Newspaper Coverage of Latter-Day Saint Temples Announced or Built Within the United States from October 1997 Through December 2004 , Kevan L. Gurr

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in National Periodicals, 1982-1990 , Matthew E. Morrison

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

A History of "Especially For Youth" - 1976-1986 , John Bytheway

Latter-Day Saints in Popular National Periodicals 1970-1981 , Adam H. Nielson

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

A History of the Concepts of Zion and New Jerusalem in America From Early Colonialism to 1835 With A Comparison to the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith , Ryan S. Gardner

Corporeal Resurrection: The Pure Doctrine Restored Through the Prophet Joseph Smith , J. Peter Hansen

A History of the Latter-Day Saints in the Columbia Basin of Central Washington 1850-1972 , Rick B. Jorgensen

A Study of the Hill Cumorah: A Significant Latter-Day Saint Landmark in Western New York , Cameron J. Packer

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

The World and Joseph Smith , Lane D. Ward

Theses/Dissertations from 1976 1976

The Southern States Mission and the Administration of Ben E. Rich, 1898-1908: Including a Statistical Study of Church Growth in the Southeastern United States During the Twentieth Century , Ted S. Anderson

A Study of Historical Evidences Related to LDS Church as Reflected in Volumes XIV Through XXVI of the Journal of Discourses , Terry J. Aubrey

Effects of Human Relations Training on the Social, Emotional, and Moral Development of Students, with Emphasis on Human Relations Training Based Upon Religious Principles , Stephen R. Covey

Missionary Activities and Church Organizations in Pennsylvania, 1830-1840 , V. Alan Curtis

Functional Problems and Informational Needs of Latter-Day Saint Chaplains Serving in the United States Armed Forces , N. Vernon Griffeth

A History of the Growth and Development of the Primary Association of the LDS Church From 1878 to 1928 , Conrad A. Harward

The Teacher Training Program Administered by the Sunday School of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , Steven A. Hedquist

Origin and Development of the San Juan Mission in Southeastern Utah in its Work with Indian People (Principally Since 1940) , Lyle S. Heinz

A History of Female Missionary Activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1898 , Calvin S. Kunz

History and Functions of the Aaronic Priesthood and the Offices of Priest, Teacher, and Deacon in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1829 to 1844 , Robert L. Marrott

Formal Reporting Systems of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1975 , Dennis H. Smith

The History of the Emery Stake Academy , Paul Robert Tabone

A History of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association 1939 to 1974 , John Kent Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 1975 1975

An Analysis of the Problems in Obtaining and Maintaining Released Time for Seminary in the Central Idaho Seminary District , Arthur A. Bailey

The Settlement and Development of Wayne County, Utah, to 1900 , Aldus DeVon Chappell

The History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in South America, 1945-1960 , Joel Alva Flake

Stephen Markham: Man of Valour , Mervin LeRoy Gifford

A History of Kirtland Camp: Its initial Purpose and Notable Accomplishments , Gordon Orville Hill

An Analysis of the Doctrinal Teachings of President George Albert Smith , Robert K. McIntosh

History of Four Mormon Landmarks in Western New York: The Joseph Smith Farm, Hill Cumorah, the Martin Harris Farm, and the Peter Whitmer, Sr., Farm , Rand H. Packer

Conceptual Patterns of Repetition in the Doctrine and Covenants and their Implications , Richard Cottam Shipp

Reasons For Non-Enrollment and Low Attendance in LDS Early Morning Seminary at Minneapolis-St. Paul , Wayne P. Smith

A Comparison of Mission Programs Used in the Three Language Training Missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , Rawn Arthur Wallgren

Joseph Smith the Colonizer , Brent L. Winward

Theses/Dissertations from 1974 1974

A Documentary History of the Lord's Way of Watching Over the Church by the Priesthood Through the Ages , Rex A. Anderson

A Study to Determine the Possible Influence of Public School Curriculum Development On Course Outlines Used by the Released-Time Seminary Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , Merrill Dean Briggs

The Development of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hawaii , Richard C. Harvey

Proselyting Techniques of Mormon Missionaries , Jay E. Jensen

History of Mormon Exhibits in World Expositions , Gerald Joseph Peterson

The Life and Contributions of Zebedee Coltrin , Calvin Robert Stephens

A History of the Nauvoo Legion in Illinois , John Sweeney Jr.

Kelsey, Texas: The Founding and Development of a Latter-Day Saint Gathering Place in Texas , James Clyde Vandygriff

Theses/Dissertations from 1973 1973

A Study to Determine the Understanding of the Nature and Mission of Jesus Christ by Third Year Seminary Graduates of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , Terry R. Baker

Prophetic Authority in the Teachings of Modern Prophets , Clifford Gary Bennett

A Study of the Opinions of LDS Athletes Concerning Excellence in Gospel Living Contributing to Excellence in Sports , Robert L. Cummings

A History of the Involvement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Tanning Industry in Utah From 1847 to 1973 , Paul Edwards Damron

History of the Swedish Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1905-1973 , Carl Erik Johansson

The Divine Nature of God: A Study of What has Been Said and Taught About the Divine Nature of God by Ancient and Modern Apostles and Prophets , Lester Young Moody

The Box Elder Stake Academy in its Historical Setting , Byron L. Parkinson

Mormonism in National Periodicals, 1961-1970 , Dale P. Pelo

The Correlation Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints During the Twentieth Century , Jerry Rose

Zion's Camp , Wilburn D. Talbot

Theses/Dissertations from 1972 1972

The Lord's Definition of Woman's Role as He has Revealed it to His Prophets of the Latter Day , Mildred Chandler Austin

A Study of A Teaching Method Called Seminary Bowl , Max G. Hirschi

An Evaluation of Instructional Television in the Brigham Young University College of Religious Instruction , James Frank Killian

A Study to Determine Reasons Why LDS Students were not Enrolled in LDS Seminary in the Southern Alberta Seminary District During 1970-71 , Robert Owen McClung

A Comparative Study of the Book of Mormon Secret Combinations and the American Mafia Organization , Ray G. Morley

The office of Associate President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , Robert Glen Mouritsen

A History of the Schools and Educational Programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ohio and Missouri, 1831-1839 , Orlen Curtis Peterson

A Study of Evidences Related to LDS Church History as Reflected in Volumes I Through XIII of the Journal of Discourses , Paul C. Richards

Theses/Dissertations from 1971 1971

A Study of Rock Music to Determine its Declared Position Relative to Unchastity, the Use of Drugs and the Departure from Traditional Concepts of Family and Religion , E. Lynn Balmforth

An Analysis of the Role of Temples in the Establishment of Zion , C. Max Caldwell

A Comparative Study of the Teaching Methods of the LDS and Non-LDS Religious Educational Movements Among the Indians in Southeastern Utah Since 1943 , James A. Carver

A Study to Determine Duplication, Gaps, Emphasis, and Location of Lesson Concepts in the 1967-68 Religious Education Lesson Manuals for High School Age LDS Youth , Lowry K. Flake

Causes of the Mormon Boycott Against Gentile Merchants in 1866 and 1868 , Peter Neil Garff

George Reynolds: The Early Years , Grant R. Hardy

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Church History, Research Paper Example

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The Early Church

The early church can be traced in the period from the crucifixion of Jesus to the first council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) which spreads in the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th Century. The early church revered the Jewish scriptures but through the missionary experiences of apostles, they added their own writings[1]. A siege on Jerusalem led to the expulsion of Jews, among those who left was majorly the Christian population. The Jewish leadership that was comprised of circumcised men was replaced the gentile leadership that was comprised of men who were not circumcised. Many Jews occupied the Roman Empire in the 1 st Century; the Christian Jews did not pay taxes while ethnic Jews did. This made the Roman authority distinguish Christians from Jews.  In the year 49 AD, the Roman authorities expelled Jews during the reign of Emperor Claudius; Emperor Nero later allowed them to return but began the persecution of Christians after the great fire in Rome in the year 64 AD.

Christianity in the 2 nd Century spread considerably, while in the 3 rd Century by 250, the Christian population of the Roman Empire constituted of two percent of the population. Christian monarchies were established where Armenia became the first Christian country officiated by Gregory the Illuminator. By 380 Christianity was adopted as a state religion in the Roman Empire in the Edict of Thessalonica while Christendom rose in the Byzantine Empire. Christianity became more favored and significant over paganism due to its doctrine that addressed human needs. This early church was faced with inter and intra church conflict in leadership due to competing personalities and contradiction of doctrine due to competing ideologies. This cost the early church deaths of apostles Peter and Paul and the Christian multitudes persecuted by Emperor Nero. With the first council of Nicaea, this era of the early church ended, but this church has remained an ideal example to Christian unity

The Jewish Background of Christianity

The first of Jesus followers were Jews known as proselytes . They viewed Jesus as their long awaited Messiah in the Judaism religion in their expectation that the Kingdom of God had finally come. Many groups including church elders with a strong Jewish belief dedicated and inscribed Jewish catacombs to Jesus in the first century. The Torah and the Jewish law was faithfully practiced and even accepted among Gentile converts. Nazarenes were a sect of Christians loyal to the Jewish law who were later labeled as Judaists and denounced. The general labels for heresies were Ebonite’s and Marchioness after the condemnation of Nazarenes. Only Gentile Christians called the Pauline Christians remained as orthodox Christians.

The Ebonite’s differed with the Pauline Christians on the gentile’s coverts circumcision and the perception of Christ. Pressures from outside and internal schisms diluted the relation between the gentile and Judaism Christianity. Early Jewish followers also continued in the attendance of temple worship and home prayers according to the apostle’s acts and also fasted and observed holy days like the Passover. Circumcision according to the Mosaic Law was a major point of controversy especially in the first century. Notable were the many letters of Paul in his epistles to Antioch and Galatia to address these issues which threatened the very foundation of the Christian faith.

It is at council of Jerusalem in year 50 AD that apostle Paul was given mandate of mission among the gentiles. At this point, there was a parallel drawn between Judaism that was based on the legal acts of Mosaic Law which brought about righteousness with the apostolic Christianity that was based on faith through the works and righteousness of Jesus Christ. The council of Jerusalem decreed that male gentile converts were free to be circumcised or not but the rabbinic Judaists were strict to circumcise all male converts.

A rift between Jews and Christians which included a different tax system in the Roman Empire in which Christians were exempted and denied the freedom of Jews grew as the Christian community gradually became a gentile religion. As a result of naming Simon, Barkokhba as a Jewish messiah, Christians rejected Jews because they believed Jesus as their Messiah. A revolution led all Jews to be barred from entering Jerusalem which wiped off the identity of the Jewish Christian church in Jerusalem.

The Greek Background of Early Christianity

This can be referred to as the pagan of gentile influence on the early church in which the Hellenist and the Romans were a major influence. The Hellenists were ruled by Alexander the great while Romans were ruled by Roman emperors. Greek was a universal language in the first century like the 21 st century English language which influenced the writings of the early church even in Rome. The other language worthy of translation of Christian writings was Latin. The Greek language contributed to the translation of Jewish scriptures called Septuagint. The Greeks interaction with the early church lead to the issue of introduction of the Pagan culture and worship known as polytheism which was widely rejected by the Christian community. The polytheist ideology influenced social custom which included honoring of Pagan gods in ceremonies and as witnesses in courts of Justice. Christians refused to eat in Pagan festivals and were therefore sidelined as atheists and antisocial.

Christians were also mistaken in their ideology of faith in reference to the holy Eucharist where they had the symbolic un-bloody sacrifice of Christ and also their biblical marriage within the community of faith was seen as incest. The Greek background of Christianity can also be traced with the Arian controversy in the Greek speaking east whose teachings were heretical. Christianity was termed illegal in the Roman Empire by year 314 where many Christians were persecuted and Christianity was considered a deadly superstition as Christians were blamed for the great fire of Rome In year 64 and were treated cruelly by Emperor Nero. The Greeks are also seen to have greater citing about Easter in the Nicene Creed that we have today.

The Two Major Heresies That Faced the Early Christian Church

This was named the most challenging heresy by the first council of Nicaea. It caused a major shake up in the fundamental Christian belief. According to this heresy, Jesus was denied complete divinity as God and was only a model created by God the Father to create the world and therefore with God in nature and eternity. Jesus was also different from other creatures as a direct creation of God. The Bishop of Alexandria excommunicated Arius, the leader, from the church and as a result of this controversy, the first Council of Nicaea convened to discuss this issue. They ruled that Jesus had the same Deity as God and had common equality and oneness of being.

They were referred by the general word, secret knowledge. In many accounts of early church heresy, Simon Magus is a common figure and is perceived to be the founder of heresy. Valentius was a priest in the first century, who developed cosmology. He argued that the world was a prison created by evil spirit and the God of material world called demiurge. That God was the God of the Old Testament. This doctrine proposed that one would return his soul to the true God who dwelt in the realm of light. This mandate was given to Jesus the Savior who would be sent to the material world by God of light to liberate the imprisoned souls. The Gnostic elements could be traced in early Christian writings but have been refuted.

The gospel of John connotes Jesus as one connecting the spiritual and physical worlds but does not indicate that He is trying to escape any of them as taught by Gnostic beliefs. The Gnostic movement later in the century seems not to have made any attachments to the Jesus Christ and his teachings. This is because they claim that He was a false Messiah who perverted the beliefs and teachings entrusted to Him by His predecessor John the Baptist. This heresy influenced other heresies such as Marcionism and Montanism. Most of the Gnostic beliefs in the Alexandrian church were influenced by the Hellenic tradition that proposed that souls would escape the material world on earth and return to the spirit’s realm of light. Most heresies however emerged due to loss of confidence in popes and bishops who introduced monastery and autocratic leadership. They introduced orthodoxy in the second century of the early church while the Roman church struggled to gain dominance.

Two Dimensions of the Term ‘Catholic’

Catholic is a term that can be understood; one as the Christianity within the Roman Catholic Church, and secondly as a theory and practice of catholic theology in biblical interpretation. The second definition also refers to the study of man’s participation in the historical truth and knowledge. The first dimension discusses Catholic particular to the denomination while the second studies it as general and universal term.  The definition of this term can be traced from the origins of catholic as a universal church after the first council of Nicaea (325 A.D.). Hence the universal aspect of this term is defined. This is a deduction from the experience of the Christian community that is common for Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. After the Roman Catholic Church disintegrated to other denominations, the catholic tradition and philosophy remained with the Catholic Church in which comes an understanding within which each catholic stands to interpret reality. The universal catholic term is a philosophical definition of catholic while the Catholic Church interpretation of this term is a theological definition.

The Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.)

According to the Roman calendar, the first council of Nicaea was convened in May 20- July 25 in the year 325 by the Roman emperor Constantine I. This marked the first of the ecumenical councils. Constantine was a leader of a cult called Sol Invictus translated as Invincible Sun. He converted to Christianity with an aim to unite Christians under the universal Church of Rome. He therefore legalized Christianity that had been banned by emperors Nero and Lacinius.

The mandate of this council was to discuss major issues that disintegrated the early church. This council was of historical significance to attain consensus of all Christendom. Notable was that among the 1800 bishops invited by Constantine, only about 318 attended. These bishops brought each three deacons and two priests thus those in attendance were above 1500. This council was prominent especially with the end of Christian persecution through the Edict of Milan by February 313. Constantine did not vote in this council and was a mere observer but organized the council in the laws of the Roman senate.

He had first designated Ancyra in Galatia, today’s Ankara in Turkey, as an assembly of bishops (synods), but due to the Arianism division of the church there, Nicaea in Bithynia was a better assembly. There was great union between the church and the state hence Constantine provided his palace grounds as meeting place. There was a sharp contrast of the use of imperial power of the Roman Empire which formerly was abused in persecution of Christians and was now used in their favor. Constantine appealed for unity and peace among the church. The bishop of Rome was assumed to have held a position of authority over other bishops since Rome was the seat of power in government.

Arian Controversy

This controversy was a heresy that shook the foundations of the early church and even the Roman Empire which prompted the quick intervention of the emperor. Arianism believed Jesus was lesser God the Father in that He was a model for creation of other creatures, and differed in equality and eternity with God. This was declared a heresy and the council agreed on a common belief in the Unity of God, that Jesus was one in being with the Father and of the same substance with God. The Arian books were condemned and burnt by the council. All except two bishops alongside Arian signed this declaration. They were bishops Secundus of Ptolemais and Theonas of Marmarica. They were banished from the church.

The Universal Church of Rome

The council of Nicea officially declared the roman church as universal from which the word catholic means universal. The holy Roman Catholic Church was born of a pagan church in the roman government established in order to control the Roman subjects to participate in common worship alongside the roman citizens. The emperor commissioned the delivery of 50 bibles to the church which was also prepared for his successor son Constantine (337-350). This council also confirmed holy Mary as the mother of God which is affirmed even today in the catholic doctrine.

The Date of Easter

The Easter Sunday was to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus and a universal observance of this day was supposed by all Romans and this was supposed to be on a Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox. This was stipulated to be after the Jewish Passover in the lunar calendar (14 th of Nisan). The change of the holy Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday was also agreed upon and the change of the date of birth of Jesus was fixed to December 25 th in the Roman calendar. Easter was introduced as an equivalent to the feast of Ishtar of pagan worship.

Alexandrian Patriarch

This was a question of canon 6 to bring order to the Alexandrian church after the melitan schism.  Ordination by Meritus was declared invalid and was therefore denied Episcopal rights thus only the bishop of Alexandria could ordain priests. This canon listed the metropolitan centers in order of importance. This was meant to establish order and responsibility to strong centers of Christian teaching. Alexandrians jurisdiction comprised Egypt, Libya and Petropolis. Alexandria was placed second to Rome while Antioch was third and Jerusalem fourth which was under the Jurisdiction of Caesarea. This is because Jerusalem had lost its Christian identity since the destruction in year 70 by Titus. The bishops under jurisdiction were Alexandra of Alexandria, Eustacias of Antioch, Macarios of Jerusalem and Sylvester I of Rome.

The Nicene Creed

Its distinctive elements included:

Jesus Christ divinity was proclaimed as (God from god, light from light, true God from true God).

Jesus Christ co-eternity with God is said to be begotten and not made. Jesus was God and not Gods creation

Jesus Christ is said to be the substance of the father which directly contrasts Aryanism

The 20 listed Nicene canons in summary were:

• Prohibition of self castration
• Minimum term for catechumen
• Prohibiting younger women in clerics house in case he is suspected
• Bishops to be ordained and presided by at least three provincial bishops and confirmed by the metropolitan.
• Two synods to be held annually
• Exceptional acknowledgement for patriarchs of Rome and Alexandria in authority of their respective region.
• Recognition of Jerusalem for honorary rights
• Agreement with novationists
• Mild procedure against those lapsed in persecution
• Removal of priests prohibited
• Prohibiting taking of usury among the clergy
• The bishops and presbyters to preside before deacons in Eucharist
• Baptism of Pauline heretics declared invalid
• Kneeling was prohibited during liturgy and the fifty days of Easter side

The Aftermath

Arianism did not stop spreading and cause division in the church in the fourth century since Constantine was succeeded by Arian empire. Though its intention was not achieved in the short term, the council of Nicea achieved long term effects in its doctrinal statements backed by the emperors. The canons of this council have been adopted by denominations to date. Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria was a great proponent of these canons and fought against Arianism after succeeding Bishop Alexandra. He was deposed in 335 by the first synod of Tyre alongside Marcellus of Ancyra.

The Influence of the Council of Nicea Upon the Church Today, Case Study: Greater Grace Church of the United Church of Christ

The united church of Christ was a member of the congregational organization which was part of the state church of Massachusetts which broke away from the Unitarian movement. This movement has a separate search for spiritual growth and do not share the creed. Today, the Unitarian movement shares in social justice initiative along side the united church of Christ. The United Church of Christ shares precepts in the council of Nicea unlike Unitarianism which traces its roots from Aryanism. Like the Nicene council, the united church of Christ has canons of the Holy Communion and Eucharist which are not present in the Unitarian church. These canons have been adopted in the statement of faith even among other churches such as the Roman Catholics, old Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, eastern and oriental Orthodox among other denominations.

[1] The four main Apostles were Mathew, John, mark and Luke

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Doctor of Philosophy in Church History and Historical Theology

Program snapshot, train to serve the church or the academy through intensive studies in christian history..

The Ph.D. in Church History and Historical Theology trains students to assess significant people, important events, and theological trends in Christian history. Students to specialize in specific historical areas such as the Patristics, the Reformation, American Christianity or Baptist History.

Advance your education. Grow in your love for God.

Total Doctor of Philosophy in Church History and Historical Theology: 70

Students take 5 courses in their area of study and 3 “flex” seminars in whichever area they are interested.  The following are just a few of the courses available to church history students.

Students can be supervised by the following faculty:

Michael A. G. Haykin

Stephen O. Presley

Gregory A. Wills

Research Interests

John D. Wilsey

Shawn D. Wright

Frequently asked questions.

If you do not have an M.Div. but you do have a M.A. or other masters-level divinity credit, you may submit a  doctoral equivalency evaluation  to the admissions office to find out if you qualify for SBTS PhD programs.*

• A minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is expected.

For a complete listing of doctoral admissions requirements, see the “Admissions & Cost” tab.

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES approved organization for both admissions consdiration and for equivalency requests.

During the application process you will indicate your preferred supervisor and be asked to describe your research interest but both can be subject to change until you are accepted and enrolled in the program.

During your faculty interview and during on-boarding to the program (if accepted) you will have the opportunity to discuss and receive advising on both your supervisor and your research topic.

Your final research area(s) will be determined in close consultation with and approval by your supervisor, this generally occurs during the coursework stage of your program.

Admissions for the Ph.D. program consists of:

Initial Application Submission

• All required materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline (see “Admissions” tab for more information).

Entrance Exam and Interview

• Students who are believed to have a reasonable possibility of acceptance are invited to participate in entrance exams and faculty interviews.
• Exams and interviews are held remotely via Zoom (travel to campus not required) once each month.
• For more information on Entrance Exams, click here .

The Ph.D. program is structured for 48 months (4 years). Students who take longer than four years will be assessed an additional $2,000 fee for each semester of extension beyond the four-year limit.

During the PhD student stage (coursework stage), students will complete eight seminars, usually five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.

Some concentrations, such as biblical studies, historical and theological studies, and philosophy and theological studies , will require four seminars in each of two separate areas. All students will take the four RDS general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.

In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in two research languages (for School of Theology concentrations) or research methodology courses (for Billy Graham School concentrations).

Admissions Prerequisites

To be considered for admission in our Ph.D. program we require the following for applications:

• For the PhD concentrations in Christian Apologetics, Christian Philosophy, Christian Ethics, Ethics and Public Theology, and Philosophy and Theological Studies, the 72 hours may consist of an M.A. or equivalent in the field (60 hours minimum in specific disciplines), with the addition of 12 credit hours in biblical languages
• For the PhD concentrations in Christian Worship, Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology, Leadership, Missions, Evangelism, and World Religions, an M.A. or equivalent in the field (60 hours minimum in specific disciplines) may be acceptable.
• Students requiring additional coursework may attend Southern Seminary as a “Doctoral Leveling Student” online or on-campus.
• International transcripts will require an official evaluation from a NACES approved organization (World Evaluation Services is preferred).

*For more information about our equivalency standards, leveling options, or to request an equivalency review based on your master’s level work, please email  [email protected] .

Application Requirements

• All applicants must receive a reference from the local church where they are a member. Family members may not complete this reference. If you are the pastor of your church, please select another church leader (associate pastor, elder, deacon, etc.) to complete the church recommendation.  Recommendation forms are automatically emailed to references via our online application.
• Two additional academic recommendations. We suggest that a professor or a business acquaintance who can speak to academic performance complete the 2 additional recommendations required for doctoral students.
• Transcription from the educational institution or institutions that conferred  any required degrees  should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Contact the registrar or academic records office of your previous institution(s). They may e-mail the transcripts (directly or via 3rd party such as Parchment) to [email protected] or mail copies to our physical address.  Transcripts must come directly from schools either electronically or in sealed/unopened envelopes.
• A graduate level research paper  in the same field to which the applicant is applying  must be submitted along with the application.  You may upload this research paper directly onto the application.
• $40 application fee –  paid after application submission.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be received by:

September 1 – Spring matriculation

March 1 – Fall matriculation

Entrance Exams and Interviews

Entrance Exams are exams designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the subject area in which they are applying and sometimes in related fields. Students will be notified soon after submitting all application components as to whether they are invited to participate in the entrance exam and interview.

Exams and interviews are held on one Friday each month  and are administered remotely (travel to campus not required). Click here to learn more.

Ready to learn more?

Prospective doctoral students are invited to visit Southern Seminary.

Program Cost

$1,000 down payment, and remaining balance due equally over 48 months.*

*Program tuition shown is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional fees are subject to the current fee schedule.

Financial Aid

Southern Seminary does not offer fully-funded scholarships or grants for the PhD program. Limited financial aid may be available for students that meet certain criteria. Click here to view our financial aid page to learn more.

Contact Admissions

Phone: (502) 897-4200

Text: (502) 305-3554

Email: [email protected]

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

Request information.

Church History Topics