Cultural History of Christianity

Cultural History of Christianity (B.A.)

Are you interested in the function and social as well as historical significance of sacred works of art? How religious practices were changed and influenced by the interpretation of Christian theologians? Or what the relics of late antiquity or early Christianity said about the politics of the time? Then you are in the right place! Discover the world of Christian-influenced European culture and Eastern Christianity.

What is the degree program about?

Society, art, literature and politics were already closely intertwined in the Middle Ages – with Christianity as the foundation. In the Cultural History of Christianity degree program, sources and phenomena of the Christian-influenced culture of Europe and Eastern Christianity are developed, interpreted and historically classified. The degree program teaches fundamental knowledge of the history of Christianity from more than 2000 years.

For example, we ask ourselves questions about the dimensions of meaning of religious practices, for example in liturgy. The sacral function, but also the political explosive power of Christian works of art are examined. What biblical content is used in these objects? What do the artistic and literary relics of this time say about society and politics? Which important theologians, mystics or other chroniclers influenced biblical interpretations and how did these changes affect religious practices? How is the development of Christianity to be understood against the background of the disintegrating late Roman Empire? Understanding communication, interaction, and media representations of Christianity also requires a good academic knowledge of the origin, content, and structure of the Bible.

In short, this degree program provides an overview of Christianity’s most important cultural contributions in a historical context. The content offered, which consists of six theological sub-disciplines, illustrates the important role played by theology: Early Church History, Modern Church History, Christian Archaeology and Art History, History and Theology of the Christian East, Old Testament and New Testament.

Do you need help or more information?

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