Historical Case Studies

Introduction: History in Concrete Expression

Themes in theology and church history can sometimes feel abstract. To grasp their full force, students must examine how they are embodied in concrete historical case studies. Each case demonstrates how doctrine, mission, worship, and Scripture interpretation came together—or clashed—at decisive points in Christian history.

This lesson explores four such case studies:

1. The Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

2. The Monastic Mission of Patrick in Ireland (5th century)

3. The Protestant Reformation in Wittenberg (16th century)

4. The Azusa Street Revival (1906–1909)

By comparing these moments, we see how Christian faith is lived, debated, and renewed across time.

1. The Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

Context

The early church faced doctrinal disputes about Christ’s nature, particularly the teaching of Arius, who claimed that the Son was a created being. Constantine convened a council in Nicaea to settle the dispute and unify the empire’s religion.

Doctrinal Dimension

The council produced the Nicene Creed, affirming that the Son is “begotten, not made, of one substance (homoousios) with the Father.” This safeguarded the doctrine of Christ’s divinity.

Missionary Implications

Unity of doctrine was seen as essential for evangelizing a diverse empire. The creed provided a clear confession for converts and catechumens.

Worship

The creed was recited in worship, integrating doctrine into liturgical practice. This ensured orthodoxy was not just taught but prayed and sung.

Scripture Interpretation

Nicaea appealed to Scripture, interpreting passages such as John 1:1 (“the Word was God”) and Philippians 2:6. Exegesis was central to creedal formation.

2. Patrick and the Monastic Mission to Ireland

Context

In the 5th century, Patrick, a former captive, returned to Ireland as a missionary. His work coincided with the rise of monasticism as a missionary force.

Doctrinal Dimension

Patrick emphasized Trinitarian faith, often illustrated with local symbols such as the shamrock. His writings (Confessio) reveal orthodox doctrine adapted to Celtic culture.

Mission

Patrick’s mission illustrates inculturation. He respected Irish customs while reorienting them toward Christian faith. Monastic communities became centers of evangelization, education, and hospitality.

Worship

Irish monastic liturgy blended Roman forms with Celtic creativity. Music, prayers, and art (illuminated manuscripts) enriched worship.

Scripture Interpretation

Monks copied and studied Scripture, preserving biblical texts through the “Dark Ages.” Irish biblical glosses show creative interpretation in dialogue with local culture.

3. The Protestant Reformation in Wittenberg

Context

Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses (1517) catalyzed a movement that reshaped Western Christianity.

Doctrinal Dimension

Luther’s teaching on justification by faith alone challenged Catholic views on indulgences, penance, and authority. Doctrine shifted from sacramental mediation to direct faith in Christ.

Mission

Reformation mission included translating the Bible into vernacular German, spreading tracts through the printing press, and re-educating clergy and laity. The gospel became more widely accessible.

Worship

Luther reformed worship by retaining liturgical structure but translating it into the vernacular and emphasizing congregational singing (e.g., “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”).

Scripture Interpretation

Luther insisted on the literal, Christ-centered sense of Scripture. His translation of the Bible made Scripture accessible to ordinary believers, shifting interpretive authority from church hierarchy to the community of faith.

4. The Azusa Street Revival (1906–1909)

Context

In Los Angeles, William J. Seymour led a revival characterized by interracial fellowship, speaking in tongues, healing, and fervent prayer.

Doctrinal Dimension

The revival emphasized baptism in the Holy Spirit, with tongues as initial evidence. This doctrine reoriented global Christianity around the Spirit’s immediacy.

Mission

Azusa Street participants carried Pentecostalism worldwide. Missionaries departed with little preparation, trusting the Spirit to equip them.

Worship

Worship was spontaneous, egalitarian, and emotional. Traditional clergy/laity boundaries dissolved. The revival embodied the democratization of worship.

Scripture Interpretation

Participants interpreted Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 as normative for today. Their hermeneutic was experiential: Scripture confirmed what was happening in their midst.

Conclusion: Learning from History’s Laboratories

These case studies show how doctrine, mission, worship, and Scripture interpretation intersect in history. Nicaea highlights doctrinal clarity; Patrick shows inculturation; Luther demonstrates reform through Scripture; Azusa illustrates experiential renewal. Together, they remind us that Christian faith is always contextual, contested, and creative.

Suggested Assignments

1. Research Essay (6,000 words): Compare the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Trent. How did each define orthodoxy in response to crisis?

2. Comparative Study (5,000 words): Analyze the missionary methods of Patrick and a 20th-century Pentecostal evangelist. How did cultural context shape strategy?

3. Case Study (4,500 words): Trace how worship practices changed from medieval Catholicism to Lutheran Wittenberg.

4. Theological Reflection (3,500 words): Reflect on how Scripture interpretation at Azusa Street challenges or enriches traditional hermeneutics.

5. Creative Assignment: Write a fictional journal entry of a monk in Patrick’s Ireland reflecting on Scripture, worship, and mission.

References

González, J. L. (2010). The Story of Christianity (Vols. 1–2). HarperOne.
Hall, S. G. (1991). Doctrine and Practice in the Early Church. Eerdmans.
MacCulloch, D. (2003). The Reformation: A History. Viking.
McGrath, A. E. (2019). Christian Theology: An Introduction (6th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Synan, V. (2001). The Century of the Holy Spirit: 100 Years of Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal. Thomas Nelson.
Walls, A. F. (1996). The Missionary Movement in Christian History. Orbis.