David Zachariah Flanagin, Ph.D., is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California, where he teaches courses in the development of Christian thought and in biblical studies. His teaching has earned him recognition by the student body as Faculty Member of the Year. Prof. Flanagin received his doctorate in the History of Christianity from the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. He is the author of a number of articles on late-medieval ecclesiology and biblical interpretation. He is the co-editor (with Christopher M. Bellitto) of Reassessing Reform: A Historical Investigation into Church Renewal, published by Catholic University of America Press. In addition to his academic duties, he lectures frequently at churches on topics in the Bible and theology.
Praise for Zach Flanagin
“Zach Flanagin is an outstanding historian… thoroughly grounded in his material, but with special gifts as a lecturer. His works in late medieval spirituality are top-notch and I commend him for searching out the origins of this spirituality in its very beginnings.”– Gerald Christianson, Professor Emeritus of Church History, Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
“Zach Flanagin enjoys the unique combination of deep learning and clear teaching, which is why I recommended him to Now You Know Media. He can communicate complicated subjects in an accessible manner that raises the level of conversation. You will leave his courses with greater insights into church history and the spirituality that drives it.” – Christopher Bellitto, Ph.D., History Department, Kean University
“He is an energetic, captivating and enthusiastic lecturer who speaks to both experienced and beginning Bible students. His knowledge and love of the Bible resonates with adults. He not only covers the history and message of each book, but always inspires his listener to find meaning and application for life today.” – Nora Petersen, Director of Adult Formation at St. John Vianney Parish, CA
“I have the privilege of working closely with Professor Flanagin, who is—and I do not exaggerate—one of the most gifted writers and verbal communicators I know. His scholarship in Christian history is influential, and his classroom teaching is masterful.” – Michael Barram, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s College of California
Matthew –
Prof. David Flanagin provides an excellent and understandable account of Christian beginnings.
Prof. David Flanagin provides an excellent and understandable account of Christian beginnings.
Tim –
One of the best
I have purchased more than thirty courses from Now You Know Media and without question this is one of the best. Most of the courses are good, but only a few would I rate five stars. This is one of them. Dr. Flanagin, must be a very distant relative of Peter of Ireland. He does an exceptional job of explaining the evolution of Catholic theology and its historical context. If this is the type of subject that you find interesting, you will be well pleased with this course.
Matthew –
Nice overview
Prof. David Flanagin is very knowledgeable and presents the material in a clear way. This course provides a nice overview of early Christianity with many currently relevant questions answered.
Charles –
Very enlightening
The evolution of the Church’s understanding of the Trinity and the consensus arrived at over the first 400 years of our Church was very enlightening.
John –
Superb scholarship
Superb scholarship, order of progression historical material excellent, entire program excellent.
Matthew M., MA –
Fall Survey: October 2016
Knowledgeable and well delivered lectures relevant to today.
Jim T., NV –
Winter Survey: January 2017
Thorough and engaging presentation throughout.
William M., IA –
Summer Survey: July 2017
It gives insight into the diversity in the early church.
Matthew M., MA –
Summer Survey: July 2017
Prof. Flanagin is very knowledgeable and delivers clear and interesting talks.
Mike McWilliams (verified owner) –
I have listened to numerous Learn25 courses, but this is the first time I have written a review. As to the content, this is a very clear and thorough review of early church history. It is well organized. The length of the course doesn’t fit a typical 12-lecture format; neither do Professor Flanagin’s other courses. I suspect that his approach is to do as much justice to the topic as he reasonably can within limits, and let that determine the course length. The content will interest those who want to understand more about how information was transmitted by Christians before Christian writings began; the early written documents available to us, whether the theology contained in them eventual became treated as “orthodox” or not; and the struggle to give definition to belief about Jesus Christ. It will be more than some want, with Donatists, Nestorians, and ecumenical councils among those making an appearance. It was just right for me. More important than the content for me is the quality of the Professor. He is articulate; he doesn’t assume we have a lot of background knowledge; but is effective at proportioning his time among topics. He is clearly in command of the scholarship behind his topic. I am a Protestant; the material is equally applicable for Catholic or Protestant. I trust his judgement in the choice of the material he synthesizes. He clearly loves his field of history, and he is true to its healthy methods and practices. Hence, his is not an apologetic or devotional objective, but one of history. After listening to this course, I bought his four other Learn25 courses. I can only recall doing this before, based solely on the quality of the presenter, with Professor Michael Higgins’ courses.