From Desert Asceticism to Vatican II: The 2,000 Year History of Christian Reform

Podcast-style audio & video course - 7 Topics
Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
Professor of History, Kean University
(1 customer review)
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Includes Free Study Guide
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Audio Sample:

From the age of the apostles to Vatican II, the Catholic Church has evolved and invigorated itself. Now, you can take a riveting journey through Church renewal and reform with award-winning historian Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D.

 

When we first encounter the words “reform” and “renewal” in talking about the Catholic Church, we might think of Vatican II and the idea of aggiornamento—“updating.” But the history of reform is nearly as old as the Church itself. In this riveting audio course, you will discover how the Church has revitalized itself while remaining rooted in unchanging truths throughout the millenia. Thoughtful Christians will explore the importance of balancing the past and the future, revolution and evolution, and innovation and tradition.

 

After an overview of the study of reform and renewal, you will see how these elements developed in the early Church, where the first monastic communities emphasized personal reform. You will then explore the Middle Ages, looking at such events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Gregorian Revolution, and the Church councils. You will then encounter

From the age of the apostles to Vatican II, the Catholic Church has evolved and invigorated itself. Now, you can take a riveting journey through Church renewal and reform with award-winning historian Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D.

 

When we first encounter the words “reform” and “renewal” in talking about the Catholic Church, we might think of Vatican II and the idea of aggiornamento—“updating.” But the history of reform is nearly as old as the Church itself. In this riveting audio course, you will discover how the Church has revitalized itself while remaining rooted in unchanging truths throughout the millenia. Thoughtful Christians will explore the importance of balancing the past and the future, revolution and evolution, and innovation and tradition.

 

After an overview of the study of reform and renewal, you will see how these elements developed in the early Church, where the first monastic communities emphasized personal reform. You will then explore the Middle Ages, looking at such events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Gregorian Revolution, and the Church councils. You will then encounter Martin Luther, various Protestant reforms, and the Council of Trent. Finally, you will look carefully at Vatican II, examining its importance for modern-day reform.

Gain brilliant insights into the history of Church renewal in this essential course.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

This course was previously published as Renewing Christianity: 2,000 Years of Church Reform

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Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D., is an award-winning historian and Professor of History at Kean University in New Jersey. He received a Ph.D. in History from Fordham University. He is the author of ten books and the co-editor of six others; his writing has been honored by the American Catholic Historical Association and the Catholic Press Association. A frequent public speaker and media commentator on Church history and contemporary Catholicism, he has appeared on the History and Travel channels, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and other radio and television stations. He has received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant and is on the Fulbright Specialist Roster.Dr. Bellitto’s books include Ageless Wisdom: Lifetime Lessons from the Bible (Paulist Press, 2016), 101 Questions and Answers on Popes and the Papacy (Paulist Press, 2008), The Living Church and Church History 101 (Liguori Publications, 2011, 2008), and the companion volumes Renewing Christianity: A History of Church Reform from Day One to Vatican II and The General Councils: A History of the 21 Church Councils from Nicaea to Vatican II (Paulist Press, 2001-2002). His articles have appeared in Catholic Historical Review, Church History, Revue d’histoire ecclésiastique, Cristianesimo nella storia, America, Commonweal, U.S. Catholic, and other journals and magazines. Dr. Bellitto also serves as series Editor-in-Chief of Brill’s Companions to the Christian Tradition.

Praise for Christopher Bellitto

“Christopher Bellitto is one of the most compelling and accessible Church historians working today. He brings together the skills of a journalist with scholar’s expertise.”
– Dr. C. Colt Anderson, Dean, Fordham University“One discovers in Professor Bellitto that all too rare combination of scholarly expertise and exquisite communicator. His lectures weave humor with erudition, prophetic challenge with passion for the people of God, and historical objectivity with deep care for the Church.”
– Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, Iona College“Dynamic and accessible, Professor Christopher Bellitto breathes life into Church history in ways that resonate with the experiences of contemporary audiences. Weaving solid scholarship with engaging stories he brings fresh perspectives to the events and people that influence the rich diversity of the Roman Catholic tradition.”
– Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernández, Catholic Theological Union“Prof. Christopher Bellitto is an outstanding scholar who is widely admired for his great clarity as well as for the depth and breadth of his knowledge. Prof. Bellitto is an excellent guide in all matters of church history, and has a special gift for presenting complex realities in a compelling and clear manner.”
– Mary Doak, University of San Diego“Master teacher, expert scholar, and superb communicator, Bellitto presents exquisitely masterful interpretations of the significance of the various eras of Church history that enlighten and delight. Media commentator on all things papal and episcopal, Bellitto captures the importance of the meaning of the past for the Church in the contemporary moment.”
– Elena Procario-Foley, Iona College“Prof. Bellitto is one of the best contemporary historians of Christian history. His profound knowledge of the subject matter, decades of teaching, eloquent and effective communication skills, make his work an indispensable reference for anyone interested in the thousand year-old Christian story.”
– Ines Angeli Murzaku Ph.D., Seton Hall University

  • A History of the History of Reform
  • Reform and Renewal: Words, Ideas, Principles
  • Greek and Latin Fathers: Personal Reform
  • Early Monks and Nuns: Personal Reform under a Rule
  • Carolingian Renaissance
  • Gregorian Revolution
  • Medieval Reform Councils
  • Twelfth-Century Renaissance
  • Religious Orders: A Variety of Reform and Renewal Practices
  • Late Medieval Failures
  • Protestant Reformations I
  • Protestant Reformations II
  • Catholic Reformations
  • Between Trent and Vatican II
  • Vatican II: The Council
  • Implementing and Interpreting Vatican II
  • Three Lessons from the History of Reform and Renewal
  • Three More Lessons from the History of Reform and Renewal

1 review for From Desert Asceticism to Vatican II: The 2,000 Year History of Christian Reform

  1. Charlie D., SC

    Summer Survey: July 2017

    As we Catholics transition into modernity, it is important to know our autocratic roots.

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