COMPARATIVE QUESTIONS

COMPARATIVE QUESTIONS

Document Links:

Document 7-1: Arius, Letter to Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria/The Nicene Creed

Document 7-2: Augustine of Hippo, Confessions

Document 7-3: Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict

Document 7-4: The Burgundian Code

Document 7-5: Procopius, Secret History

  1. When viewed together, what do the documents in this chapter reveal about the spread and institutional development of Christianity in the Roman Empire between the fourth and sixth centuries? How do these documents illuminate the interplay between politics and religion?

    Question

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    When viewed together, what do the documents in this chapter reveal about the spread and institutional development of Christianity in the Roman Empire between the fourth and sixth centuries? How do these documents illuminate the interplay between politics and religion?
  2. Do you see any similarities between Augustine’s and Benedict’s understandings of what constituted a holy life? What appeal do you think their views may have had?

    Question

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    Do you see any similarities between Augustine’s and Benedict’s understandings of what constituted a holy life? What appeal do you think their views may have had?
  3. According to Procopius, Justinian’s decisions defined law and were a bulwark of his authority. In what ways does the Burgundian Code reflect a similar attitude toward the function of law in government and society?

    Question

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    According to Procopius, Justinian’s decisions defined law and were a bulwark of his authority. In what ways does the Burgundian Code reflect a similar attitude toward the function of law in government and society?
  4. The Nicene Creed was one of the earliest efforts to unify Christianity doctrinally. Based on the later documents in this chapter, how well did it work in the hundred years that followed?

    Question

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    The Nicene Creed was one of the earliest efforts to unify Christianity doctrinally. Based on the later documents in this chapter, how well did it work in the hundred years that followed?