Dr. George Kalantzis: The First Christian Centuries

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Jul 18, 2025

Dr. George Kalantzis, a Professor of Theology and Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies, shares insights from early Christianity’s complex landscape. He discusses the evolution of theological thought, the influence of Greco-Roman culture, and the significance of communal discernment. Kalantzis highlights historical controversies regarding the nature of God and the role of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of inter-denominational unity today and advocates for compassion in refugee ministry, urging a shift towards recognizing individual journeys of faith.

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INSIGHT

Early Worship of Jesus as God

Early Christians worshiped Jesus as God very soon after His death, even without fully developed theological language.
Worshiping Jesus preceded the later philosophical formulations of Christian doctrine over centuries.

INSIGHT

Greek Philosophy Shapes Christian Thought

Greek philosophical ideas deeply shaped early Christian theology but were adapted with Hebrew scripture.
Christians transformed Hellenistic concepts to express Jesus as a divine person, not just abstract reason.

INSIGHT

Early Christian Theological Controversies

Early Christian controversies centered on Christ's nature, God’s identity, worship practices, and scripture's authority.
These were not mere disputes but identity-forming discussions shaping church doctrine and communal life.

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What was it like to be a Christian in the earliest centuries after the resurrection of Christ? How did theological thinking and the understandings of authority develop? Dr. George Kalantzis helps us consider the layers of complexity that early Christians wrestled with as the church was established. George points out the important place of canon, creeds, apostolicity and ethics, underpinned by submission to the Holy Spirit. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, George brings a unique perspective to the study of the patristic period, so bring your questions into the classroom for “The First Christian Centuries” (July 28–Aug 1). You can also catch his Evening Public Lecture on July 28 at 7:30 pm: Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).

Note: At 49:50, Dr. Kalantzis references Project 1611, but he intended to say Project 1619 and the 1776 Commission when reflecting on competing historical narratives in the United States.

George's Bio

Dr. George Kalantzis is Professor of Theology and Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College. A native of Athens, Greece, he specializes in historical theology with a focus on early Christianity, particularly the development of Christological and Trinitarian thought, ecclesial ethics, and the Church’s engagement with Greco-Roman culture. Dr. Kalantzis is the author and editor of several volumes, including Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Senior Fellow with the International Association for Refugees, where his work intersects theology and humanitarian advocacy. George will be joining us here in the last week of July to teach “The First Christian Centuries.” He will also be giving an Evening Public Lecture on Monday July 28, titled Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).

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Resources Mentioned

Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

International Association for Refugees

Regent College Podcast

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