Origins of Christianity

  You are expected to write an essay of about 2 pages (single-spaced or 700 words) for each question. You have to answer both questions. Write as if you were explaining the topics to a friend who knows nothing about the subject. Don’t expect the professor or teaching assistant to fill in your missing sentences and thoughts. Use examples from the readings we have covered. Please be aware that the following questions require you to exercise your power of synthesizing the materials you studied. 1) Explain the theories of Peter Brown about saints and ascetics as revered patrons for their followers and apply them to the life of Mary of Egypt as a powerful symbol of Christian asceticism. 2) Explain the relationships between church and emperor in the East and West in the fourth and fifth centuries.