OLLI: The Development of Christian Churches

Andrew Findley, assistant professor of art history and archeology, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, will present this Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program.

Dr. Findley will focus on the development of the churches. He will look at the role of architecture and adornment, and how Christian meetings originated as small community gatherings in private homes. After the legalization of Christianity, it expanded under the Emperor Constantine; however, there was a shift away from private residences.

From about 350 AD onward, Christians appropriated a traditional Roman law/court building type and transformed it into the typical church format with which we are familiar today.