This module explores the Gospel of Luke and its companion volume, Acts, emphasizing the author's narrative techniques. Students will learn about:
By analyzing these texts, students will see how Lukeâs writing reflects early Christian concerns and community dynamics.
This introductory module sets the stage for our exploration of the New Testament by urging students to adopt a fresh perspective. We will:
By fostering an understanding of the New Testament's origins, we aim to appreciate its significance in the context of ancient literature.
This module delves into the formation of the New Testament canon, examining the historical and theological factors that influenced its development. Key points include:
By the end of this module, students will grasp how historical circumstances contributed to the canonization of New Testament texts.
This module provides essential insights into the Greco-Roman world, which serves as the backdrop for the New Testament. Students will explore:
Understanding these historical contexts will enhance comprehension of the New Testament's emergence and growth.
This module focuses on first-century Judaism, a crucial context for understanding the New Testament. Key topics include:
By examining these dynamics, students will appreciate the diverse reactions among Jews to foreign domination and how these influenced early Christian narratives.
This module examines the historical accounts of Paulâs travels and their implications for understanding early Christian history. Students will:
By exploring these contradictions, students will learn to appreciate the complexities of early Christian history and the challenges faced in historical interpretation.
This module offers a critical examination of the Gospel of Mark through a historical lens. Students will explore:
By analyzing the Gospel of Mark, students will gain insights into the early Christian community's struggles and beliefs.
This module investigates the Gospel of Matthew, which is rich in well-known passages and complex themes. Students will cover:
Through this exploration, students will understand how Matthew's context shaped its theology and message.
This module introduces the Gospel of Thomas, a significant non-canonical text discovered among the Nag Hammadi Codices. Key topics include:
Through this analysis, students will appreciate the broader landscape of early Christian literature and thought.
This module explores the Gospel of Luke and its companion volume, Acts, emphasizing the author's narrative techniques. Students will learn about:
By analyzing these texts, students will see how Lukeâs writing reflects early Christian concerns and community dynamics.
This module focuses on the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the author's narrative strategies and themes. Students will explore:
By studying these elements, students will gain insight into the early church's development and the author's theological intent.
This module delves into Johannine Christianity, focusing on the distinctiveness of the Gospel of John. Key topics include:
Through this analysis, students will appreciate how the Gospel of John addresses the specific concerns of its community.
This module continues the exploration of Johannine literature, focusing on the letters attributed to John. Students will examine:
By analyzing these letters, students will understand the theological debates within early Christianity.
This module investigates the historical figure of Jesus, addressing the challenges in constructing a coherent historical narrative. Topics include:
Through this critical examination, students will engage with the complexities of early Christian history and the figure of Jesus.
This module focuses on the Apostle Paulâs role as a missionary, examining the various portrayals of him throughout Christian history. Key points include:
By analyzing these portrayals, students will gain insight into the significance of Paulâs mission in the spread of early Christianity.
This module examines Paul's role as a pastor, focusing on his letters to the Corinthians. Key topics include:
Through this exploration, students will understand the pastoral concerns of Paul and their relevance to early Christian communities.
This module focuses on Paulâs theological reflections in relation to Jewish law, particularly in Galatians and Romans. Students will examine:
By engaging with these texts, students will appreciate the complexities of Paulâs thought and its impact on early Christian identity.
This module addresses the letters attributed to Paulâs disciples, focusing on issues of authorship and theological development. Key discussions include:
Through this examination, students will understand the evolution of early Christian thought and the diversity of theological perspectives.
This module examines the diverse attitudes towards the law within early Christianity, particularly through the lens of the book of James. Key points include:
By analyzing these perspectives, students will explore the theological diversity that characterized early Christian communities.
This module explores the concept of the church as a household, specifically through the lens of the Pastoral Epistles. Key discussions will cover:
By analyzing these themes, students will gain insight into the evolving nature of church leadership and authority in early Christianity.
This module analyzes the narrative of Thecla in the Acts of Paul and Thecla, exploring its implications for gender and asceticism. Students will discuss:
Through this examination, students will consider how early Christian texts engaged with contemporary gender and social issues.
This module delves into the interpretation of the Letter to the Hebrews, highlighting various ancient methods of scriptural interpretation. The course emphasizes:
Students will explore how these interpretations reflect the theological and literary concerns of early Christians, while also examining the implications of these readings for understanding the New Testament as a historical document.
This module examines the historical critical method of biblical interpretation, which has shaped contemporary understanding of the New Testament. Key points include:
By tracing the evolution of these interpretative methods, students will gain insight into how perspectives on scripture have changed over the centuries.
This module focuses on the themes of apocalyptic literature, specifically the Revelation of John. It covers:
Students will analyze how these elements reflect the historical context of early Christianity and its worldview during times of crisis.
This module contrasts the apocalyptic perspective of Revelation with the more conservative views found in Paul's letters and other New Testament writings. Key topics include:
Students will explore how these differing views shaped early Christian attitudes towards governance and authority.
This module investigates the development of ecclesiastical institutions in early Christianity, focusing on the transition from informal gatherings to structured organizations. Key elements include:
Students will analyze how these changes indicate a shift towards greater organization and the establishment of hierarchy within early Christian communities.
This module explores the historical evolution of Christianity from a small movement to a recognized world religion. Key areas of focus include:
Students will critically assess the factors that contributed to this transformation and the implications for modern understandings of faith and community.