This course provides a comprehensive historical study of the origins of Christianity, focusing on the New Testament and its literature. Key aspects include:
Students will engage with early Christian documents, examining their significance for historical study and how they reflect the plurality of early Christian beliefs.
This module introduces the New Testament as a historical collection of documents rather than as scripture. Students are encouraged to set aside preconceived notions and approach the text with a fresh perspective, considering the historical context and how it would be perceived by ancient audiences.
This module delves into the formation of the Christian canon, examining how various texts were recognized as scripture. Factors influencing this process include:
Students will investigate both the inclusion and exclusion criteria for New Testament texts.
In this module, students will examine the Greco-Roman cultural and historical context that shaped the New Testament. Key topics include:
This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the New Testament's origins.
This module focuses on first-century Judaism and its complexities, especially regarding Hellenization and the responses of various Jewish groups. Key areas of study include:
Understanding these dynamics is essential for contextualizing the New Testament.
This module analyzes the historical accounts of Paul's travels as depicted in The Acts of the Apostles and Galatians. The focus will be on:
Students will learn how to navigate discrepancies and enrich their understanding of Paul's role in early Christianity.
This module focuses on the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing its literary structure and message. Students will explore:
Through a historical critical lens, students will discern how these elements contribute to the overall message of the Gospel.
This module examines the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting its unique aspects, including:
Students will analyze how these aspects reflect the community's needs and theological perspectives.
This module introduces the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of sayings discovered in the Nag Hammadi Codices. Key points include:
Students will explore the themes and theological implications of this non-canonical text.
This module focuses on the Gospel of Luke, which presents a continuous narrative of Jesus' ministry and the early Church's expansion. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze the implications of Luke's narrative choices for understanding the early Christian movement.
This module examines The Acts of the Apostles, emphasizing its major themes and narrative style. Students will explore:
By analyzing these elements, students will gain insights into the early Christian community's challenges and successes.
This module analyzes the Gospel of John, highlighting its unique literary style and high Christology. Key points include:
Students will evaluate how these features contribute to the overall understanding of Jesus' identity within Johannine literature.
This module focuses on the letters attributed to John, emphasizing the Christological themes present. Students will explore:
Through this examination, students will learn about the community's stance on Jesus' divinity and humanity.
This module explores the concept of the "historical Jesus," focusing on how scholars construct this figure amid contradictory narratives. Key methods include:
Students will engage with the complexities of the historical Jesus and the challenges historians face in reconstructing his life.
This module evaluates the Apostle Paul's role as a missionary, focusing on the different interpretations throughout Christian history. Key themes include:
Students will analyze how Paul's message evolved and its implications for early Christian communities.
This module investigates Paul's pastoral role as reflected in his letters to the Corinthians. Key discussions include:
Students will explore the complexities of church dynamics and Paul's responses to the challenges faced by early Christians.
This module analyzes Paul's theological perspective on the Jewish Law, particularly in Galatians and Romans. Key points include:
Students will engage with the complexities of Paul's theological arguments and their significance in early Christian thought.
This module examines the letters attributed to Paul's disciples, focusing on the pseudonymous works of Colossians and Ephesians. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze the significance of these letters in the context of early Christian beliefs and practices.
This module explores the book of James and its unique perspective on faith and works. Students will examine:
Through this analysis, students will gain insights into the diversity of early Christian thought and practice.
This module explores the Pastoral Epistles and their portrayal of ecclesiastical structures. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze how these changes reflect broader societal shifts and impact early Christian communities.
This module examines The Acts of Paul and Thecla, highlighting its narrative similarities to Greco-Roman novels. Key themes include:
Students will explore how this narrative reflects broader themes of purity and asceticism in early Christian thought.
This module discusses the interpretative methods used in early Christianity, particularly in the Letter to the Hebrews. Students will investigate:
Through this examination, students will learn about the diverse approaches to scriptural interpretation within early Christian communities.
This module surveys the historical interpretations of the New Testament across different periods, emphasizing medieval approaches. Key aspects include:
Students will explore how interpretations have evolved and their significance within the broader history of biblical scholarship.
This module investigates the themes of apocalyptic literature, particularly in the Revelation of John. Key topics include:
Students will analyze how these themes reflect the struggles of early Christians and their hopes for divine intervention.
This module contrasts the apocalyptic themes in Revelation with more accommodating perspectives found in Paul and other letters. Key discussions include:
Students will engage with the complexities of early Christian responses to political and social realities.
This module explores the institutionalization of early Christianity as reflected in Jude and the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. Key points include:
Students will analyze how these developments shaped the trajectory of Christianity in its formative years.
This module studies the transformation of early Christianity into a world religion, addressing key historical changes. Major themes include:
Students will analyze how these developments contributed to Christianity's status as a world religion.