This course provides a historical study of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in historical context, concentrating on the New Testament. Although theological themes will occupy much of our attention, the course does not attempt a theological appropriation of the New Testament as scripture. Rather, the importance of the New Testament and other early Christian documents as ancient literature and as sources for historical study will be emphasized. A central organizing theme of the course will focus on the differences within early Christianity (-ies).
Introduction: Why Study the New Testament?
From Stories to Canon
The Greco-Roman World
Judaism in the First Century
The New Testament as History
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Luke
The Acts of the Apostles
Johannine Christianity: the Gospel
Johannine Christianity: the Letters
The Historical Jesus
Paul as Missionary
Paul as Pastor
Paul as Jewish Theologian
Paul's Disciples
Arguing with Paul?
The "Household" Paul: the Pastorals
The "Anti-household" Paul: Thecla
Interpreting Scripture: Hebrews
Interpreting Scripture: Medieval Interpretations
Apocalyptic and Resistance
Apocalyptic and Accommodation
Ecclesiastical Institutions: Unity, Martyrs, and Bishops
The "Afterlife" of the New Testament and Postmodern Interpretation