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. 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).

Lectures included in the playlist above:

  1. Introduction: Why Study the New Testament?
  2. From Stories to Canon
  3. The Greco-Roman World
  4. Judaism in the First Century
  5. The New Testament as History
  6. The Gospel of Mark
  7. The Gospel of Matthew
  8. The Gospel of Thomas
  9. The Gospel of Luke
  10. The Acts of the Apostles
  11. Johannine Christianity: The Gospel
  12. Johannine Christianity: The Letters
  13. The Historical Jesus
  14. Paul as Missionary
  15. Paul as Pastor
  16. Paul as Jewish Theologian
  17. Paul’s Disciples
  18. Arguing with Paul?
  19. The “Household” Paul: The Pastorals
  20. The “Anti-household” Paul: Thecla
  21. Interpreting Scripture: Hebrews
  22. Interpreting Scripture: Medieval Interpretations
  23. Apocalyptic and Resistance
  24. Apocalyptic and Accommodation
  25. Ecclesiastical Institutions: Unity, Martyrs, and Bishops
  26. The “Afterlife” of the New Testament and Postmodern Interpretation