An introduction to the four Gospels in their social, historical and theological settings. Using a "socio-literary" approach, we will study the Gospels within a two-dimensional framework, both centred on what the early Christians called the "gospel" or "Kerygma." One dimension has to do with social history, the origin and development of Christianity as a distinct social entity, from its foundations in the ministry of Jesus and the Easter experience, through its emergence as a Jewish renewal movement, and on to its development into a separate, largely Gentile, institutionalized religion. The second dimension has to do with literature, the process by which the Gospels came to be written, their literary form and texture, and their character as narrative versions of the "gospel."
Priority access to online classes will be given to students who are outside commutable distance to the college. Students who have reasonable access to the college may be requested to release space for students at a distance. Last day to drop without penalty: 2 May 2016
This course is a required introduction course for all Basic Degree programs and is recommended as a first year (or equivalent) course before more advanced Biblical courses are taken.
