RLST-2220-01 Dr. James E. Bowley
T/TH, 3:15PM http://home.millsaps.edu/~bowleje/
Classroom: CC 4 bowleje@millsaps.edu
Office: CC 9; 974 1328
Office Hours: M-Th: 11-12 & by appointment
Home: 362 3660

I. Course Description
In this course we will be introduced to the academic study of the New Testament, the primary scriptures of Christianity. We will explore the history, cultural context, and ideas of biblical texts. We will also look at relevant literature outside of the New Testament, including several non-canonical texts (that is, writings that circulated during the earliest years of Christianity but were not included in the Bible).

II. Objectives1. Become biblically literate by learning the general content, historical framework, and literary forms of New Testament.
2. Explore various interpretive skills for study of ancient literature.
3. Reflect on the NT and its relation to later Christianities.
4. Create, satisfy, and perpetuate curiosity for biblical learning.

III. Course Policies
THE MILLSAPS HONOR CODE: As a Millsaps College student, I hereby affirm that I understand the Honor Code and am aware of its implication and of my responsibility to the Code. In the interests of expanding the atmosphere of respect and trust in the College, I promise to uphold the Honor Code and I will not tolerate dishonest behavior in myself or in others.
Our community is based on common trust and respect, and our common success depends on each member of the community, students, faculty, and staff. As we all strive to act in accord with our communal ideals we liberate ourselves to relational integrity and confidence. As teacher, I pledge to respect your work and to teach with honesty and integrity, providing you with accurate information to the best of my ability. From you I need a statement on all assignments and exams informing me that you have followed the honor code.

1. Academic dishonesty is seriously frowned upon and will result in a free trip to visit the Millsaps Honor Council.

2. Students and teacher are expected to attend class in a prepared manner; this is crucial for those desiring to make the most of their personal investments. Experience has shown that there is a direct relationship between attendance and learning and final grade. Absences of 4 or more will merit a final grade of no higher than a C. Perfect attendance is seriously smiled upon : and will result in 10 points being added to one's final exam. Persons are always responsible for material missed during absence.

3. Exams, quizzes, and assignments must be submitted at the scheduled time, except in cases of personal emergency. In such cases, appropriate documentation will be required. There will be no make-ups, except by special permission, in which case it must be completed with 1 week. Late papers will be discounted by one grading increment (e.g. B+ to B) per day.

4. Written assignments must by neatly typed and well organized and conform to appropriate academic standards.

5. Students with special needs because of a learning disability or other kind of disability are encouraged to discuss your needs for this class with me at your earliest convenience.

6. At times the complexities and exigencies of life come to bear even on carefully designed course policies and otherwise idyllic classrooms. Whenever you have a question or difficulty, you are welcome to talk to me. I have never bitten anyone. If you have any questions about this course, assignments, policies, grading etc. or about your ability to complete the tasks, please come talk to me. I can help you only if I am informed. For example, if you do not understand an assignment or question, ask as soon as possible; do not wait until it is due to tell me you didn't understand.

IV. Readings:
1. The New Oxford Annotated Bible.
2. Bart Ehrman, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 2nded. New York: Oxford, 1999.
3. Sullivan, Clayton, Rescuing Jesus from the Christians, Harrisonburg, PA: Trinity Press, 2002.
ALWAYS BRING BIBLE TO CLASS

V. Outline and Assignments (Subject to revision)
Assignments are listed below in the boxes. EACH PAPER SHOULD INCLUDE AT THE TOP, NAME and DATE, and MUST REPEAT THE ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS. NO TITLE PAGES OR COVER SHEETS. Each paper should be 1.5-3 double-spaced pages.
Quizzes over reading assignments are possible on the day on which readings are due.

Week 1 14 Jan T: Introduction
Th: Ehrman, ch.1-3, 29

Week 2 21 Jan T: Mark
Assignment 1: Manuscripts of Mark display 3 different endings, compare them. Describe the differences and explain how each one affects the overall tone and finale of Mark?
Th: NO CLASS
REQUIRED ATTENDANCE: Thursday, January 23, 7:30 PM AC Recital Hall
Mark Juergensmeyer Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence Mark Juergensmeyer's book, Terror in the Mind of God, focuses on recent events and explores the use of violence by marginal groups within five major religious traditions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. He asks one of the most important and perplexing questions of our age: Why do religious people commit acts of murder and terror in the name of their god? Dr. Juergensmeyer, professor and director of Global and International Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara, specializes in the interaction of religion and politics and religion's return to center stage in the post-Cold War world.

Week 3 28 Jan T: Matthew
Th: Ehrman, ch.4-7

Week 4 4 Feb T: Luke; Acts
Th: Ehrman, ch.8-9

Week 5 11 Feb T: John
Assignment 2: Compare one pericope of 3 or 4 gospels. What are the major differences? What are possible explanations for the differences? How would you explain the differences?
Th: Ehrman, ch.10-13

Week 6 18 Feb T: Mishna, Gospel of Thomas
Assignment 3: Who is Jesus? Pt. 1: Construct a systematic, coherent history of Jesus, his life [birth-death] and teachings, with absolute agreement, and coherence as your guide. Reference everything. Pick and choose from all 5 gospels
Th: Ehrman, ch.14-17

Week 7 25 Feb T: EXAM
Jesus movie in evening
Th: NO CLASS

---------------SPRING BREAK----------------

Week 8 4 March T: 1 Thessalonians, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon
Assignment 4: Who is Jesus? Pt. 2: Stay tuned
Th: Ehrman, ch.18-20

Week 9 18 March T: Romans, 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians
Th: Ehrman, ch.21-22

Week 10 25 Mar T: 1-2 Timothy, Titus
Assignment 5: Many readers have noted that Pauline literature makes little mention of the activities or teachings of Jesus (the Gospels' Jesus). Browse 4 Pauline letters looking for references to specific actions of Jesus and list them. In an essay, reflect on what you found and explain it.
Th: Ehrman, ch.23-24

Week 11 1 April T: Hebrews, 1 Peter
Th: Ehrman, ch. 25-26

Week 12 8 April T: James, Jude, 2 Peter, Revelation
Assignment 6: The Revelation to John was one of the most controversial additions to the NT canon. Working in groups of 7-10, write a report on what you think it adds to the character of the NT? If your group was asked in the 3rd century, would each member have "voted," for or against its inclusion? Write the "majority" and "minority" reports.
Th: Ehrman, ch.27-28

Week 13 15 April T: Shepherd, Didache, 1 Clement
Th: Sullivan
Assignment 7: Briefly summarize the arguments of Sullivan (1 p.). Reflect on his arguments and write an essay reacting to them. What do you find convincing or unconvincing?

Week 14 22 April T: WRITING PROJECT DUE
Th: Final Class, attendance required

Week 15 Saturday 3 May 9.00 AM FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

VI. Grading
Writing Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25%
Exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%
Quizzes/In-class writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25%
Letter grades are assigned to increments of 10 on a scale of 100.
A 94-100 A- 91-93 B+ 88-90 B 84-87 B- 81-83
C+ 78-80 C 74-77 C- 71-73 D+ 68-70 D 64-67 D- 61-63