INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT
AND EARLY CHRISTIANITY
RLST-2220-01 M/W 2.45 PM Classroom: CC 4
Instructors:
James E. Bowley Ph.D. Matt Marston, Ford Fellow
bowleje@millsaps.edu marstmh@millsaps.edu
Office: CC 9; 974 1328 Office: CC 11
Ofc. Hours: MW: 11,TW: 10 & by appt. Ofc. hours by appt.
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).
1. 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.
II. 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 implications 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. (I am not sure about Matt) 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.
III. Readings
1. A New Testament of your choice.
2. Bart Ehrman, The New TestamenM: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian
Writings, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford, 2004. (= Ehrman I)
3. Bart Ehrman, Lost Christianities. New York: Oxford 2003. (=Ehrman II)
4. Crossan, Johnson, Kelber, The Jesus Controversy: Perspectives in Conflict.
Harrisburg, Penn.: Trinity Press, 1999.
ALWAYS BRING New Testament TO CLASS
IV. 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.
Quizzes over reading assignments are possible on the day on which readings are
due.
Reading Questions will be given to you for the secondary reading. Bring your
answers to class on the day readings are due. 1/2 to 1 page, tops!
Discussion Openers (15-20 minutes) will be presented by students (in groups
of 2) for primary readings What did you find most interesting? What are you
most curious about? What was most enlightening? Infuriating? etc.
Field trip to Mobile, AL, the center of NT scholarship. Exploreum Museum exhibit
on Dead Sea Scrolls and first century Jerusalem. Cost $30-40.
Week 1 10 Jan M: Introduction
W: Ehrman I, ch.1-3, 29
Week 2 17 Jan M: MLK Jr. Day, No CLASS
W:
Assignment 1: What's the text? Manuscripts of Mark display 3 different endings,
compare them. Describe the differences and explain how each one affects the
tone or finale of Mark?
Week 3 24 Jan M: Mark
W: Ehrman I, ch.4-7
Assignment 2: working in groups of 3-4, make a synopticon using one of the folowwing
pericopes. CAREFULLY READ AND ANALYZE. In 1.5-3 pages tell us: What are the
similarities and major differences? What are possible explanations for these?
How would you explain the differences? Choices:
Mark 4.1-2/Mt13.1-17/Lk8.4-10 (parables)
Mark 12.28-34/Mt22.34-40/Lk 10.25-37 (lawyer)
Mark 1.16-20/Mt 4.18-22/Lk5.1-11/Jn 1.35-51 (calling)
Mark 10.2-12/Mt19.3-12/Lk16.18/ (divorce)
Mark 14.66-72/Mt26.69-75/Lk22.56-62/Jn.18.25-27 (denial)
Week 4 31 Jan M: Luke 1-10, 22-24; Acts 1-17, 15-18
W: Ehrman I, ch.8-9
Week 5 7 Feb M: John 1-2, 13-21
W: Ehrman I, ch.10-13
Assignment 3: Entering the conversation. What would you say? Respond to Ehrman,
Crossan, Johnson, and Kelber about the OHJ (to be explained).
Week 6 14 Feb M: Mishna reading, Gospel of Thomas
W: Ehrman I, ch.14-17, Crossan, Johnson, Kelber
Week 7 21 Feb M: 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon
W: EXAM
Week 8 28 Feb M:
W: Ehrman I, ch.18-20
Assignment 4: Who is Jesus? Pt. 2: (to be explained)
Week 9 7 March M: Romans 1-13, 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians
W: Ehrman I, ch.21-22
Week 10 14 Mar M: 1-2 Timothy, Titus
W: Ehrman I, ch.23-24
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.
---------------SPRING BREAK----------------
Week 11 28 March M: Hebrews, 1 Peter
W: Ehrman I, ch. 25-26
Week 12 4 April M: 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.
W: Ehrman, ch.27-28
Week 13 11 April M: Shepherd, Didache, 1 Clement
W: Ehrman II
Assignment 7: Reflect on the diversity of early Christianity as presented by
Ehrman, especially in parts 2 and 3. . . .
Week 14 18 April M:
W: Final Class, attendance required
Assignment 8: Museum Report: DSSs and Christianity & 1st century Jurusalem
Week 15 Saturday 30 April 2.00 PM FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
V. Grading
Writing Assignments (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40%
Exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 40%
Quizzes/Reading Questions/Discussion Openers . . . . 20%
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