The Requirements and Schedule are accessed by clicking on the buttons above. The purpose of this course is to accomplish the amazing feat of introducing you to the literature and history of the New Testament, as well as the main literary, historical, and ideological issues currently under investigation in biblical scholarship, all in one semester. As a result of new discoveries, new perspectives, and new approaches over the last century, biblical scholarship is now one of the most diversified and complex of the humanities. In a 1963 decision, the supreme court encouraged the study of religion in an academic environment. This is consistent with a goal common to most universities of investigating all significant aspects of human experience in a sympathetic and responsible, yet thoughtful and critical manner.
Religion is most certainly a very significant aspect of human experience.
The former method concentrates on interpreting the literature of early Christianity in its original historical context. It includes investigation of the very complex literary problems encountered in the biblical text. The latter method focuses on the social structures and conflicts of early Christianity. It includes investigation of the types of argument employed by early Christians and their opponents. A literary-historical religion course is an excellent place to begin to develop the sort of critical thinking skills that will serve you well in your university career and beyond.