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."
Please note that this course will be offered via in-person study and remote, synchronous learning. Depending on pandemic restrictions, in-person slots may be limited. If you would like to register for the in-person section, please register for LEC 0101. If you would like to attend remotely, please register for LEC 9101.
