SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
Class Meetings & Assignments
19 April 2006
Introduction: Ratio et Instrumenta studiorum evangeliorum. Syllabus,
Texts, Introductory
Materials, Internet resources for Synoptic
study
Peruse: Textual
Criticism and Manuscript Interpretation. Biblical texts & translations
and their impact on Gospels research.
Choose the passage
or site that will
be the focus of your term paper
Is there a "Synoptic
Problem"? A brief history of research. What difference does it make
how the Gospels were formed?
The Apocalyptic Context of
I CE Judaism (Read: 1
Thess; Mk 13 and Mt 25) Historical and Cultural Contexts of Early Christianity
(See Religio-National Groups in
First-Century Judaism; review Lenski outline of "Social
Classes in Agrarian Societies") When possible during the coming week,
visit the Jerusalem Mosaic to see what
life was like in ancient Palestine (see especially the Second Temple and Roman
periods).
| Four Main Theories of Synoptic Relations & Why Anyone Cares Read & Do for class tonight: Mahlon
Smith's Synoptic Gospels Primer Trajectories in Early Christianity (Review Raymond Brown's Four Groups in Jewish-Gentile Christianity) Workshop:
The process of exegesis—who, what, when, where, how, why?
How to read an exegetical article. |
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Suppose
Mark Was First: Mark, the Markan Community, & the First Judaeo-Romano
War.
Mark's Jesus: Magician or Messiah?
Read: Mark (entire); focus on Chapters 1–5, 12–16
The Synoptic Problem
Text Excavation
Synoptic Project; Synoptic
coding systems
Workshop: How to write a critical
review.
Schedule class
presentations of reviews and research papers
Matthew
& the Matthean Community
Matthew's Use of Mark
Matthew & "Q"
Matthew's "Special Source"
Matthew's Jesus: a Greater than Moses
What If Matthew Were First?
Read: Matthew (entire); focus on Chapters 4–7, 18–20, 25–28
Workshop: How to write an annotated bibliography
Luke
& the Lukan Community
Luke's Use of Mark
Luke & "Q"
Luke's "Special Source"
Luke's Jesus: Forgiveness for the World
What If Luke Was First? (discussion of proto-Luke 1
2)
Read: Luke (entire); focus on Chapters 15; 18–24
Workshop: How to
write an exegetical paper
Other interesting topics related to Luke: matrilineality in I CE Judaism; Roman patria potestas; Pliny on Fire Brigades; Religion of Jesus)
Will the real Jesus please stand up? (Quest
1; Strauss)
LINK: Bethsaida
Excavations
Also read: The Infancy Gospel of Thomas & The Protoevangelion of James
Final deadline for Critical reviews
Guest Lecturer, Prof.
Aaron Gale: "The Jewish Scribal Framework of Matthew's Gospel"
Recommended reading: Aaron Gale, Redefining Ancient Borders: The Jewish
Scribal Framework of Matthew's Gospel (Continuum International/T&T
Clark, 2005)
First draft
of research paper due; NB: Be sure to use inclusive
language, and remember to proofread
it first! Hints for proofreading,
editing, and revising
The
Passion-Resurrection Narratives (Matt 26–28; Mark 14–16;
Luke 22–24; John 12–19; see Passion
Chart; the
Gospel of Peter;
"Passions About the Passion:
Portrayals of the Passion of Christ from A.D. 200-2004" (audio)Workshop: How to give critical feedback on a colleague's paper
Second draft of paper due on 04/05; submit two copies, one for instructor and one for your colleague who will critique it.
Synoptic Gospels Research and Contemporary Christian Theology
Final Course Evaluation
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