REL 213(F) Jews, Gentiles and Christians: Where and When Did Christianity Come From-And Where Did It Go (Wrong)?
This course will seek to unravel the tangled web of issues surrounding the origins of Christianity. We will begin by looking at the status of Jews and Judaism in the ancient Mediterranean world before the time of Jesus, i.e., relations between Jews and Gentiles before Christianity. We will then move to a study of the early gospels and Paul and consider their place within first-century Judaism, i.e., should we think of them as Jews or Christians.
From that point on we will consider Jewish reactions to the Christian movement; versions of what came to known as Jewish Christians, i.e., followers of Jesus who maintained full observance of the Mosaic laws; public debates between Jews and Christians; and finally, the role of synagogues as mixed communities of Jews, Gentiles AND Christians. Each session will examine a specific ancient text.
Format: lectures and active discussions. Evaluation will be based on class participation; a brief weekly paper (1/2 pages); and a final paper based on readings from the course. No final exam.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 15).
Hour: GAGER