Introduction to the New Testament Part 1

Join us for the first of two terms of exciting discussions about the New Testament. Based on a Yale Open Course, our study group will offer a historical view of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in their Greco-Roman-Judaic context, concentrating on the New Testament and other early Christian literary sources. A central focus of the study group will be on the differences within early Christianity. Although we will discuss theological issues raised by the texts, this is a secular course of study. We will leave aside the issue of whether the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament were divinely inspired. Last year, our diverse group of Christians, Jews, and others read, discussed, and enjoyed the Hebrew Bible (The Tanakh). We welcome new and returning members to take part in stimulating discussions about the mysteries and joys of the New Testament. Our texts are: New Testament History and Literature by Dale B. Martin (Yale University Press, 2012) and any New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) edition of The Bible (e.g., NRSV Updated Edition Economy Bible, paperback).