W I N T E R 2 0 1 8
Ancient Christian Tales
about Jesus: (His)Story
through the Eyes of Peasants,
Bards, and Biographers
January 10 to April 11, 2018
This course offers a sustained examination of several ancient
Christian Gospels. We will focus primarily on the four canonical
gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), though attention will be given
also to a number of extra-canonical gospels (such as the Gospel of
Thomas). We will approach these texts as ancient pieces of literature that
are viewed best within the historical, social, and literary contexts of the
first and second centuries CE. Careful attention will be given to reading
the Gospels independently and synoptically. Specific themes developed in
this course include the examination of ancient social values (collectivism,
honour/shame, cleanliness and purity), issues of politics/empire,
questions of historiography and memory, the compositional history and
context of each Gospel, and especially the diversity and distinctiveness of
Jesus’s image(s) within each narrative. In addition to reading these texts
within their ancient context(s), class discussions will explore the many
ways in which ancient Christian tales about Jesus continue to find
sustained resonance within the contemporary world.
THE MONTREAL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
We aim to make theological education accessible to a wide range of students.
This is a rich opportunity for those seeking deeper understanding of Christian
faith and spiritual enrichment; and/or wanting to pursue graduate theological
education without earning a degree; and/or thinking about ordained ministry,
but wanting to discern a call by trying some courses first.
This course is given 3 academic credits at the Masters (M.Div.) level.
Credits apply to the programs of any of the partner Colleges of MST,
and would normally be considered for transfer to other academic institutions.
FREDERICK S.
TAPPENDEN
resides in Alberta, where he
teaches courses in Biblical and
Religious Studies at Concordia
University of Edmonton. He
was previously a Faculty
Lecturer of New Testament
Studies at McGill University.
Dr. Tappenden’s research
explores dynamics of social
memory and embodied
cognition within the literature
of the early Christian
movement. His first book –
Resurrection in Paul:
Cognition, Metaphor, and
Transformation (SBL Press,
2016) – has recently been
awarded the 2017 Manfred
Lautenschläger Award for
Theological Promise from the
University of Heidelberg.
COURSE INFO
dates & times:
January 10 to April 11, 2018
All webinars are on Wednesdays at
6:30 p.m. EST
cost: $355
register: utc.ca
info: Caroline Leamon