Jesus in Scripture and Tradition: A Biblical and Historical Guide

Who was Jesus of Nazareth, and how has his identity been understood throughout history? To answer this, we must examine the intersection of ancient texts, historical contexts, and centuries of theological reflection. This text-based course guides you through a systematic reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament Gospels, and early Christian writings. You will develop a foundational framework for analyzing how the identity of Jesus was shaped by the history of Israel and subsequently interpreted by early Church traditions, utilizing both classical theological perspectives and modern literary-historical methods. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the foundational Hebrew scripture concepts and messianic expectations that shaped the context of the Gospels. 2. Analyze the four canonical Gospels to compare their distinct literary portraits. 3. Explore early Church historical developments and the key councils that defined classical Christology. 4. Apply modern historical-critical and literary methods to read ancient texts. 5. Examine how traditional interpretations of Jesus continue to influence modern theological discussions. You will begin with essential terminology and the historical background of ancient Israel before moving into a close, comparative reading of the Gospel narratives. Finally, you will trace the evolution of these ideas through early Church traditions, synthesizing your knowledge through written review exercises. This course is designed for beginners, readers, and history enthusiasts with no prior theological training or academic prerequisites. Start your journey into biblical history and tradition today.