Summary:
This course provides a historical study of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in historical context, concentrating on the New Testament. Although theological themes will occupy much of our attention, the course does not attempt a theological appropriation of the New Testament as scripture. Rather, the importance of the New Testament and other early Christian documents as ancient literature and as sources for historical study will be emphasized. A central organizing theme of the course will focus on the differences within early Christianity (-ies).
Speaker: Dr. Dale B. Martin
Link: https://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/rlst-152
Brian’s Brief Evaluation:
- This is a university level course for the beginner. That is, there is no prerequisite knowledge required. However, some familiarity with the texts of the New Testament would allow the listener to glean more from Professor Martin’s lectures.
- Since recording these lectures in 2011, Dr. Martin published his own textbook – https://www.amazon.ca/Testament-History-Literature-Dale-Martin/dp/0300180853/ – which, no doubt is based on his lectures.
- If one is serious about taking their basic understanding of the New Testament to a whole new level, this is free and really well done.
The Musings of a Skeptical Believer 