When we look at the meaning-generating capacity of an historical culture it is easy to cut that perspective off from our own context, thus getting lost in the past.

When we look at the meaning-generating capacity of an historical culture it is easy to cut that perspective off from our own context, thus getting lost in the past.

When we look at the meaning-generating capacity of an historical culture it is easy to cut that perspective off from our own context, thus getting lost in the past. To avoid this possibility, you are asked to indulge in a “what-if” scenario. If Jesus were to arrive in secular history today, for the very first time, what perspective shaping ideas, theories, and movements would have the most influence on the way followers would understand or try to explain him, and what is the likely result of this explanation? (If responses tend toward either a negative or a positive orientation to the contemporary world, later responses in the opposite direction are encouraged.)

Required sources:
read the following:
•Introduction and Chapters, 1, 2, and 3 in The Writings of the New Testament

Before you read, be sure to look carefully at the module assignments and discussion topic. This will enable you to focus your reading more effectively to fulfill module requirements and objectives.

As you read, I would also like you to consider some of the following questions:

1. How did the Hellenistic and Roman influences have differing effects on the First Century Mediterranean culture?
2. Which Jewish tradition appears to offer the most influence to early Christianity?
3. What can the various Jewish Diaspora traditions tell us about early Christian efforts
4. to build and sustain community?

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