please provide a. response provide one fact from Lecture 1A on Methods4) provide one fact from Lecture 1B on the Canon of the New Testament6) one fact from the Syllabus7) one fact from the Netiquette pageNetiquette10 Commandments of Online Etiquette for RLST 1061. Thou shalt be respectful and kind.2. Thou shalt be open to other’s perspectives, finding the best in other religions, cultures, and in classmates’ postings.3. Thou shalt read weekly lectures and textbook readings before emailing, posting, submitting work.4. Thou shalt send emails, submit work and forum postings only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Thou shalt be mindful of the other’s need for electronic-notification-free sleep.5. Thou shalt think first before posting: be clear, be insightful, be brief.6. Thou shalt always check the syllabus to see if the answer to your question is there first.7. Thou shalt read the “Click HERE to Start” page and all Course Orientation information before engaging in coursework.8. Thou shalt proofread before posting or submitting quizzes or exams.9. Thou shalt answer emails to others in a timely manner; thou shalt be patient when expecting an email.10. Thou shalt be mindful of the Law of Reciprocity; thou shalt treat others as you yourself would want to be treated.
Historical Analytical Methods
for the study of
Scriptures
Exegesis vs. Eisegesis:
In the academic study of scriptures,
the method used is exegesis.
Exegesis means to “read out” of a text.
It is the opposite of eisegesis,
which means to “read into” a text.
To begin to apply exegesis on scriptures,
just like in a biology class,
a small section is examined,
such as a chapter.
This “text” is then analyzed
using the following
analytical methods:
image: bible open to 1 Corinthians chapter 1
1. The first exegetical method is Textual Analysis
This is the Quest for the original wording of a text.
The New Testament was originally written in Greek.
For centuries manuscripts were written
and then copied by hand – before the invention of the printing press.
Mistakes accumulated.
Textual Analysis consults the oldest manuscripts
to discover what the most original wording is,
before the mistakes accumulated.
image: Greek writing
If one does not know Greek
the second-best thing to do is to examine
the “textual apparatus” at the bottom of the page in the bible.
This provides “differences” in early manuscripts
for the reading one is examining.
2. Source Analysis
Seeks to determine who wrote the text
by comparing the writing to those of another author.
One examines differences in writing style,
differences in content,
and differences in vocabulary.
As Source scholars read through the Bible
the different writers of the Bible became obvious.
But like math, it takes practice, practice, practice
in order to identify the patterns of writing style accurately.
image: different brick patterns
3. Historical Analysis
Determines the historical and social context
(what was going on in history at the time).
A. One asks, what is the context for the writer.
B. And, what is the context for the events depicted in the passage.
Usually, time has passed between when an event happened
and then when it was written about.
Image: map with Israel highlighted
For 3.A., considering the historical context,
means looking at the text from the perspective
of the time period it was written in.
In order to do this, one must study the culture and concepts
of that time period.
This is why in an academic setting,
when studying the scriptures of Israel,
the surrounding cultures are also to be investigated.
4. Grammatical Analysis
analyzes the language of the text,
and seeks the meaning of words
in their historical settings.
Words change meaning over time.
image: Greek dictionary
5. Literary Analysis
Examines a passage as literature.
Looks at the literary context, what comes before and after this passage.
Identifies prominent themes.
And asks what techniques does the writer use.
6. Form Analysis
analyzes structure and form.
Identifies the genre = form
and life setting out of which the text arose.
Then, asks what was the writer’s intention.
Genres include: myth, story, biography, gospel, historical account,
sermon, poetry, song, prophetic oracle, etc.
Image: stack of book with titles of different Literary Genres
7. Tradition Analysis
Choose a topic in the text. Then search for older texts both within the
Bible and the surrounding cultures that has that topic. Chart how the
topic changes and evolves over time by comparing and contrasting.
Examples of topics: baptism, son or daughter of God, stories about
creation, floods, angels, etc.
8. Redaction Analysis
Looks at the work of the editor.
First find seams in a text. To do this,
one looks for abrupt changes in topic and style.
image: an editor
9. Structural Analysis
This method identifies opposites in a text,
such as day and night.
Then goes beyond dualistic thinking,
In this case, twilight would be beyond day and night.
images: day, night, twilight
10. Philosophical and scientific Analysis
This method examines the current philosophies
for the time period that the text was written in
and determines how philosophy has influenced the writing.
Science is a philosophy. One can also analyze a passage through
the lens of contemporary science. For example, this can help us
better understand the nature of miracles in the Bible. This does not
mean dismissing miracles as incomprehensible in a mechanistic
world, it means seeking to understand miracles in an organically
based world where all things are connected –
mind, matter, and spirit.
11. Feminist Analysis
Analyzes how women are portrayed in a text.
Are they portrayed as intelligent agents, passive pawns,
scapegoats for the world’s problems, or creative and caring, etc.
images: young women
12. Liberation Analysis
Asks who is being liberated and from what?
In an academic setting only after applying the exegetical methods,
do we then interpret what the biblical passage means.
Lecture by Prof. J. Corey, Ph. D., Victor Valley College
The History of the Canon
or how the individual writings in the New Testament
became bound together to form one book.
A canon is a collection of writings
that a religious community considers sacred.
The individual writings in today’s New Testament include:
The Gospel of Matthew, gospel of Mark, gospel of Luke, gospel of John,
Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians,
1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon,
Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter,
1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.
There was no canon of the New Testament in the 1st century.
Each geographical region in early Christianity
had a set of different writings.
There was great diversity in Christian beliefs from the beginning.
In the first centuries, there were over 80 different gospels.
For example, there was the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John,
but also the gospels of Thomas, Peter, Mary,
the gospel of the Ebionites, the gospel of the Hebrews, etc.
There were also other writings in early churches
that were considered sacred
that are no longer in our New Testament,
such as the Shepherd of Hermas,
0 Corinthians (a letter that comes before 1 Corinthians but is lost),
Revelation of Peter,
Wisdom of Solomon,
etc.
Our current New Testament Canon has 27 books:
4 gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
1 history – the book of Acts
21 letters—several by Paul
1 apocalypse – Revelation of John
This canon (collection) first came into existence in the 4th century.
Notice the different genres: gospels, history, letters, apocalypse.
The 1st canon that existed was Marcion’s Canon.
This dates back to Rome in 140 C.E. which is the 2nd century.
Marcion (85-160 C.E.) was an early Christian preacher and son of a bishop.
C.E. means the common era, it is the same as A.D. and is increasingly used by historians
to be inclusive of those who are of different faith backgrounds. You will find its use in most history classes.
The Contents of Marcion’s canon of the New Testament include
10 letters attributed to Paul which are
1 and 2 Thessalonians,
1 and 2 Corinthians,
Philippians, Philemon,
Galatians, Romans,
Colossians, Ephesians
and 1 gospel – a shortened version of the Gospel of Luke.
Marcionite Christianity
was the largest branch of Christianity in the 2nd century.
It spread throughout the Mediterranean region.
The 2nd Canon was the Muratorian Canon.
It is from Rome, Italy
from the 2nd century.
It is anonymous.
Contents of the Muratorian canon include
4 gospels: Mark, Matthew, Luke, John,
the book of Acts,
10 letters that were in Marcion’s canon, plus 6 more letters:
1 and 2 Timothy, Titus
1 and 2 John, Jude,
Revelation of John
Revelation of Peter
Wisdom of Solomon
The last two are no longer in the Christian New Testament canon.
It also states in this “list” of writings in the Muratorian canon:
“The letter to the Laodiceans and the letter to the Alexandrians
said to be by Paul are forgeries”
which indicates to scholars that forgeries existed in early Christianity.
The 3rd canon of the New Testament was Tertullian’s canon
from the 2nd century
Carthage, North Africa.
Terullian (155-240 C.E.) was an early Christian theologian.
This canon omits from the Muratorian canon
2 John, Rev. of Peter, Wisdom of Solomon.
Tertullian is the first to add the letter of “1 Peter”
to the canon of the New Testament.
Tertullian was the first to use the terms
“New Testament” and “Old Testament.”
The 4th canon of the New Testament was Origen’s Canon.
This is from the 3rd century.
Origen (184-253 C.E.) was a Christian teacher and theologian
from Alexandria, Egypt.
Contents of Origen’s canon include
4 gospels
13 letters of Paul, plus the letter to the Hebrews,
Acts, 1 John, 1 Peter, Revelation of John.
He lists as “disputed” – James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John.
This means that in the time period,
it was being debated as to whether or not
these 5 letters should be in the canon.
The 5th canon was the Festal letter of Athanasius.
Athanasius (296-373 C.E.) was the Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt.
This letter dates to 367 C.E. which is the 4th century.
It lists as scripture of the New Testament 27 books.
These books become our New Testament.
Even after the 4th century,
other writings were still accepted in some New Testament canons.
For example, the 5th century manuscript of the New Testament,
Codex Alexandrinos, included 1 and 2 Clement.
These were letters to churches in Rome
written from Clement, bishop of Rome, in the 90s of the first century.
Fast forward to 1945, Nag Hammadi, Egypt.
Writings were discovered buried in a cave,
such as the gospel of Thomas (considered the oldest by some scholars)
and other Gnostic Christian writings.
These books were not on Bishop Athanasius’s official list
and were most likely hid by those Christians who liked them.
Summary: There was great diversity from the beginning,
different Christian communities had different scriptures
in early Christianity. It took approximately 330 years
after the death of Jesus to come up with the list of books
we now know as the New Testament.
Lecture by Prof. J. Corey, Ph.D., Victor Valley College
VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE SYLLABUS
Spring 2024
RLST 106 – 32637 Introduction to the New Testament and Early Christian Literature
3 units
canvas asynchronous online
Dr. Corey
judy.corey@vvc.edu
Office Hours: Students may contact me any day through the canvas inbox or email between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
No zoom office hours available.
Semester begins Feb. 12 and ends June 8. Holidays: President’s Days Feb 16, 19. Spring Break April 8 – 13,
Memorial Day May 27. Last day to drop without receiving a W 2/25/24 last day to drop and receive a W 5/11/24
Course Description:
Historical Introduction to classical Mediterranean religion and culture in late classical antiquity.
Comparative literary, historical, and sociological analysis of the literature of the period, with emphasis
on the New Testament and early Christian literature (CSU, UC transferable). Prerequisites: none.
Textbooks, online readings, videos:
Textbook: Ehrman, Bart. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian
Writings, Oxford University Press, 7th ed. ISBN: 9780190909000.
Online Readings and Videos:
Bible, New Revised Standard Version, available free online at www.biblegateway.com
Euodia and Syntyche www.margmowczko.com/euodia-and-syntyche-church-leaders-at-phillipi/
Exegesis and Eisegesis www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk_Ca8FjSno
A Brief Overview of Zoroastrianism www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlWKusYj8uU
Ancient Rome 101 www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoEpNjgKzg
Jordan River in Galilee www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeelaW6u3yA
Student Learning Outcomes and Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course the student can:
1. Identify and discuss the characteristic features of ancient Greco-Roman religion and Judaism at the
beginning of the common era.
2. Discuss, compare, and contrast early Christian accounts of the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth.
3. Discuss the development in organization and theology of the Christian movement as represented by
the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline epistles.
4. Discuss the history of New Testament literature, including the formation of the canon.
Statement of Access:
Students with special needs are encouraged to meet with ACCESS, the Accessibility Coordination Center
and Educational Support Services (AP 5140) per Administrative Procedure (AP 3440).
Grading Policy:
3 Essay Exams: 100 points each, 300 total points possible.
13 Quizzes and Discussion Forums at 3 points each. 39 total points possible.
No late assignments will be accepted. See grading rubrics online.
Total points possible for class: 339. 100-90% = A; 89-80% = B; 79-70% = C; 69-60% = D
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Attendance Policy: It is expected that students will log into class each week. Attendance will be taken
through online monitoring and through weekly submission of assignments. However, logging into class
is not a measure of performance or proficiency. Whether a student is merely present in the class is not
a valid basis for grading. Reference Title 5 Section 55002 of the California Code of Regulations Grading
Policy: The course provides for measurement of students performance in terms of stated course
objectives and culminates in a formal, permanently recorded grade based upon uniform standards in
accordance with section 55758 of the Division. The grade is based on demonstrated proficiency in the
subject matter and the ability to demonstrate that proficiency, at least in part, by means of written
expression that may include essays, or, in courses where the curriculum committee deems them to be
appropriate, by problem solving exercises or skills demonstrated by students.
Withdrawal Policy: A student may drop (or be dropped by an instructor) before the 75% point of
completing the class. Students may not drop or be dropped after this point, and instructors must issue
a grade if the student remains on the class roster beyond this point. A student who drops a class (or who
is dropped by an instructor) on or before 20% of the course is complete will have no record of the class
appearing on their permanent transcript. Drops that occur after 20% of the course and on or before 75%
of a course will result in a W symbol being entered. Students may be dropped for lack of attendance or
“good cause” as defined in California Education Code, Article 3, Section 76033. Students should not rely
on instructors to drop or withdraw them from classes. Failure to officially drop or withdraw by the
deadline may result in an F grade or FW (Unofficial Withdrawal) grade. Refer to the Add/Drop policy and
important dates and deadlines listed on the Admissions and Records Registrar page. The last day to drop
without receiving a W is 2/25/24 and the last day to drop without receiving an FW is 5/11/24.
Integrity in conduct: Class members who engage in acts of plagiarism, cheating or other forms of
academic misconduct will receive a reduction in points for the assignment. Plagiarism includes using
long sections of word-for-word verbatim descriptions from the textbook, online readings, or e-lectures
for exams, or consulting another student during exams. Each student has the right to pursue their
education free of any undue infringement of their lawful rights. Victor Valley College follows a “zero
tolerance” philosophy when it comes to any behavior or incident that disrupts the learning
environment. In general, student misconduct constitutes good cause for discipline, including but not
limited to the removal, suspension, or expulsion of a student. Board Policy 5500 identifies the policy on
the standards of student conduct. Administrative Procedure 5520(a) provides guidance for the process.
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1 Feb 12 – 17 Course Introduction, Methods for the Academic Study of Religion. The Canon.
Read Chapter 1 What is the New Testament? The Early Christians and Their Literature, pages 1-19 and
Chapter 2 Do We Have the Original New Testament? pages 20-40 in The New Testament: A Historical
Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, by Bart Ehrman. Includes photo essay.
Read Lectures 1A Methods for the Academic Study of Scriptures, 1B The Canon of the New Testament
Watch Video: Exegesis and Eisegesis at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk_Ca8FjSno
Participate in Discussion Forum 1, due Friday, February 16 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
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Week 2 Feb 18 – 24 The Ancient Egyptian, Jewish, and Persian Cultural Context of the New Testament
Read Chapter 4 The Jewish Context of Jesus and His Followers, pages 61-81 in The New Testament: A
Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, by Bart Ehrman.
Read Lectures 2A Ancient Egypt, 2B Jewish Cultural Context, 2C Zoroastrianism
Watch video: A Brief Overview of Zoroastrianism www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLWKusYj8uU
Take Quiz 1, due Friday, February 23 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 3 Feb 25 – March 2 The Greco-Roman Cultural Context of the New Testament
Read Lectures 3A Greek Cultural Context, 3B Greek Philosophy, 3C Roman Religion
Watch video: Ancient Rome 101 www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoEpNjgKzg
Take Quiz 2, due Friday, March 1 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 4 March 3 – 9 Essay Test 1 – Friday March 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (See alternative dates under
Test Review.) 100 points possible.
Week 5 March 10 – 16 Introduction to the Gospels; the Gospel according to Mark
Read Ehrman’s Chapter 5 From Oral Traditions to Written Gospels, pages 82-102.
New Testament Reading: The Gospel of Mark
Read Lecture 5A Introduction to the Gospels; Lectures 5B and 5C the Gospel of Mark
Watch video: Jordan River in Galilee at www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeelaW6u3yA
Participate in Discussion Forum 2: The Gospel of Mark, 3 points possible, due March 15 at 12:01 p.m.
Week 6 March 17 – 23 The Synoptic Problem; The Gospel according to Matthew
Read Ehrman’s Chapter 7 The Synoptic Problem, pages 120-128, Chapter 8 on Matthew, pages 129-148
New Testament Reading: the Gospel according to Matthew
Read Lecture 6A The Synoptic Problem; Lecture 6B on the Gospel of Matthew
Take Quiz 3. Due Friday, March 22 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 7 March 24 – 30 The Gospel according to Luke
Read Ehrman’s Chapter 9 on the Gospel according to Luke, pages 149-168
New Testament Reading: The Gospel according to Luke
Read Lecture 7 the Gospel of Luke
Participate in Discussion Forum 3. Due Friday, March 29 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible
Week 8 March 31 – April 6 The Gospel according to John, the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas
Read Ehrman’s chapter 12 Jesus from Different Perspectives, ch. 13 the Historical Jesus, p. 216-254
New Testament Reading: The Gospel of John; Non-canonical Reading: the Gospel of Thomas on canvas
Read Lecture 8 the Gospel according to John and Gnosticism
Take Quiz 4. Due Friday April 5 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Spring Break April 8 – 13 No class
Week 9 April 14 – 20 Test 2, Friday April 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 100 points possible.
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Week 10 April 21 – 27 Introduction to Paul; 1 Thessalonians
Read Ehrman’s chapter 18 Paul the Apostle, 339-356, chapter 19 Paul & His Apostolic Mission, 357-371
New Testament Reading: 1 Thessalonians (Paul’s 1st Letter to the Church at Thessalonica)
Read Lecture 10A Introduction to Paul and 10B 1 Thessalonians
Take Quiz 5. Due Friday April 26 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 11 April 28 – May 4 1 Corinthians
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians
Read Ehrman’s chapter 20 Paul and the Crises of His Churches, 372-404
Read Lecture 11 on 1 Corinthians
Participate in Discussion Forum 4. Due Friday May 3 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 12 May 5 – 11 2 Corinthians
New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians
Read Lecture 12 on 2 Corinthians
Take Quiz 6. Due Friday, May 10 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 13 May 12 – 18 Philippians and Philemon
New Testament Reading: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Philippi; Paul’s Letter to Philemon
Read: www.margmowczko.com/euodia-and-syntyche-church-leaders-at-philippi/
Read Lectures 13A Philippians and 13B Philemon
Take Quiz 7. Due Friday, May 17 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 14 May 19 – 25 Galatians and Romans
New Testament Reading: Paul’s Letter to the Galatians and his letter to the Romans
Read Lectures 14A Galatians and 14B Romans
Participate in Discussion Forum 5. Due Friday, May 24 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 15 May 26 – June 1 The Deutero-Pauline Epistles
New Testament Readings: Colossians and Ephesians
Read Ehrman’s chapter 23 In the Wake of the Apostle: The Deutero-Pauline & Pastoral Epistles, 438463. Read Lectures 15A Introduction to the Deutero-Paulinists, 15B Colossians, 15C Ephesians
Take Quiz 8. Due Friday, May 31 at 12:01 p.m. 3 points possible.
Week 16 June 2 – 8 Final: Essay Exam 3, Friday June 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (See final review for
alternative test days.) 100 points possible.
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