NEW TESTAMENT, CHURCH HISTORY

Georgetown Preparatory School

10TH Grade Religion, 2017-2018

Kevin Buckley:

Jesus is the most written about person in human history, and this course covers his primary discourses and narrative as told in the four Gospel accounts. For a semester, we will probe into the meaning of his teachings, and examine how they have shaped the foundation of Christianity. The first semester will explore the first four books of the New Testament (the Gospels) and examine the historical and theological dimensions of the text. Beginning with literary criticism, the course will cover the various ways in which the text can be read and understood. Discussion of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke) will include the Q source, and will highlight the distinct communal issues that shaped each gospel account, and will shed light on why certain stories are told differently by the various evangelists. The Gospel of John – a more philosophical and poetic account - will be examined on its own, and will illuminate the varying ways Jesus’ story can be packaged and understood. While time, obviously, does not allow deep coverage of the entire text, the course will probe into certain sections that illuminate the primary purposes of Jesus’ mission, such as instruction on discipleship. After I model how to dissect a parable, each student will present on a parable of their choice, teaching the class what the moral of the story is.

Additionally, we will examine how Jesus of Nazareth became Jesus Christ, otherwise known in theology as “Christology.” Investigating the competing schools of thought (high and low Christology), we will explore how each position shapes one’s understanding of Jesus, as well as reveals how one understands the Gospel story. Lastly, the course aims to unearth the issues of brought up St. Paul and the early writers on faith and faithfulness, and will tease out how the first generation of Christians began to shape notions of faith and discipleship both on the personal and communal levels.

The second semester – Church History - ranges from St. Augustine to the Second Vatican Council. Given the obvious limit on time, the course targets key moments, people, and teachings that have occurred over the past two millennia which have collectively helped shape the Church as it exists today. Key subjects include St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Crusades, Monasticism, Luther and the Protestant Reformation, Modernity, Marx, Catholic Social teaching, and modern-day saints.

GRADES:

Recognizing the multiple ways of learning, the final grade for the semester will draw from several different components. Every “F” day we will have a quiz or test based on the lectures covered in class as well as the readings. Quizzes and tests will have a mix of objective (matching, multiple choice, and fill in the blank) and subjective (long and short written answers) items. Tests will measure comprehension from assigned readings and the lectures. A portion of the final grade will also include classroom participation. With incentive to participate in class discussions, the quality of the conversation will improve. Note: Reading the homework is only half the assignment; students are expected to take notes and be prepared to discuss the issues covered in the text. It is the administration’s policy that a midterm at the end of the semester accounts for 25% of the semester grade.

Tests: 50%

Quizzes/homework:40%

Classroom Participation:10%

THE GOSPELS

First Semester

  1. Introduction

A Function of Sacred Scripture

B Historical Context: Christianity as a sect of Judaism

  1. Historical Development of the Synoptics and John

A.Mark: the oldest account

B.Matthew: Towards a Jewish Audience

C.Luke: Towards a Gentile Audience

D.The Synoptic Problem: “Q” Source

E.John: Poetry and Philosophy

  1. Christology [How Jesus of Nazareth became Jesus Christ]

A.High

B.Low

  1. Jesus’ Ways:New Approaches to Conflict Resolution

A.Non-violence as a tool

B.Employing generosity and compassion

  1. Parables: Uncovering meaning

A.The Good Samaritan,

B.Prodigal Son

C.Student Presentations

  1. The Passion

A.Trial and Death

B.Resurrection

  1. The First Century

A.Early Church Issues

B.Acts of the Apostles

C.Paul’s Letters

CHURCH HISTORY

Second Semester

  1. St. Augustine of Hippo

Confessions

  1. Monasticism

Responses to urban living, paragons for Christian piety

  1. The Crusades

Dates, reasons, and the lasting impact on World Affairs

  1. Aquinas

Scholasticism

  1. Protestant Reformation

Luther, Calvin, Henry VIII

  1. A New Approach to the Missions

Mateo Ricci in China

  1. Rise of Atheism

Marx, Freud, Darwin & Nietzsche

  1. The Papacy

Vat I versus Vat II

  1. Catholic Social Teaching

Rerum Novarum, Gaudiet Et Spes, Nostra Atate

  1. Emerging Theologies

Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology & Black Theology