Understanding the New Testament

Watch Understanding the New Testament

  • 2019
  • 1 Season

Understanding the New Testament is a comprehensive and engaging course that takes viewers on a journey through the key writings of the New Testament. Led by Professor David Brakke, a respected scholar of early Christianity, this course provides a thorough examination of the historical, social, and theological contexts in which the New Testament was written, as well as exploring the major themes and messages of the various books and letters that make up this foundational text of Western civilization. Across twenty-four lectures, Professor Brakke guides viewers through close readings of the New Testament's various books and letters, offering valuable insights into the nuances of their language, structure, and meaning. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts in which the New Testament was written, he sets the texts in their wider social and political contexts, exploring the ways ancient beliefs, practices, and traditions inform the diverse theological perspectives and ethical teachings found in the texts. One of the key strengths of the course is the way in which Professor Brakke encourages viewers to think critically about the New Testament, challenging them to confront questions and contradictions that have puzzled scholars and theologians for centuries. By exploring the complexities of issues such as authorship, translation, and canonization, he helps viewers to understand the historical and cultural contingencies that influence the way these texts are interpreted and understood today. Throughout the course, Professor Brakke adopts an engaging and accessible teaching style, using a variety of media—including maps, diagrams, and artwork—to bring the texts to life and to help viewers visualize the worldviews and beliefs of the people who wrote and read the New Testament. He is particularly adept at teasing out the many connections between different books and letters, showing how they inform and illuminate one another, and building a rich and textured portrait of the early Christian movement and its intellectual and theological diversity. One particularly valuable aspect of the course is its focus on the role of diversity within the New Testament itself. Drawing on recent scholarship that has challenged traditional notions of a unified "orthodoxy" emerging from the early Christian movement, Brakke highlights the ways in which the New Testament reflects a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives, reflecting the wide range of beliefs, values, and practices embraced by the early Christian communities. Overall, Understanding the New Testament is an exceptional course that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of Christianity, the evolution of Western thought, or the study of religion more broadly. Whether you are a seasoned theologian or a curious amateur, Professor Brakke's insightful and engaging commentary will deepen your understanding of these foundational texts and help you to appreciate their enduring significance in our modern world.

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Seasons
The Quest for Unity in the New Testament
24. The Quest for Unity in the New Testament
November 29, 2019
In this final episode, revisit the paradox between the New Testament's diversity and unity, a single text comprised of 27 different books. See how theologians and scholars over the years have tackled this paradox. Examples include the Christian leaders Irenaeus, Origen, and Martin Luther, as well as modern historical researchers.
Revelation: Envisioning God's Reality
23. Revelation: Envisioning God's Reality
November 29, 2019
The book of Revelation presents a complex; symbolic; and, at times, even bizarre vision of the present day and the future. In this episode, Professor Brakke outlines why the Romans persecuted the Christians before turning to the content of Christ's revelation to John. Dive into this fascinating, challenging book.
New Leaders in the Pastoral Epistles
22. New Leaders in the Pastoral Epistles
November 29, 2019
Paul's first and second letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus form a special group of epistles because they were written not to congregations but to church pastors, offering advice for how individual leaders ought to conduct themselves and guide their congregations. Together, they help us explore the development of an independent, organized religion.
Churches in Crisis in 1
21. Churches in Crisis in 1"2 Peter and Jude
November 29, 2019
Along with James and the three letters of John, 1-2 Peter and Jude are known as the "catholic" or general epistles because they are addressed to multiple congregations, or Christians, in general. See what these most recent books of the New Testament tell us about a mature and growing religious movement.
Interpreting Abraham in Hebrews and James
20. Interpreting Abraham in Hebrews and James
November 29, 2019
You might think of Abraham as belonging to the Old Testament, but he plays a mighty role in the writings of the New Testament. In the book of Hebrews, Abraham appears as a model of faith, whereas, in James he is an object of controversy over how people are saved: by faith alone or by faith and works.
In Search of the Historical Jesus
19. In Search of the Historical Jesus
November 29, 2019
The "Historical Jesus" refers to the man named Jesus of Nazareth as opposed to the Christ we find in the gospels: a challenge for historians given that the gospels are our primary sources. Trace the development of biblical scholarship and research after the Renaissance and Enlightenment, when scholars began to think critically about the man named Jesus.
The Community of John after the Gospel
18. The Community of John after the Gospel
November 29, 2019
What happened when an early Christian community began to fall apart? Disagreements over theology, challenges to church leadership, or disintegration of the group altogether were common, and the letters of John tackle these problems head-on. Delve into early efforts to unify a fractured church.
Jesus and the Jews in the Gospel of John
17. Jesus and the Jews in the Gospel of John
November 29, 2019
In addition to its spiritual philosophy, the Gospel of John also contains troubling rhetoric around Jews and Judaism. Investigate the reasons behind John's depiction of the Jews and why it is so negative. See why John's portrayal of Jesus has made this gospel both an object of theological controversy and a source of deep spirituality.
Jesus as the Divine Word in John
16. Jesus as the Divine Word in John
November 29, 2019
The "Gospel according to John" is an anomaly, set apart from the other three "Synoptic Gospels." Although the basic story of Jesus remains the same, running from the ministry of John the Baptist to the death and resurrection of Jesus, John's gospel contains more philosophy and has been called a more "spiritual" gospel.
The Apostles and Church in Luke and Acts
15. The Apostles and Church in Luke and Acts
November 29, 2019
Because Luke was writing as a historian, probably between the years AD 90 and AD 120, he didn't merely re-create the past. Rather, Luke has a perspective on the history he tells. Unpack his vision of early Christian history and consider what message he is sending to his readers. Compare that message to the earlier "Gospel according to Mark."
Luke's Inclusive Message
14. Luke's Inclusive Message
November 29, 2019
The grand narrative in the books Luke through Acts spans 60 years and presents a unified narrative of early Christian history. In this second episode on Luke, look at the people and parables presented in his history (particularly the women, both named and anonymous, he writes about). Encounter a truly expansive, inclusive vision for Christianity.
Luke and Acts on God's History of Salvation
13. Luke and Acts on God's History of Salvation
November 29, 2019
The Gospel of Luke is the first book in a two-volume work, the second being the book of Acts. Luke presents himself as a historian, so consider the two-volume Luke-Acts as a historical work. Who were Luke's sources? What story does he want to tell? How and why does his story unfold?
The Church in the Gospel of Matthew
12. The Church in the Gospel of Matthew
November 29, 2019
Continue your study of the Gospel of Matthew, which gives us the only mention of the word "church" in all of the four gospels. Consider Matthew's interest in forming and leading the church, and reflect on the conflict, in Matthew, between the Jesus who teaches Jewish law and the Jesus who critiques Jewish leaders.
Jesus as the New Moses in Matthew
11. Jesus as the New Moses in Matthew
November 29, 2019
The unknown Christian who wrote the gospel now called Matthew presents a different theological portrait of Jesus and his ministry than Mark. Whereas Jesus in Mark is a mysterious figure, Matthew emphasizes Jesus' divinity. In this episode, compare the two gospels and what scholars believe about their composition.
Jesus as the Suffering Son of Man in Mark
10. Jesus as the Suffering Son of Man in Mark
November 29, 2019
Shift your attention from Paul's epistles to the gospels, starting with the Gospel According to Mark. After reviewing what historians know about the author and the book's composition, Professor Brakke surveys the time of Jesus' ministry and death and explicates the key themes of Mark's gospel.
Adapting Paul's Teachings to New Situations
9. Adapting Paul's Teachings to New Situations
November 29, 2019
Not all of Paul's letters were composed by the apostle himself. The three "Deutero-Pauline" letters (2 Thessalonians, Colossians, and Ephesians) likely date to the years after Paul's death. In content, they seek to reassure readers that a series of events must occur before the end times arrive and that faith in Christ is all that is necessary for salvation in the present.
Paul's Theology on Slavery and Christ
8. Paul's Theology on Slavery and Christ
November 29, 2019
Although Paul's letters to Philemon and to the Philippians are very different, they have two important things in common. Paul wrote them both from prison, and they each concern slavery. Gain insight into Paul's views around imprisonment, as well as his ideas about Christ's humanity and divinity.
Worship and Leaders in Paul's Congregations
7. Worship and Leaders in Paul's Congregations
November 29, 2019
The two letters to the Corinthians give us great insight into Paul's theology, but they also provide interesting historical evidence for how early Christian congregations operated. How did believers worship? Who were the church leaders? What were the roles for men and women? Find out what the letters tell us about the community.
Community Conflicts in 1
6. Community Conflicts in 1"2 Corinthians
November 29, 2019
In this first of two episodes about Paul's letters to the Corinthians, you will consider one tension inherent to Christian congregations. In Paul's theology, everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord, yet Corinth was a prosperous and diverse city. How did Paul reconcile economic, intellectual, and educational diversity with religious unity?
Romans on God, Faith, and Israel
5. Romans on God, Faith, and Israel
November 29, 2019
Paul's letter to the Romans is his theological masterpiece. Because he had never been to Rome, he wrote this letter to introduce himself and his teachings to lay the groundwork for his arrival. Unpack the key message of his theology: namely, that one is made righteous solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Salvation of Gentiles in Galatians
4. The Salvation of Gentiles in Galatians
November 29, 2019
Continue your study of Paul's epistles with a detailed look at his letter to the Galatians. In it, he offers a scathing rebuke to a congregation he believes has backslid after his departure. Find out why he believed it was so important to establish faith in Jesus as the one and only quality that gets you into heaven.
1 Thessalonians and Paul's Ministry
3. 1 Thessalonians and Paul's Ministry
November 29, 2019
The New Testament includes many types of narrative, among them gospels, epistles, and revelations. In this first episode on Paul's epistles, reflect on the chronologically earliest book of the New Testament, examine the structure of a Pauline letter, and find out what his mission of evangelism was all about.
The Jewish Origins of Christian Faith
2. The Jewish Origins of Christian Faith
November 29, 2019
Before delving into the New Testament, you first must look at ancient Judaism for context about the birth of Christianity. Here, explore key stories and themes of the Old Testament (including God's covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, as well as Jewish eschatology) to understand the world of Jesus of Nazareth.
The Paradox of the New Testament
1. The Paradox of the New Testament
November 29, 2019
The New Testament is comprised of 27 books by more than a dozen authors, yet it is also presented as a single, unified text. How do you resolve the paradox of one book versus many? In this opening episode, see how historians view the New Testament and why they are excited by its diversity of voices. #Music, Philosophy & Religion
Description

Understanding the New Testament is a comprehensive and engaging course that takes viewers on a journey through the key writings of the New Testament. Led by Professor David Brakke, a respected scholar of early Christianity, this course provides a thorough examination of the historical, social, and theological contexts in which the New Testament was written, as well as exploring the major themes and messages of the various books and letters that make up this foundational text of Western civilization.

Across twenty-four lectures, Professor Brakke guides viewers through close readings of the New Testament's various books and letters, offering valuable insights into the nuances of their language, structure, and meaning. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts in which the New Testament was written, he sets the texts in their wider social and political contexts, exploring the ways ancient beliefs, practices, and traditions inform the diverse theological perspectives and ethical teachings found in the texts.

One of the key strengths of the course is the way in which Professor Brakke encourages viewers to think critically about the New Testament, challenging them to confront questions and contradictions that have puzzled scholars and theologians for centuries. By exploring the complexities of issues such as authorship, translation, and canonization, he helps viewers to understand the historical and cultural contingencies that influence the way these texts are interpreted and understood today.

Throughout the course, Professor Brakke adopts an engaging and accessible teaching style, using a variety of media—including maps, diagrams, and artwork—to bring the texts to life and to help viewers visualize the worldviews and beliefs of the people who wrote and read the New Testament. He is particularly adept at teasing out the many connections between different books and letters, showing how they inform and illuminate one another, and building a rich and textured portrait of the early Christian movement and its intellectual and theological diversity.

One particularly valuable aspect of the course is its focus on the role of diversity within the New Testament itself. Drawing on recent scholarship that has challenged traditional notions of a unified "orthodoxy" emerging from the early Christian movement, Brakke highlights the ways in which the New Testament reflects a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives, reflecting the wide range of beliefs, values, and practices embraced by the early Christian communities.

Overall, Understanding the New Testament is an exceptional course that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of Christianity, the evolution of Western thought, or the study of religion more broadly. Whether you are a seasoned theologian or a curious amateur, Professor Brakke's insightful and engaging commentary will deepen your understanding of these foundational texts and help you to appreciate their enduring significance in our modern world.

  • Premiere Date
    November 29, 2019