THIS WEEK

Feb 6-8

Ist Term Paper [3 pages, double space]

Topic: The Resurrection of Jesus is/ is not the ultimate proof of his divinity.

Please address the following questions in your paper:

1. What is N.T. Wright's position on Jesus' resurrection? [Ch.7: The Transforming Reality of the bodily Resurrection]

2. What is Marcus Borg's position on Jesus' resurrection? [Ch.8: The Truth of Easter]

3. Your own arguments.

DUE: February 15, in class.

 

Jan 23-25

1. Read :a. William Loewe, Ch.2, "The Old Quest for the Historical Jesus," Ch.5 and Ch.6 on "Kingdom of God."
b. Meaning of Jesus: Ch.5 and Ch.6

2. Research the concept of Messiah. Trace the historical background of the term, and give scriptures in OT and NT that mention this term.

3. Did Jesus ever said he is the Son of God/ God?
a. If yes, please give scriptures.
b. If no, why?

Jan 16-18

1. Assignment #3: Complete the chart of Jesus' Life (see "Probelms of Life of Jesus" in the left hand bar, or in "Presentation")
Due: Jan 23, Tuesday
2. Read according to the teaching schedule
Write a one-page summary to describe the standard profiles of the 4 positions of the chart.
1/ Give a designation (e.g. Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc) or a name of our textbook authors (e.g. Borg, Wright) to each position on the chart.
2/ Describe each position’s view on Jesus’ historicity and Christian faith.
3/ Which position best represents your view?
Due: Jan 18, Thursday.

Jan 9-11

1. Written Assignment: Please research articles in Encyclopedia Brittanica [brittanica.com] about the historical data of Jesus of Nazareth, and choose ONE of the following positions to write a 2-page reflection:
Jesus of Nazareth as a historical person is:
1/ A very likely fact
2/ A probable fact
3/ A very unlikely fact
Please explain: What are the difficulties in determining Jesus' historicalness? What are the possible explanations of these problems? Please explain the pros and cons of the issues. Due date: Jan 16 in class.