Explore the foundations of Christianity through scripture, theology, and ethics. From the Old Testament to the life of Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount to the civil rights movement, understand how Christians have understood and lived their faith across two millennia.
Understand the origins, core beliefs, and historical context of Christianity — the world's largest religion. Explore how a small movement in Roman Palestine became a global faith. Resources: N.T. Wright, Simply Christian; Alister McGrath, Christianity: An Introduction.
Explore the Hebrew scriptures that form the foundation of Christian theology — creation, covenant, law, and prophecy. Understand how Christians read the Old Testament in light of Christ. Resources: Walter Brueggemann, The Bible Makes Sense; John Goldingay, Old Testament Theology.
Explore the ministry, parables, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the four Gospels. Resources: N.T. Wright, Simply Jesus; Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses.
Explore the ethical teachings of Christianity — from the Sermon on the Mount to natural law, virtue ethics, and social justice traditions. Understand how Christians derive moral guidance from scripture, tradition, and reason. Resources: Stanley Hauerwas, The Peaceable Kingdom; Oliver O'Donovan, Resurrection and Moral Order.
Explore the three major branches of Christianity — their histories, distinctive beliefs, worship styles, and areas of agreement. Understand the forces that divided the church and the movements working toward reconciliation. Resources: Timothy Ware, The Orthodox Church; Diarmaid MacCulloch, Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years.
Explore how Christianity engages with contemporary challenges — science and faith, secularism, global Christianity, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. Resources: Charles Taylor, A Secular Age; Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom.
Synthesize your learning across all modules, reflect on key Christian concepts, and consider how the study of Christianity enriches your understanding of faith, ethics, and human life.