We have seen how the New Testament is as much a library as it is a single book. Within this miniature early Christian library we find a diversity of positions on any number of theological, ecclesiastical, and social positions. Compose a 5- to 6-page essay which, in great detail, demonstrates the type of diversity that can be found within these 27 books on one or more issues of importance to early Christian authors. Example issues might include (but are not limited to): theological conceptions of Jesus, the nature of human salvation, the role of women in the Church, the status/function of the Jewish law, Church organization, etc.
A strong essay will appeal heavily to New Testament and early Christian literature and will cite at least one passage from each of the following “groups” of NT texts:
1. The Synoptic Gospels
2. The Gospel of John or 1-3 John
3. The Undisputed Pauline Letters
4. The Deutero-Paulines/Pastoral Epistles
5. James, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, Hebrews
0 comments