The Historical Jesus: Exploring the History Behind the Tradition

How do historians separate the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth from centuries of religious tradition? To understand the past, we must look at the surviving texts and archaeological evidence through a rigorous, objective lens. This text-based course guides you through the modern scholarly methods used to reconstruct the life, teachings, and social world of first-century Galilee. You will learn to evaluate primary sources, understand the political climate of Roman Judea, and distinguish between theological narratives and historical data. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the foundational terminology and methodologies of historical-critical analysis. 2. Analyze key historical sources, including non-biblical texts, early Christian writings, and archaeological discoveries. 3. Explore the socio-political and economic environment of first-century Galilee and Judea. 4. Examine modern scholarly debates and criteria of authenticity used to evaluate ancient texts. 5. Distinguish between the historical Jesus and the theological interpretations developed by later traditions. Starting with fundamental definitions and historical tools, this course moves systematically from the cultural landscape of the ancient Mediterranean to the specific events and teachings attributed to Jesus, concluding with an analysis of how historical memory is constructed. This course is designed for beginners, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ancient world, requiring no prior background in theology, history, or ancient languages. Embark on a fascinating journey into the ancient past and discover the historical context that shaped a pivotal figure in world history.