Category: Religion / Theology

I dont have all the required materials if you can just do your best I would really appreciate it. Thank you for all your hard work and as usual I will give a 10 star rating!!!!

The world we live in tends to no longer believe that the Gospels are historical documents that provide authentic portraits of Jesus Christ. Instead, like peeling back layers of an onion, both scholars and popular culture try to peel back portions of the Gospels that they believe do not provide accurate and authentic information about the “real” Jesus.

Learning about why people question the Gospels’ ability to provide entirely accurate information about Jesus is quite relevant in our society. Christians are facing questions and doubts about our faith all the time, and we need to know what we are defending. Understanding the tools scholars use in analyzing the historicity of the Gospels and communicating to non-believers when they question the Gospels are important skills for any theologian.

Many people fall into a trap of reading the Scriptures apart from their context within particular times and cultures. This may lead to anachronistic interpretations and a disregard for the notion that God used human authors who wrote about real and relevant issues in their respective cultural contexts.

Read the following textbook excerpts and watch the video lecture to better understand the historical context behind which the Gospels were written and the tools of the research used. You will learn about the history of Judaism, the geography of Palestine, and the culture of first-century Palestine to which Jesus Christ ministered.

Strauss, Four Portraits; One Jesus, pages 119165 & pages 189207
Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 463481
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Demon, Devil, Satan (Links to an external site.),” Background & Terminology sections
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Temptation of Jesus (Links to an external site.),” Background & Terminology sections
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Son of God (Links to an external site.),” Divine Sonship in the Old Testament & Judaism and Hellenism sections

After reading and watching the above resources, choose 1 excerpt or presentation that is especially helpful for you in understanding background issues related to Christ’s temptations or conception of research relating to the Gospels and follow these steps:

State the resource which was especially interesting to you.
Explain what you think to be the most significant/influential idea in that article/video in 1 paragraph.
Explain how that idea influences your reading and response to Christ’s wilderness temptations (found in either Matthew 4:111 and Luke 4:114). Start this portion in this manner:
“My reading of Christ’s wilderness temptation narrative is influenced by the idea that ________ [state #2 above]. That information impacts my reading in the following two ways:

I dont have all the required materials if you can do your best it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

As we have seen in previous weeks, the Gospels are remarkably similar in many respects, particularly the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). In these accounts, the chronology, geography, and scenes are often alike. John’s Gospel also intersects with the synoptic at critical points. Because of their similarities we can read the Gospels side by side, experiencing what is called a harmony of the Gospels, and form a basic understanding of the sweep of the narrative and events of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This week we will continue with a harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ’s concluding earthly ministryin Judea, Perea, and Jerusalem.

To learn about the fundamental story line of the Gospels and to consider how the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry progresses are important for any theologian. Read and view the following resources in order to better understand a harmony of Jesus’ life as it relates to the closing ministry of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 493524
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Discipleship (Links to an external site.)”
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Rich and Poor (Links to an external site.)”only sections titled “Rich and Poor in First-Century Judaism” and “Rich and Poor in the Teaching of Jesus”
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Temple Act/Cleansing (Links to an external site.)”
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Death of Jesus (Links to an external site.)”only sections 1 and 2 titled “Crucifixion in the Ancient World” and “The Crucifixion of Jesus”
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Ascension of Jesus (Links to an external site.)”

Choose 1 of the articles above from the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (do not use the Strauss textbook). Next, analyze and interpret your reading to extract the essential meaning contained in the original source. To demonstrate you have successfully completed this task, you will produce a 25-word summary. The goal of this activity is to demonstrate the depth of your engagement as well as your ability to communicate this depth clearly.

Characteristics of a successful 25-word summary:

The summary contains exactly 25 words. You do not understand the source well enough yet if you cannot write this concisely, so keep working and processing the information until you can. If you believe you have successfully summarized the main idea in under 25 words, you must use the remaining words available to communicate something else you know about the concept.
The summary must be written in a coherent sentence or sentences. Additionally, the summary should not be a simple listing of concepts, terms, or themes. Correct grammar and syntax must be employed.
You only have 25 words, so every word in the summary should have a meaningful purpose.
The summary must accurately reflect the reading’s central or essential message and reflect a personal understanding of the material.
Carefully review the requirements above to ensure your summary meets the intended goals of this activity before submitting for the professor’s review.

I dont have all the required readings if you can do your best and give me something to turn in I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you for all your hard work.

As we have seen in previous weeks, the Gospels are remarkably similar in many respects, particularly the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). In these accounts, the chronology, geography, and scenes are often alike. John’s Gospel also intersects with the synoptics at critical points. Because of their similarities we can read the Gospels side by side, experiencing what is called a harmony of the Gospels. This helps us form a basic understanding of the sweep of the narrative and events of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Learning about the fundamental story line of the Gospels and considering how the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry progresses are important for any theologian. Read and view the following resources in order to better understand a harmony of Jesus’ life, beginning with Christ’s pre-incarnation, birth, and childhood.

Begin by reviewing the Strauss textbook reading and the video lecture.

Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 499513

Then, please read from Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels:

“Birth of Jesus (Links to an external site.)”
“Genealogy (Links to an external site.)”
“Herodian Dynasty (Links to an external site.)”only the “Herod the Great” section (“Herod’s Family Origins” and “Herod’s rule”)
“Songs & Hymns (Links to an external site.)”only the “Magnificat” section (Marys Song)
To help you grow in your understanding, you will demonstrate how accurately and thoroughly you understand Christ’s birth as it was presented in the “Birth of Jesus” in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels and the other articles. To begin, consider the insufficient short summary below, in which you need to fill in the blanks:

Short Summary: To consider Jesus’ birth, it is helpful to first consider Mary’s song, which reveals significance about Christ, that he __________. It is also illuminating to consider Jesus’ genealogy, which reveals this important concept, that _______________. Jesus’ birth occurred in the first century BC, near the time of Herod the Great who was known for________ . Jesus birth likely occurred around this date _________, which can be supported by these two facts: (1) _____________ and (2) ____________. His birth or early childhood varies between Matthew and Luke’s account, since Matthew’s intent seems to present ____________, while Luke seems intent to present _________. In any case, the Old Testament features prominently in Christ’s birth by _________. In final analysis, Christ’s birth is overwhelmingly significant for Christians in that _____.

What do you think about that short summary and its missing details? Open a new blank document on your computer and, without referring to course readings or personal notes, jot down a few ideas that come to mind regarding how you might fill in the blanks.

Next, compare your ideas and what you initially read in Green’s article on the “Birth of Jesus” and the other articles. Use both Green’s and additional articles to help you further improve the definition. Record where you looked and what you discovered that was useful in your document. Finally, craft a fully effective summary of Jesus’ birth from what is posted above. Each blank you fill in should not exceed 10 wordsso both conciseness and clarity are important throughout.

I do not have the reading materials for this assignment pleas if you can just do your best I would really appreciate it, thank you for all your hard work. I will give a 10 star rating thank you!!!

These Gospels are amazing literary works, belonging to a certain genre of the first-century world. Moreover, these Gospels are sometimes remarkably similar to one another. Two concepts paved the way for 2 influential ways that people analyze the Gospels: source and form criticism. The word criticism simply means critical inquiry.

To learn about these 2 criticisms, to consider whether they offer insights into better reading of the Gospels, and to utilize them where they provide benefit are important for any theologian. It will help you understand why people question the Gospels’ ability to provide entirely accurate information about Jesus and the tools scholars use in analyzing the historicity of the Gospels. It will also better equip you to communicate to non-believers who question the Gospels.

Read the following sections from your textbooks in order to better understand Source and Form criticism.

Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 5780
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Gospel-Genre (Links to an external site.)”
In addition, watch a video lecture:

After reading and viewing, contemplate Strauss, pages 5780. Then, in 1 substantive paragraph, agree or disagree with the following prompt. Choose either source or or criticism to frame your response:

[Source/Form] criticism is a bankrupt interpretive approach that denies divine inspiration in favor of human authorship and is based on tentative theories which cannot be proven.

I do not have all the required readings for this assignment if you can do your best it would be greatly appreciated, I will give a 10 star rating!!! Thank you for all your hard work!!!

In your weekly course journal, you will reflect on prompts and consider what it may look like to reflect a Christian worldview within your study of the Gospels. It may feel strange, or implied, to think of reading the Bible through the lens of a Christian worldview, but it is intended for us to keep the right attitude in mind and to process the words personally instead of just as another textbook. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to reflect on your growth and understanding and perhaps consider course concepts a bit differently than you have before.

In 12 double-spaced pages, consider the importance of knowing how to interpret the Gospels correctly and from a biblical perspective. Choose 2 “threads” of integrating a Christian worldview to write about from the list of options below. Clearly identify which 2 threads you have chosen. Be sure to explain what your chosen threads might look like in theory and practice. Upcoming assignments will also utilize these threads. Try to use all threads by the end of the course.

Biblical Integration “Threads” (choose 2):

God-Worshiping: The Christian worldview understands that worshiping God is about celebrating who God is, what God has done and is doing, and what God has created. Christians see worship as a way of life.
Idolatry-Discerning: The Christian worldview understands that when other “things” are more important to us than our relationship with God, they become idols. Christians are challenged to identify, understand, and discern the idols of our time and to then respond prophetically.
Earth-Keeping: Christians respond to God’s call to be stewards of all of creation.
Beauty-Creating: The Christian worldview celebrates God as the #1 Creator and understands that when we create things we show that we are made in God’s image. We offer praise to God by creating beautiful things. Our creativity makes God smile!
Justice-Seeking: Christians act as agents of change by identifying and responding to injustices.
Creation-Enjoying: The Christian worldview celebrates God’s beautiful creation.
Servant-Working: The Christian worldview works actively to heal brokenness and bring joy.
Community-Building: Christians should be active pursuers and builders of communal shalom.
Image-Reflecting: Christians bear the image of God in their daily lives. All humans are image reflectors.
Order-Discovering: Christians find harmony and order in God’s creation.

I dont have the reading materials for this assignment, if you can do your best and give me something to turn in I will give a 10 star rating, yhank you for all your hard work.

As you know, the Gospels are amazing literary works, belonging to a certain genre of the first-century world. Moreover, these Gospels are sometimes remarkably similar to one another. Two concepts paved the way for 2 additional influential ways that people analyze the Gospels: redaction and literary criticism.

To learn about these 2 criticisms, to consider whether they offer insights into better reading of the Gospels, and to utilize them where they provide benefit, is important for any theologian.

Read and watch the following resources in order to better understand redaction and literary criticism.

Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 8083, 87101
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Redaction Criticism (Links to an external site.)”
Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Literary Criticism (Narrative Criticism) (Links to an external site.)”

After reading and viewing the resources, demonstrate your understanding of redaction and literary criticism by completing the following reaction in 12 paragraphs:

State the criticism, either redaction or literary, that was especially interesting to you.
Explain in 1 sentence what either redaction or literary criticism is.
Explain how that criticism influences your reading and response to Christs wilderness temptations (found in either Matthew 4:111 and Luke 4:114). Start this portion in this manner:
“My reading of Christs wilderness temptation narrative is influenced by ________ criticism. [State #2 above.] This criticism impacts my reading in the following two ways: … [provide 2 specific ways that criticism influences your reading/response to Christs temptation narrative].”

Many people fall into different traps of reading the Gospels. One may read Scripture superficially, and apart from their canonical context. This may lead to dangerous interpretations and a disregard for God as the unifying author of Scripture. Equally troubling is the mistake of reading the Scriptures apart from, or contrary to, orthodox Christian beliefs. This may lead to dangerous interpretations and a disregard for sound biblical truth and a denial of the apostolic teachings of the New Testament.

Watch the following videos to see several points of view intended to help us learn how to read the Gospels the way in which they were designed and respond to the discussion accordingly.

Only watch from minute marker 10:3016:45 on Son to Father relationship and also from minute marker 31:1539:55 on Christ’s resurrection.

After watching, compose your thoughts in a discussion post. Consider the following thoughts and questions to discuss in your initial post:

Summarize what you learned from the videos.
How do the thoughts and strategies presented in the videos coincide or conflict with your experience or what you’ve been taught regarding the Scriptures?
How can you apply this content to your own personal Bible study, your other classes, or other opportunities?

Video for the assignment in link below, thank you for all your hard work.

https://youtu.be/1EYLJgAZPFU