Course Description:

Judaism and Christianity are two of the world’s major religions. Many individuals are familiar with one of these religions or the other––but generally do not consider the relationship that exists between Judaism and Christianity. In the first century, Christianity developed out of Judaism, and for many years, Christians saw themselves as Jews. Because of this shared heritage, in which Judaism serves as the root of Christianity, the two religions have much in common. This course will seek to go back in time to see the foundations of Judaism and the foundations of Christianity––acknowledging what these two faiths have in common and how they can learn from one another.

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, January 26: Overview, Creation, and the Leading Families

Week 2, February 2: From the Exodus to David

Week 3, February 9: The Divided Monarchy and the Babylonian Exile

Week 4, February 16: Hellenistic Judaism

Week 5, February 23: Jesus’s Judaism and Early Christianity

Week 6, March 1: The Blood Curse and “the Jews” in John