11. Johannine Christianity: The Gospel

Introduction to New Testament (RLST 152)

The Gospel of John is a gospel dramatically different from the Synoptic Gospels. It is full of long dialogues, it speaks of "signs" rather than exorcisms or miracles, and its narrative differs at many points from the Synoptics. Themes in the Gospel are also repeated throughout--themes such as ascending and descending, light and darkness, seeing and knowing. Johannine literature also presents a high Christology that equates Jesus with God. The Gospel also reflects the sectarian nature of the community to which the author belonged.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Narratival Differences between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels
23:54 - Chapter 2. Major Themes of the Gospel of John
32:25 - Chapter 3. Johannine Sectarianism
42:47 - Chapter 4. Johannine Christology

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2009.