Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. What are the
significant differences between Matthew's and Luke's narratives
of Jesus' infancy?
2. How does
the historical context of the Book of Revelation affect its content?
3. What is
Paul's relationship to Judaism and what does he see as the relationship
between Judaism and Christianity?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Choose one New Testament parable
that is found in more than one Gospel. Provide an analysis of the
similarities and the differences between the versions. What is the
significance of this comparison for understanding the distinctive theological
perspectives of the Gospels?
2. Describe the similarities
and differences among two of the Passion narratives (i.e., the trial
and crucifixion). What is significant for the authors of these accounts?
What is at stake in answering the question of who killed Jesus?
3. Consider the Book of Revelation.
How might one be able to use the book in a contemporary learning
context, without using it to claim salvation for the few and destruction
for the many? Does it have anything to say to contemporary society?
4. The New Testament contains
numerous discussions pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus. Compare
and contrast a resurrection account in one of the Gospels to Paul's understanding
of the living Christ in one of his letters.
