Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: THE SECRET GOSPELS

Department: Religion

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This introductory course explores the secret lives of Jesus as portrayed in an array of early Christian gospels and related literature. Why did the early Christians develop secret traditions and practices? What did they claim Jesus taught in secret to his family and friends, including James his brother and Mary Magdalene? What does this literature tell us about early Christian diversity and religious competition? Weekly 500-word essays in response to readings and discussion. Mutually exclusive with RELI 304. Credit for RELI 114 cannot be earned if the student has previously taken RELI 304 and vice versa.