Greatest Controversies of Early Christian History

Belief in the virgin birth has been enormously important throughout the history of Christianity. Here, assess the theological underpinnings of this belief and the role of Mary as a divine figure. Investigate accounts of the Annunciation in Matthew and Luke, and grasp their reasons for claiming Mary conceived as a virgin.

The question of whether Jesus had siblings divided early Christians, a controversy that survives to this day. Learn about the non-canonical Acts of Thomas and its account of the missionary Didymus Judas Thomas, portrayed as Jesus's identical twin brother, and consider how early Christians might have thought about this.

Discover the Dead Sea Scrolls as they shed important light on the historical Jesus and on Jewish life in his time. Learn how the scrolls express the worldview of Jewish apocalypticism, shared by Jesus, which anticipated the end of the age and the establishment of a new kingdom on Earth.

Grasp how scholars and historians have approached the historical accuracy of the Gospels, and track the developing critical view of Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet. Contemplate the core tenets of Jesus's teachings regarding the coming kingdom of God, and how his views threatened the social order of his time.

First assess the inaccurate portrayal of Mary Magdalene in novels and film, and trace the church tradition regarding her as a prostitute. Then review the known facts concerning Jesus's female followers, Mary's place in his ministry, and her likely role in his legacy both within his lifetime and afterward.

The idea that Jesus was married is purportedly supported by statements in the Talmud on ancient Jewish life. Investigate the marriage practices of early Judaism and the social reality of celibacy. Examine the role of apocalyptic thinking in affirming a life of celibacy, as seen in the teachings of Paul, the Essenes, and Jesus himself.

For the last century, scholars have disagreed on the nature of Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Delve into the historical record concerning the figure of Judas, and trace contrasting views of his motives. Review pertinent facts surrounding Jesus's death and evidence that what Judas divulged to the authorities was a justification for destroying Jesus.

The issue of the Jewish role in Jesus's death became the basis for Christian anti-Semitism. To elucidate this crucial matter, investigate the events of Jesus's final week in Jerusalem, the incendiary atmosphere surrounding the celebration of Passover, and the nature of the Jewish authorities' response to Jesus prior to the trial and crucifixion.

The ruthless Roman governor who ordered Jesus crucified has undergone a character change over the course of Christian history. Study portrayals of Pilate in Christian storytelling, the Gospels, and non-canonical writings as they seek to exonerate him from culpability in Jesus's death. Grapple with these sources' reasons for downplaying Pilate's role in Jesus's execution.