Jesus and the Gospels, Prof. Luke Timothy Johnson, (36 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 6x DVD - The Great Courses)
 
In Jesus and the Gospels, Prof. Luke Timothy Johnson offers an in-depth academic exploration of how the figure of Jesus is portrayed across various ancient texts. Rather than attempting to reconstruct a singular "historical Jesus," Johnson focuses on the distinct literary and theological identities found in the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He guides listeners through the unique cultural contexts, intended audiences, and specific messages of each author, illustrating how the early Christian community navigated the transition from oral tradition to written memory.
The course further expands its scope by examining the Apocryphal Gospels, providing a broader historical perspective on the diverse range of beliefs in early Christianity. Johnson, known for his engaging and authoritative teaching style, emphasizes the "literary art" of these texts, treating them as sophisticated narratives rather than mere historical reports. By the end of the series, you will have a deeper understanding of how these foundational documents shaped the development of Western thought and the diverse ways in which Jesus has been interpreted over two millennia.
 
At Book Archaeology, we value the preservation and discovery of intellectual treasures, making this collectible DVD an essential resource for Biblical scholars and historians.