New Testament BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary

Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Greco-Roman religions Greco-Roman religions Plato—Platonic dualism Plato—Platonic dualism

Stoa

Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Stoicism Stoicism Cynicism Cynicism Magic Magic

Magical Texts “god of gods, benefactor, AW, IAW, EAU, you who direct day and night, AI AW.” PGM IV.992-3

Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Pagan Religions Pagan Religions Gnosticism –cf. Platonic dualism Gnosticism –cf. Platonic dualism

Gnostic Gospel of Thomas Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

Greco-Roman Religions Emperor worship—politics and religion intertwined Emperor worship—politics and religion intertwined

Emperor Worship/NT Why is Jesus called “Lord” and “Savior” Why is Jesus called “Lord” and “Savior” Why is the message called “Gospel”—good news Why is the message called “Gospel”—good news These were used of Emperor These were used of Emperor It’s not the emperor but Jesus who is the true Lord and God and Savior It’s not the emperor but Jesus who is the true Lord and God and Savior

Jewish Religious Options What does it mean to be God’s people? What does it mean to be God’s people? Let’s study Torah--Scribes Let’s study Torah--Scribes Let’s separate--Pharisees Let’s separate--Pharisees Let’s accommodate—Sadducees Let’s accommodate—Sadducees Let’s withdraw—Essenes or Qumran Community Let’s withdraw—Essenes or Qumran Community Let’s fight Let’s fight

The Dead Sea Scrolls

Jewish Religious Options Let’s fight—Zealots Let’s fight—Zealots Christianity emerged in the environment of Greco-Roman and Jewish religions and movements Christianity emerged in the environment of Greco-Roman and Jewish religions and movements