The Letters of Paul

Program Description

The Letters of Paul and the Making of Christianity This course explores the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul and his role in the development of early Christianity. We will examine the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of Paul's letters and their impact on the formation of Christian doctrine and practice. The course will begin by introducing students to the historical and cultural background of first-century Judaism and the Roman Empire. We will then delve into the life and teachings of Paul, including his conversion experience, his missionary journeys, and his relationship with other early Christian leaders. Over three weeks, we will examine the Roman and Jewish contexts in which Paul’s letters were written and how this can help us understand his interpretation of Jesus’ message. These letters will also uncover issues such as identity, conversion, persecution, authority, and more. Overall, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the letters of Paul and their significance for the making of Christianity. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of Paul's letters and their impact on the development of Christian doctrine and practice. Schedule: Three Wednesdays, May 17 to 31 from 10 to 11 am This class will be held online. A Zoom link will be emailed to you after you register and again 24 hours before the class begins. Presenter, Dr. Heather Barkman was born and raised in Manitoba. After receiving her BA and MA from the University of Manitoba, she moved to Ottawa to get her PhD from the University of Ottawa with a focus on women in early Christianity. She then moved back home to Winnipeg and teaches in the Classics and Religious Studies departments at the University of Manitoba. When she's not teaching, she loves baseball, traveling, and having fun with her husband Sid and two children, 3-year-old Arthur and baby Penny.