5-Week Course
Overview
“Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” —Mark 1:14-15 (Good News Translation)
The oldest and shortest of the New Testament gospels, Mark is in some ways the most mysterious. Jesus announces the Reign of God but simultaneously hide his identity. The disciples are confused, while unexpected or undesirable characters reveal critical knowledge of Jesus. God’s is a Kingdom power for healing, liberation from evil, and resurrection, but it comes through suffering and the cross. Written for a people under oppression, join us to discover the golden thread of hope Mark offers us in learning to be with Jesus.
Topics
- Week 1 – Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
- Week 2 – Jesus’s Mission of Power in Galilee
- Week 3 – Gathering and Forming Disciples
- Week 4 – Messiah in Jerusalem
- Week 5 – The Several Endings of Mark
Special Features
This course includes:
- Weekly introductions to each new topic;
- Video commentaries each week;
- Transcripts of the videos;
- Weekly questions for reflection and discussion; and
- A regularly updated Resources page for further study of topics discussed in this course.
All CSTM Crossroads online courses include these features
- Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected web site.
- Each participant belongs to a small Community for Conversation and faith sharing guided by a facilitator.
- The course site is usually available to participants at least three months after the course has ended.
- An orientation in how to navigate the web site is always available.
- Technical assistance is easy to contact and prompt in returning a message.
- A Certificate of Active Participation is awarded to those who post at least three messages of substance for each week of content.
Time Commitment
A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.
This course doesn't have any live sessions. You can participate according to your own schedule.
Certificate Requirement Categories
- Sacred Scripture
Content Scholars:
Thomas D. Stegman, S.J., (video), late professor of New Testament; Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry; O. Ernesto Valiente, (video), Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry; Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright FRSE, (text) currently Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University and Research Professor Emeritus at St. Andrew’s University