Middlebury

RELI 0282

New Testament Narrative Art

The New Testament in Narrative and Art: Considering the Aesthetics of the Christian Story
For two millennia, the figure of Jesus has captivated the imagination of spiritual seekers around the world. In this course we will explore literary and theological dimensions of the New Testament with special attention to the Gospel as stories, while considering works of art inspired by its themes and characters across time. Paintings, cinematography, and literary narratives from The Protevangelium of James and Maximus the Confessor, to Dostoevsky, Kazantzakis, Sholem Asch, Saramago, Flannery O'Connor, and Marilynne Robinson, will invite the question: how have word and image shaped the understanding of the sacred stories and Christian imagination? Through close readings of the New Testament and exegetical discussion combining systematic with narrative theology, we will analyze style and composition, situate the texts in their historical context, and explore various readers’ perspectives, ancient and modern. 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.
Subject:
Religion
Department:
Religion
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
CMP LIT PHL
Equivalent Courses:
LITS 0282

Sections in Spring 2022

Spring 2022

RELI0282A-S22 Lecture (Hatjigeorgiou)
RELI0282Y-S22 Discussion (Hatjigeorgiou)
RELI0282Z-S22 Discussion (Hatjigeorgiou)