To develop an appreciation of (a) the distinctive Christology of each of the New Testament authors, with special attention to the Synoptic Gospels, John, and Paul; (b) the Christology of the Early church with special attention to the Apostolic Fathers and the apocryphal Gospels; c) a survey of the Christology of twenty centuries of Christian devotion and theology; (d)  the Christology of the arts, with special attention to the novel and film; (e) the Christology of contemporary Jesus historians.

   To develop an acquaintance with the present state of biblical scholarship and the critical arms of research on the Jesus question that have developed over the past half century,  including an examination of  the Gospel story and the work of Jesus historians,

    To take a step forward toward understanding the “historical Jesus” whose words, acts, person, and presence gave rise to twenty centuries of Christological art, architecture, theology, music, literature, creeds, educational institutions, hospitals, and agencies of human service.

   To work toward a  better understanding  of why it is that Jesus of Nazareth has exercised such a catalytic effect on the human psyche/soul , as evident not only within the Christian church and its institutions, but in world religious tradition and the arts.

  To sort out one’s own perspective on Jesus and the Christological tradition and to consider  the implications this might have for the way I get out of bed tomorrow.