13 January 2006

In my freshmen Intro to the New Testament class this semester, I have students from across the religious spectrum. Here is how the class breaks down (I will have about 65 students total so the numbers might be off a bit):

1. Non-denominational (non Churches of Christ): 17
2. Churches of Christ (9)
3. Baptist (7)
4. Roman Catholic (6)
5. Lutheran (5)
6. Pentecostal (4)
7. Non-believer (1)
8. Methodist (2)
9. Christadelphia (1)
10. Unsure (5)
11. Didn't vote (5)
--

I am not interested in converting these students to the tenets of Churches of Christ. I am interested in engaging all of them in the person of Jesus.

This class will seek to allow the world of the New Testament to absorb the world we find ourselves in. The class will discuss the basic features of the Christian faith as presented in the New Testament. Special attention will be given to the Gospel in relation to mission, discipleship, poverty, salvation, trinity, and the church. The class will emphasize the uniqueness of the four Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke and John); and the various writings of St. Paul and St. John. On occasion, the class will attempt to discuss the Christian faith in light of postmodernity and major world religions. It is my desire to capture the students’ imagination and appreciation for the story of Jesus (the Gospels) and the story of the Jesus Movement (the Church).


I understand the level of exposure to Christianity will be of great diversity. I will do whatever I can to assist you in making this class a powerful experience. Not only am I committed to providing pertinent information, but it is my desire for each of you to experience transformation.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Advice to New Students

Welcome to one of the best classes! I would like to bestow upon you young padawan some kindly words of advice. Do the reading (if you don't Josh(Mr. Graves) will get mad and give you pop quizes). Put in your community service hours early (as in, do them now) don't wait till the end of the semester. Otherwise...ask questions...you never know...you might get answers.

-Former Student

Anonymous said...

The last post contains mostly valuable information. Do read, and address the "community service" hours right off. Chances are you'll enjoy them.

Always buckle your seatbelts. There will be times when Mr Graves knows where he's going, but you don't know where he's going.

Once things get comfortable and you're making it in the 90-100 range, you may find it expedient to reduce the number of syllables in Mr Graves's title: just "Gravy". If you're in the 0-59 range you'll probably want to keep the original.