The goal of this colloquy will be to understand the process by which the synoptic gospels, Mark, Matthew, and Luke, made it into the canon; understand the relationship between the synoptic gospels; understand the different emphases and theological perspectives of the authors; and think about the role of the gospels in our culture. 

This is not a religiously oriented class; nor is it confessional (although we will necessarily be entertaining theological ideas). It is not intended to be a platform for statements of faith. No particular interpretation of the texts will be favored. It is academic and scholarly in its approach to the texts, to see where that approach leads and what it yields. Anyone is welcome, but all participants must be open to the many ways different people, both Christians and non-Christians have approached and understood it (to say nothing of the greatly differing interpretations different versions of Christianity have had).

The colloquy will have three elements, each of which will undoubtedly be part of every session, although to a differing degree: 

1. The basics of New Testament biblical criticism: The story of how each text came to be, a comparison of the gospels to each other, and exploration of whether we can learn anything at all about the historical Jesus from the gospels.
2. A close reading of each gospel, with a goal of discerning the author’s understanding of Jesus of Nazareth.
3. An exploration of ways these gospels have created our world, and continue to have tremendous influence for believers and non-believers alike.

As an undergraduate majoring in religion, and while getting a master’s degree in religious studies, Tim Seeley studied the New Testament and modern biblical criticism in some depth.  He has taught each of the gospels many times.