Christian Tradition, Study Guide

Judaism and Early Christian Anti-Judaism


Be sure to see the revised schedule on the syllabus!!

Important people, terms, and concepts; know their significance for Christianity

orthodox

proto-orthodox

heresy

Epistle of Barnabas

Melito of Sardis

covenant

main elements of Judaism

Early Christian anti-Judaism

 

Study questions for class

Ehrman writes in his introduction to the Epistle of Barnabas that for the author of the text, “the Old Testament is a Christian, not a Jewish book, and it is Christians, not Jews, who are the people of God.” What examples from the actual text can you find to explain what he means?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does Melito justify his accusation that Jews are God-killers? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Melito's accusation problematic?  Why is this accusation important to understand?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do early Christian writers spend so much time talking about Judaism?  Why does this matter?

 

 

 

You are welcome to bring any other questions/discussion topics to class as well.