This course provides new perspectives on the legacy of Jesus in the earliest Christian communities that include a fresh mixture of the traditional New Testament Gospels alongside a treasure chest of ancient texts that were lost for centuries and now have been discovered and translated: the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Thomas, the Acts of Paul and Thecla, the Prayer of Thanksgiving, and The Thunder: Perfect Mind. These texts are just as important as the canonical New Testament in shaping early Christian communities and beliefs. They reveal a fuller portrait of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus that broaden intellectual understanding and spiritual growth.

This course is offered as an independent study or in a cohort model. Cohorts meet in an interactive learning community. Students post assignments and are encouraged to comment on each other’s posts. The material from this course is ideal for homily development and pastoral education.

Class format for PCS cohort courses in teachable – one hours session in Zoom

Welcome and Opening Prayer

Conversation Starter Video

Assignment sharing by participants – 3 minutes each

Resources for going deeper

Closing Ritual