The Gospel of John and the Odes of Solomon

Course description: 

The Odes of Solomon are a collection of 42 Christian hymns from the late first or early to mid-second centuries. They were composed in Syria and known from Egypt to Rome. They celebrate Christ as the Logos, the Virgin Birth, the Trinity, the crucifixion and descent of Christ into Hades. Discover these Odes and their meaning. In this course you will consider the evidence and reach your own conclusions about the nature and purpose of the Odes and their theology. What was their purpose? What setting were they used in? Join me in this Biblical detective work, comparing them with New Testament texts, particularly the Gospel of John. 

Objectives:

1. To apply the historical-critical method to the Odes of Solomon
2. To apply the historical-critical method to the Gospel of John
3. To consider the possible relationships between the odes and the Fourth Gospel

Learning outcomes: 

1. To evaluate the value of the Odes of Solomon for an understanding of John's Gospel
2. To practice diachronic exegetical methods by doing an exegesis of an Ode
3. To analyse the evidence for an understanding of the Odes.

Assessment methods:

There are 8 self-assessed exercises for the students to complete and also mark. Marking their own answers is part of the pedagogy. Answers are provided.

There is no course quiz. The whole course is a quiz, leading up to the final assignment.

One final assignment requires the student to apply their knowledge to a particular text using the historical-critical / diachronic method of exegesis.

Course Contents: