This graduate-level course examines the historical and theological significance of Mark’s ministry in Africa, as preserved in African traditions. Focusing on historical evidence, the course explores Mark’s role as a diaspora Jew from Cyrene, Libya, his missionary journey from Rome to the Pentapolis and Alexandria, Egypt, and his martyrdom, which established him as the apostolic founder of African Christianity. Students critically engage with primary sources, including the Coptic Synaxarion, Martyrium Marci, and writings of Sawirus ibn al-Muqaffa, to assess the plausibility of these traditions against Western scholarly skepticism. The course connects Mark’s work to the Missio Dei, God’s redemptive mission, as his proclamation of the Gospel, miracles, and confrontation of idolatry reflect the universal spread of Christianity across cultural boundaries, founding a vibrant African Christian community. Assignments include a source analysis paper evaluating the reliability of African texts, a research paper exploring themes like Mark’s role in Cyrene or the Alexandrian church, a 15-minute seminar presentation leading class discussion, and weekly reflection journals with active participation connecting Mark’s mission to the Missio Dei. Weekly seminars combine lectures, presentations, and discussions, fostering advanced research and theological reflection on Mark’s legacy as a bridge between Jewish, Gentile, and African Christian communities, challenging students to reconsider marginalized traditions in the context of God’s global mission.
This course equips students with advanced skills in historical and theological analysis by examining Mark the Evangelist’s role in African Christianity. Through engaging with primary sources like the Coptic Synaxarion and Martyrium Marci, students hone critical research abilities, evaluating evidence against Western scholarly perspectives. Assignments, including source analysis papers and research projects, foster deep academic inquiry, while seminar presentations enhance communication and leadership skills. Weekly reflections connect Mark’s mission to the Missio Dei, deepening theological understanding. Students gain a nuanced appreciation of African Christian heritage, preparing them to engage with diverse traditions in global ministry or academia.
This course is vital for understanding the underrepresented African roots of Christianity through Mark the Evangelist’s mission. By exploring historical evidence and African sources like Sawirus ibn al-Muqaffa, students challenge Western-centric narratives, gaining a broader perspective on early Christian history. The course’s focus on the Missio Dei underscores Mark’s role in God’s universal mission, offering insights into cross-cultural ministry relevant today. Through rigorous assignments and discussions, students develop critical skills to reassess marginalized traditions, making the course essential for those pursuing theology, history, or ministry, as it enriches their understanding of Christianity’s global legacy.
This course anchors students in biblical scholarship by analyzing Mark’s Gospel and African mission through primary sources like the Coptic Synaxarion. It fosters deep engagement with Scripture’s historical and theological context, equipping students to critically assess Mark’s role as the apostolic founder of African Christianity while challenging Western skepticism, enhancing their understanding of biblical authority and its application in diverse cultural settings.
The course connects Mark’s evangelistic work in Africa to the Missio Dei, highlighting his Gospel proclamation and church planting as part of God’s redemptive mission. By studying Mark’s cross-cultural ministry, students are inspired to participate in God’s global mission today, applying insights from his African legacy to contemporary ministry contexts with a focus on universal salvation.
Students explore Mark’s ministry within its African historical and cultural context, using sources like Sawirus ibn al-Muqaffa to assess its plausibility. The course challenges Western biases by emphasizing African Christian traditions, equipping students to interpret early Christianity with cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy, relevant for ministry in diverse global settings.
The course examines Mark’s role as a bridge between Jewish, Gentile, and African Christian communities, emphasizing his cross-cultural mission. Students develop skills to engage diverse cultures through assignments analyzing African sources, preparing them for intercultural ministry and fostering appreciation for global Christian heritage rooted in Mark’s African legacy.
Through source analysis papers, research projects, and seminar presentations, students hone practical skills in historical and theological research, critical thinking, and communication. These assignments prepare students for real-world applications in ministry or academia, enabling them to effectively analyze and share insights about Mark’s African mission in professional contexts.
Weekly reflection journals and discussions on Mark’s mission and the Missio Dei foster personal and spiritual growth. Students are transformed by engaging with African Christian traditions, rethinking marginalized histories, and applying these insights to their own faith and ministry, deepening their commitment to God’s global mission.
