This undergraduate course investigates the historical and theological role of Mark the Evangelist in North Africa, as preserved in African Christian traditions that identify him as the first apostolically sent missionary to the continent. Students explore historical evidence from Coptic synaxaries, the Martyrium Marci, and writings by early church historians like Sawirus ibn al-Muqaffa, which trace Mark’s journey from Cyrene, Libya, to Alexandria, Egypt, where he founded the apostolic church and died as a martyr. The course connects Mark’s ministry to the Missio Dei, God’s mission to bring salvation to all nations, emphasizing his outreach to Gentiles and the establishment of African Christianity. Through primary sources, including New Testament texts and patristic writings, students evaluate the plausibility of these traditions against Western scholarly skepticism, exploring themes like Mark’s Gospel authorship, his ties to Peter, and the lion symbol in Coptic tradition. Assignments include weekly reading responses linking texts to the Missio Dei, a source analysis paper comparing African and biblical sources, group presentations on aspects of Mark’s legacy, a final essay on his mission’s theological significance, and class participation in discussions and debates.
By taking this course, students gain a deep understanding of early Christian history and African Christian traditions, particularly through the lens of Mark the Evangelist’s contributions in North Africa. They develop critical skills in historical analysis and theological reflection by engaging with primary sources like Coptic synaxaries and New Testament texts, enabling them to evaluate historical evidence and challenge Western scholarly perspectives. Through assignments such as source analysis papers, group presentations, and essays, students hone their research, writing, and presentation skills, while weekly responses foster connections between historical events and theological concepts like the Missio Dei. The course also cultivates cross-cultural awareness, equipping students to appreciate the diversity of global Christianity and its African roots, which enhances their ability to engage with multicultural perspectives in academic and real-world settings.
This course is important because it illuminates the often-overlooked African contributions to early Christianity, focusing on Mark the Evangelist’s pivotal role as a missionary and founder of the apostolic church in Alexandria. By exploring African traditions and historical evidence, it challenges Eurocentric narratives and broadens students’ understanding of the global spread of Christianity, particularly through the framework of the Missio Dei, which underscores God’s universal mission. Students should take this course to gain insight into the historical and theological significance of African Christianity, develop critical thinking skills through debates and source analysis, and appreciate the cultural and spiritual legacy of Mark’s ministry. This knowledge is vital for those interested in theology, history, or African studies, as it highlights the interconnectedness of faith across continents and eras.
This course grounds students in Scripture as the foundation for faith and missional practice by exploring Mark's Gospel authorship, ties to Peter, and New Testament texts alongside patristic writings. Through weekly responses linking sources to theological concepts, it fosters biblical interpretation relevant to African contexts, building a theology of mission that informs early Christian outreach and challenges Western skepticism with historical evidence.
Centered on the Missio Dei, the course examines Mark's role as the first apostolic missionary to Africa, emphasizing God's salvific mission to Gentiles and nations. Assignments like essays on Mark's theological significance identify missio dei implications for evangelism and church planting, transforming historical study into practical insights for joining God's redemptive work in diverse communities today.
By delving into North African Christian traditions via Coptic synaxaries and sources like the Martyrium Marci, the course incorporates cultural, historical, and sociographic data from ancient Libya and Egypt. Students evaluate traditions against broader evidence, developing missional approaches attuned to local African contexts while broadening understanding of Christianity's non-Eurocentric roots for informed global ministry.
Celebrating African contributions to Christianity, the course highlights Mark's outreach to Gentiles and Coptic symbols like the lion, embracing diverse faith expressions across cultures. Through source analysis comparing African and biblical narratives, it promotes cross-cultural awareness, equipping students to value global Christianity's interconnectedness and engage multicultural perspectives in theology and mission.
The course enhances missional skills through hands-on assignments: source analysis papers, group presentations on Mark's legacy, debates challenging Eurocentric views, and essays applying theology to practice. These develop research, writing, and critical thinking for effective ministry, honing students' giftedness in historical-theological reflection to strengthen community roles in evangelism and church leadership.
Via interactive discussions, debates, and reflective responses connecting Mark's martyrdom to personal faith, the course facilitates experiential learning. Students live out concepts through collaborative presentations and source critiques, followed by theological reflection on Missio Dei, fostering personal transformation and collaborative growth in appreciating African Christianity's spiritual legacy for holistic missional living.
