Introduction to the New Testament History and Literature
Yale's Dale Martin leads this Open Yale Courses survey of the New Testament as ancient literature and historical document rather than scripture. Lectures, recorded from a Yale College course taught twice weekly, examine the origins of Christianity through the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline letters, and other early Christian writings, placed in the context of the Roman world and Jewish tradition. A central theme is the diversity within earliest Christianity, tracking competing communities and theologies rather than a single unified movement. The course covers authorship debates, the formation of the canon, and methods historians use to read ancient religious texts critically. Materials include full video lectures and a syllabus; Martin's companion book is referenced but not required. Free to audit, with no certificate offered through this platform.