RLG241Y Essay Topics, UTM, 2004
For this assignment, you can write either a research essay or a pericope analysis. Most of these
topics will require you to consider the conflicting ways that scholars have interpreted particular
passages in the gospels and decide which interpretation makes the most sense of what the
evangelist wrote. Rather than arbitrarily choosing one interpretation over another, you will need
to substantiate your position with reference to features in the text, in the same way that the
scholars whose works you will be consulting argue the merits of their interpretations and expose
the weaknesses of competing interpretations. Consult the essay guide (see the course web page
under October 26) for directives on how to find books and articles on the topic you choose. Your
essay will be graded in accordance with the directives given in the essay guide.
Research Essays
The Gospel of Mark
Scholars have noticed some puzzling themes in Mark, such as the messianic secret (Jesus
attempts to keep his messiahship a secret in this story), the mystery of the kingdom of God (see
Mark 4:11), and the imperceptiveness of Jesus’ disciples. After researching what scholars have
written about one of these themes, decide which explanation best accounts for all of the relevant
details in Mark’s story and then write an essay that argues in support of that explanation. (This
may be your own theory or one you encountered in your research.) Be sure to demonstrate the
problems or weaknesses of the explanations you reject.
In his second lecture on the Gospel of Mark, your humble professor argued that the author of the
Gospel of Mark viewed Jesus as a mere mortal whom God empowered with his spirit in order to
carry out the function of messiah; it is the spirit of God which allows Mark’s Jesus to prophecy,
cast out demons, and perform miracles, just as this spirit was said to have empowered Saul,
David, Elijah, and Elisha. There are other scholars of Mark who believe that Mark viewed Jesus
as inherently divine. After researching the arguments that scholars have made on this issue, write
a paper that defends the position that, in your view, best accounts for all of the relevant details in
Mark. Note: Do not defend the position that fits best with your theological predilections. Defend
the view that fits best with the relevant facts of Mark’s narrative.
Most scholars believe that 16:8 is the original ending of Mark’s gospel. Why does it end so
abruptly on a note of fear? After researching what scholars have written on this subject, decide
which explanation best accounts for all of the relevant details in Mark’s story and then write an
essay that argues in support of that explanation. (This may be your own theory or one you
encountered in your research.) Be sure to demonstrate the problems or weaknesses of the
explanations you reject.
Where was the Gospel of Mark written? Research the various arguments that scholars have made
in favour of different locations, and then write a paper that argues in favour of one locality over
the others (e.g., Rome, Alexandria, Syria, Galilee).
Each author of the New Testament has his own distinctive conception of the theological
significance of Jesus’ crucifixion. After researching the views of experts on the Gospel of Mark,
develop a thesis concerning Mark’s understanding of the crucifixion and write an essay arguing
that this thesis is correct. You must, of course, base your arguments upon the relevant passages in
the Gospel of Mark.
The Gospel of Matthew
What is Jesus’ attitude towards the Law of Moses (Torah) in the Gospel of Matthew? How is this
attitude evident in the way Matthew redacted the legal passages that he derived from Mark?
What is Matthew’s understanding of the theological significance of Jesus’ death? (See the
corresponding instructions under The Gospel of Mark.)
Matthew’s Jesus expresses both positive and negative opinions about Gentiles. Study these
statements in Matthew and what scholars have said about them, and then write an essay that
answers the question, How does Matthew view Gentiles?
The Gospel of Luke
Some scholars describe Luke’s Jesus as a feminist. Examine the relevant evidence in the Gospel
of Luke, and then write an essay arguing for or against this conception of Luke’s Jesus.
What is Luke’s understanding of the theological significance of Jesus’ death? How is Luke’s
distinctive conception evident in the way he revised the relevant passages in Mark? (See the
corresponding instructions under The Gospel of Mark.)
Pericope Analysis
Choose a pericope in Matthew (or Luke) in which the evangelist is relying primarily on Mark as
his source. Create a synopsis for this pericope (like my handout of the Transfiguration) that
places Mark’s pericope and the corresponding passage in Matthew (or Luke) in parallel columns.
Carefully examine Matthew’s (or Luke’s) redaction of Mark, considering what he changed and
what he left the same. Finally, write a paper explaining how Matthew’s (or Luke’s) redaction in
this pericope is consistent with that author’s theological interests. See the handout Pericope
Analysis for more detailed instructions.