The Gospel of Thomas Goes Public

Based on the information provided, here's a summary of what you need to know about the course "Exploring the Gospel of Thomas" and its instructors:

Course Overview:

• The course is titled "Exploring the Gospel of Thomas."
• It is designed for beginners, but will also be beneficial for intermediate level Bible students.
• The course consists of seven sections, each focusing on a basic question about the Gospel of Thomas.
• There are four assignments to encourage reflection and personal engagement with the material.
• Two quizzes summarize half of the course content each, helping to ensure understanding of the material.

Who should take this course?

• Bible study group members
• Individuals interested in ancient sacred texts and their historical contexts
• Those who want to know more about Jesus' teachings as recorded outside the New Testament
• Christians seeking to understand their religious heritage
• People looking for spiritual insights from old sacred texts
• Anyone interested in resolving controversial issues concerning the Gospel of Thomas

Instructors:

Shirley Paulson:

• Has a PhD in Religion and Theology, with a focus on extracanonical texts.
• Has experience as Head of Ecumenical Affairs for The Christian Science Church and on the Board of the North American Academy of Ecumenists.
• Specializes in combining healing practices, theological scholarship, and research in Practical Theology with her exploration of ancient texts.
• Publishes articles and book chapters on spiritual healing and early Christ movements.

Hal Taussig:

• Is a retired professor and minister who taught New Testament studies.
• Has pastoral experience and has served in various capacities at different institutions.
• Engages with 1st-and 2nd-century Christic imagination through research on ancient Mediterranean practices.
• Has written several books, including works reimagining ancient texts from a contemporary perspective.
• Has given lectures internationally and been a collaborator at Early Christian Texts.

Course Format:

• All passages studied are highlighted for easy reference as you read along.
• The course includes a combination of lectures, assignments, and quizzes to facilitate learning and understanding of the Gospel of Thomas.

If you are interested in this course, it seems to be an opportunity to gain valuable insights into one of the lesser-known but influential texts related to the life and teachings of Jesus. The course promises to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for this ancient document and its place within the broader context of Christian Scriptures and thought.

Overall Course Review

The course has received an overwhelmingly positive response from recent reviews, with a global rating of 4.90 out of 5. The consensus among students is that the course effectively bridges the understanding of the Bible, particularly the Gospel of Thomas, and its historical context. Here's a detailed breakdown of the course's strengths and areas for improvement:

Pros:

• Engaging Content: Students have found the material on the Gospel of Thomas, as well as early church history, to be extremely interesting and thought-provoking, often surpassing their expectations. (Review 1, Review 3, Review 6, Review 8, Review 9)

• Interactive Learning: The course's interactive elements such as quizzes, discussions, and the opportunity to share thoughts have been highlighted for their effectiveness in engaging students. (Review 2, Review 7, Review 10, Review 12)

• Instructor Enthusiasm and Expertise: Enthusiastic delivery by Shirley Paulsson, along with insights from Hal Taussig, have been appreciated for their clarity and the stimulation they provide for independent thought. (Review 5, Review 11, Review 14)

• Pacing and Structure: The course's pace is considered just right for learners to comprehend and absorb the information, with bite-sized modules that are easy to navigate. (Review 4, Review 13, Review 15)

• Educational Value: Students have noted the comprehensive teaching of the subject matter, which combines both in-depth analysis of the sayings with significant historical background on the development of the New Testament. (Review 11, Review 16, Review 17)

• Promotion of Self-Reflection: The course encourages deep self-reflection and thinking outside the box, which has been a valuable aspect of the learning experience. (Review 10, Review 14)

Cons:

• Confusion at Start: Some students found the material a bit confusing initially, suggesting that a more structured introduction might help ease into the course content. (Review 2)

• Adjustment Period: A few learners mentioned they were getting used to the online course format, indicating there might be a learning curve for newcomers. (Review 5, Review 6)

• Diverse Perspectives: While the different perspectives offered by the instructors are valued, some students may find the varying views on certain topics initially confusing but ultimately beneficial. (Review 12)

In summary, this course is a well-received and enlightening exploration of the Gospel of Thomas and its relationship to the Bible, offering a fresh format with interactive elements and insightful lectures that challenge students to think deeply about their Christian heritage. The positive feedback from recent reviews underscores the course's effectiveness in delivering a rich learning experience.