Jesus in the Abrahamic Faiths: Comparative Perspectives

To understand the complex tapestry of global history and theology, one must explore how different traditions interpret their central figures. This text-based course offers an objective, comparative exploration of Jesus of Nazareth through the lenses of the three major Abrahamic religions. You will develop a nuanced understanding of how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam historically and theologically conceptualize Jesus, moving from ancient contexts to modern interfaith dialogue. What you'll learn: - Understand the historical context of first-century Judea and the origins of these diverse theological perspectives. - Explore the Jewish perspective on Jesus, focusing on historical-critical views, messianic expectations, and rabbinic literature. - Analyze the Christian development of Christology, tracing the theological journey from human teacher to divine savior. - Examine the Islamic view of Jesus as an esteemed prophet, studying his depiction in the Quran and Hadith. - Compare key theological concepts across all three traditions, identifying shared narratives and fundamental differences. - Apply modern interfaith literacy frameworks to foster respectful, objective, and constructive cross-cultural dialogue. The journey begins with essential terminology and the historical setting of the ancient Near East before diving into the specific scriptural and theological texts of each tradition. You will finish by exploring contemporary academic approaches to comparative religion and interfaith communication through structured written exercises. This course is designed for absolute beginners, history enthusiasts, and students of theology, requiring no prior knowledge of religious texts or languages. Expand your cultural and theological literacy by starting this comprehensive reading journey today.