Early Judaism and Christianity: The Historical Parting of the Ways

While Jesus and his earliest followers lived as practicing Jews, modern Judaism and Christianity stand as two distinct global religions. Understanding how, why, and when these two paths diverged is essential for grasping the foundations of Western history and theology. In this text-based course, you will explore the historical evolution of early Jewish-Christian relations through the lens of modern scholarship. You will transition from basic definitions to a nuanced understanding of the social, political, and theological forces that gradually separated these sister traditions. What you'll learn: Understand the Jewish context of the historical Jesus and the earliest Jesus movement; Analyze the key theological debates, such as the status of the Torah and Gentile inclusion, that initiated the divergence; Examine the impact of major historical events, including the destruction of the Second Temple, on both communities; Explore modern scholarly perspectives, including the parting of the ways model and contemporary alternative theories; Identify how early literary polemics and social boundaries shaped the distinct identities of both religions. The course begins with foundational concepts and historical terminology before moving chronologically through the key events and writings of the first few centuries. You will engage with primary source excerpts and modern historical analysis to build a well-rounded perspective. This course is designed for beginners, history buffs, and theology students with no prior background in biblical studies or ancient history. Start reading today to uncover the shared roots and complex history of these two influential traditions.