The Parables of Jesus:
Making the Familiar Strange
PROFESSOR:
Garwood P. Anderson, PhD
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Jesus’ parables represent some of the most intriguing, some of the most worked-over, and, unfortunately, sometimes the most misunderstood material in Holy Scripture. For all their apparent simplicity (blithely socalled “earthly stories with heavenly meaning”), the parables still elude, befuddle, and frustrate straightforward understanding.In this short course on parables, we will consider parables that we thought we’ve always understood along with those that have never really made sense. Prepare for Jesus to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1: An Introduction to Parables
Week 2: That Pesky Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
Week 3: Those Ungrateful Vineyard Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16)
Week 4: That Conniving Businessman (Luke 16:1-13)
Week 5: The Lost Sheep, Coins, and Sons (Luke 15:1-32)
RECOMMENDED READINGS
Introductory:
Wenham, David. The Parables of Jesus. Jesus Library. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1989.Anderson, Garwood P. “Parables.” Pages 651-63 in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Edited by Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin. 2nd ed. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2013.
Advanced:
Bailey, Kenneth E. Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes: A Literary-Cutural Approach to the Parables of Luke. Combined edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.Encyclopedic:
Snodgrass, Klyne. Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.
Is this course really free?
Yes! Courses like these are provided free by generous donors. If you would like to make a gift to support these and future online courses, you may do so here.
How long will this course be available?
There's also no need to worry about losing access to the material. Because the course is pre-recorded, you can watch the lectures and complete the reading and other assignments at a time that works for you, and you will never be late to class!
How do I access the course materials?
For the best experience, we recommend signing up by clicking here. After you sign up, we will send you an email confirming your place in the class. The email usually takes a few minutes to arrive. If you have not received it after ten minutes, please check your spam folder.
You will then receive a lesson email each week prompting you to continue your studies.
Do I need to download any specific programs or technology prior to the beginning of this course?
You will be able to access all of the course materials using a standard web browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. The course materials will be provided through The Chapter, and a free Chapter Membership is required. If you haven't done so already, sign up today by clicking here.
What materials will be provided for the course?
By choosing to participate you will have access to:
- Full-length video lectures
- Course Syllabus
- Suggested reading lists
- Lesson summaries
- Discussion questions
- Quizzes
You are free to study in a manner that suits your learning style and your schedule. We will send you weekly emails to help you pace your studies.
Can I take this course with a group of people?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. You are welcome to use and share the content of this course with friends and fellow parishioners. We hope that this course will spark fruitful discussions in your group. For the best experience, we suggest that each participant sign up so they can have access to all available materials.
Is this course section accredited?
No, this course section is not accredited at Nashotah House or any other institution. However, it is a small taste of the accredited courses taught at Nashotah House. If you are interested in becoming a student at Nashotah House, please contact our admissions office at admissions@nashotah.edu.
This course is sponsored by
