Ancient Judaism and the Origins of Christianity
This foundational course explores the history, culture, and spiritual world of ancient Judaism, which gave birth to Christianity and rabbinic Judaism. Discover the faith and piety that shaped Jesus and his movement. Encounter the groups—Pharisees and Sadducees, institutions—the temple and synagogue, and personalities of the world of ancient Judaism. Explore the sources and literature of the period that provide windows into the world of the New Testament. If you’ve ever wanted to understand the origins of Christianity, this is the course for you!
Your Instructor
Marc Turnage holds an MA in Ancient Judaism and the Origins of Christianity from Jerusalem University College. He is currently finishing his PhD in the Land of Israel Studies Department at Bar Ilan University located in Ramat Gan, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Esther Eshel. Marc has taught graduate and undergraduate students at several universities in the United States and abroad.
Marc moved to Israel to study because he felt that the issues of spatial, historical, cultural, and spiritual settings played a vital role in how we read the Bible. While studying in Israel, he fell in love with the lands of the Bible. He has been guiding groups through Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy for over twenty years. Marc is a highly sought-after guide and teacher and routinely trains and lectures local tour guides about guiding Christian groups. He is passionate about leading biblical tours that deliver the very finest experience and helping people understand how to read the Bible.
Marc has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows Into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker, and a gifted teacher. He resides in Springfield, MO with his family.