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Academic Online Courses - MVP Courses

MVP Courses

Newest Featured Courses

Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey through the enigmatic world of the Dead Sea Scrolls and their profound connection to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ? Do you ever wonder about the historical and spiritual tapestry that shaped the life and teachings of Jesus? Join us in our transformative course, “Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls,” where history, spirituality, and ancient wisdom converge.

 Unlock the Secrets of a Pivotal Era in History in this Ten-Part Lecture Series 
 
Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls” peels back the layers of history and spirituality to answer one central question: Was Jesus influenced by the mysterious Jewish sect that penned the Dead Sea Scrolls? In this exhilarating journey, we will explore a myriad of captivating topics, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this enigmatic period in history.
 
What You Can Expect to Take Away from “Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls” Course?
  • In-Depth Historical Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious context of the late 2nd Temple and early Roman periods, providing a solid foundation for studying the life and teachings of Jesus.
  • Insights into the Dead Sea Scrolls: Explore the Dead Sea Scrolls, unraveling their significance as ancient texts and their implications for understanding Jewish and early Christian history.
  • Connection to Jesus’ Time: Discover the profound connections between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the world in which Jesus lived, shedding light on his teachings and the spiritual environment of his era.
  • Spiritual and Theological Understanding: Dive into the apocalyptic literature, messianic expectations, and eschatological beliefs of the time, deepening your insight into the religious milieu that influenced both the Scrolls and Jesus’ mission.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Develop critical thinking and analytical skills as you engage with historical sources, texts, and interpretive traditions, enabling you to assess ancient texts and their relevance critically.
  • Interpretive Abilities: Enhance your ability to interpret and analyze ancient manuscripts, making connections between textual variations, cultural contexts, and theological implications.
  • Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast the Dead Sea Scrolls with the New Testament and other relevant texts, highlighting both similarities and differences that contribute to a more nuanced understanding of early Christianity.
  • Historical and Theological Context: Grasp how the Scrolls’ teachings on topics like the Messiah, covenant, and atonement relate to the foundational elements of Jesus’ ministry and the development of Christian theology.
  • Broadened Perspective: Gain a broader perspective on the diverse religious and philosophical currents of the era, allowing you to appreciate the complexity of the spiritual landscape in which Jesus and early Christians emerged.
  • Community and Discussion: Engage in discussions with fellow learners, sharing ideas and perspectives, and building a community of like-minded individuals passionate about history, spirituality, and ancient wisdom.
  • Informed Reflection: Formulate well-informed reflections and interpretations of the historical and spiritual dimensions of Jesus’ life, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and their mutual impact.
  • Continued Exploration: Develop a thirst for continued exploration of the intersection of history, religion, and spirituality in the ancient world, inspiring further studies and research.

By the end of “Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls,” you will leave with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of history, spirituality, and ancient wisdom, equipping yourself with valuable knowledge and insights that continue to shape our understanding of Jesus and the foundational beliefs of Christianity.

Dr. James D. Tabor

Biblical Scholar | Retired Professor | Author | Public Speaker | Blogger | Featured by National & International Media

sign up for this online course for a one-time fee with lifetime access – learn more now…

Unforgettable Footprints Of The Pauline Legacy:
Lasting Impacts Of Apostle Paul

Dr. Robyn Faith Walsh

Unmasking the Enigmatic Apostle Paul: Explore His Legacy in an Exciting Online Course!

Unlock the secrets of early Christianity and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the life and teachings of the enigmatic Apostle Paul. 

Join us as we peel back the layers of history and dive into Paul’s unparalleled influence. While the canonical gospels may dominate our perception of the Jesus movement, it’s time to discover a hidden truth: our earliest confirmed sources for early Christianity are none other than Paul’s letters. 
 
Prepare to be captivated by the first-century world of philosophy, where Paul’s corner of the early Christian movement sought to explain their beliefs through “science” rather than theology. As we journey together, you’ll witness the fascinating transformation of Paul’s true identity, separate from the later romanticized portrayal found in texts like the Acts of the Apostles. Dare to explore the landscape described by Paul—one strewn with opponents and self-proclaimed “superapostles,” each proclaiming alternative “gospels” contrary to Paul’s own.
 
Embark on a thrilling expedition with us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding Paul’s adversaries and critically examine the extent of his control and influence over the communities he addressed. The puzzles deep within Paul’s letters await your decoding expertise—discover the true meaning behind his references to “spiritual” or pneumatic demonstrations and unlock the profound significance of his words.
 
This course is not just about Paul; it’s a journey that will challenge your perceptions and open new avenues of understanding. Explore the theoretical and historiographic issues surrounding our sources and witness how New Testament scholars approach these sacred texts within their field of expertise.
 
Enroll now in this thought-provoking course and become part of a community engaged in enthralling discussions about the enigmatic figure, his letters, and the extraordinary world that shaped him. Unveil the mysteries, gain profound insights, and transform your understanding of early Christianity. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!

sign up for this online course for a one-time fee with lifetime access – learn more now…

Real Israelite Religions:
Facts on the Ground and Propaganda in the Bible

This “Real Israelite Religions: Facts on the Ground and Propaganda in the Bible” course will provide an in-depth study of  Israelite religions in the Iron Age.

This eighteen lecture, online course examines the religious forms and institutions of the Iron Age people who identified themselves as the “Sons of Israel.” Through careful readings of the Hebrew Bible and close attention to the material culture of the region, the course offers an in-depth survey of the geography and climate of Syro-Palestine and how the natural environment shaped national and cultural ideals expressed in an agrarian calendar.
 
The course delves into the ancient Israelite worldview, including their polytheistic gods and their function, the structure of the world, the structure of an Israelite household, and the nature of “covenants” in the ancient near Eastern world. It explores the religious rituals and observances performed by the people of the Iron Age CisJordan and how they were idealized in the biblical texts. Additionally, it examines the nature and history of the early monarchy in Israel and Judah and how royal power deeply informed and affected religious expression.
 
Furthermore, the course analyzes the emergence, nature, and role of “prophets” in Israel. It places a particular focus on the Jerusalem Temple, comparing it to the archaeological remains of temple structures discovered across the Mediterranean Basin, and exploring its highly visual and performative aspects.
 
Lastly, the course reconstructs systems of pedagogy from biblical texts, with a specific focus on so-called “Wisdom” texts. Ultimately, the course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religious forms and institutions of the Iron Age Israelites, which were codified as expressions of royal power and national identity in the literature of early Judaism.

Dr. Kipp Davis

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Reading The Gospels With One Eye On Greek Poetry

Dr. Dennis R. MacDonald

Unlock the Secrets of the Synoptic Gospels – Discover the captivating world of imitations of Greek poetry in the Gospels with “Reading the Gospels with One Eye on Greek Poetry” online course. Led by esteemed scholar, Dr. Dennis R. MacDonald, this course delves into the influence of ancient Greek poetry on New Testament narratives. Through a series of eighteen engaging and thought-provoking lectures, ranging from 20-40 minutes each, you’ll gain a greater understanding of this fascinating topic, more than most biblical scholars even.

Explore the groundbreaking Mimesis Criticism method and its seismic implications for the study of the Gospels, and delve into individual episodes about the life of Jesus in Mark and Luke, comparing them to their Homeric ancestors. This course provides a unique and valuable opportunity for students to explore the intersections of literature, religion, and culture. From the dynastic prophecies and angelic annunciations of Luke’s Gospel, to the Homeric episodes and themes of power, betrayal, and redemption in Mark’s Gospel, our course offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse themes and narratives that make up the Bible.

With a focus on critical thinking and analytical skills that can be applied across a range of academic disciplines, this course offers a truly unique and valuable learning experience that is intellectually stimulating. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the Gospels and stand out as an expert in the field!

sign up for this online course for a one-time fee with lifetime access – learn more now…

More Available Courses

New Testament Studies For Everyone

Dr. Richard Carrier

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of the New Testament? Join Dr. Richard Carrier, an expert in paleography, papyrology, and ancient Greek from Columbia University, as he guides you through an exhilarating course on “New Testament Studies for Everyone”.

In this course, you’ll learn how to investigate, criticize, and study the New Testament from a unique perspective that considers how the text is constructed from manuscripts. Even if you have no prior knowledge of the Greek language, Dr. Carrier will teach you how to work from the original Greek by only learning the alphabet and terminology of grammar. Additionally, you’ll discover how to utilize academic and peer-reviewed biblical scholarship to its fullest potential.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop valuable skills such as locating Greek words in the Bible and finding their definitions online, critically examining English translations, and analyzing differences in manuscript texts. You’ll also learn to discern common errors and deliberate alterations in biblical manuscripts and interpret them accordingly.

This course will not only give you a better understanding of the contents, history, and assembly of the New Testament, but it will also provide you with a deeper appreciation for ancient history and the complexities of preserving and transmitting ancient writing.

With lifetime access to the course material through MVP Courses, you can learn at your own pace and refer back to the information and materials whenever you need them. By the end of this course, you’ll have an exciting new skill-set that will enhance your ability to discuss, argue, and analyze the Christian Bible. Register today and embark on an adventure of discovery and learning!

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Creating Jesus: Why Mark's Gospel Was Forgotten!

Dr. James D. Tabor

This Gospel of Mark course will provide an in-depth study of one of the four biblical Gospels in the New Testament. It will offer insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as well as the early Christian community. The course will also examine the literary, historical, and theological context of the Gospel of Mark and its significance in the development of Christianity. Additionally, it will provide a deeper understanding of the Bible and its impact on religious and cultural history.

Scholars have put forward a variety of perspectives on the Gospel of Mark. Some argue that it is the earliest of the four Gospels, written around the year 70 CE, and that it served as a source for the other Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Luke). Others suggest that it was written later, around the year 80-90 CE. Many scholars see the Gospel of Mark as a product of the early Christian community, written to address the needs and concerns of that community. They argue that the author of Mark chose certain events and teachings of Jesus to emphasize and that these choices reveal something about the community’s beliefs and practices.

Overall, scholars have a wide range of perspectives on the Gospel of Mark, but they all agree that it is an important text for understanding the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian community. To learn more about the Gospel of Mark from one of the lead experts in the field, Dr. James D. Tabor, then register now! 

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The Quest For The Historical Jesus

Some claim that Jesus is just an idea or a myth, rather than a real historical figure. Regardless of what one’s personal religious beliefs may or may not be, Jesus of Nazareth has been the most influential figure in the history of Western culture for almost twenty centuries.

How did Jesus’ existence come to be questioned? How do historians sort fact from fiction when it comes to Jesus? Join Dr. Dale C. Allison Jr. in this online course to find out.

Dr. Dale C. Allison Jr.

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The Ancient Greek Mysteries & Christianity

Dr. M. David Litwa

Have you ever heard of the Greco-Roman mystery religions, also known as mystery cults?

Dr. M. David Litwa takes us through the various ancient Greco-Roman mystery religions from a scholarly perspective. Why do scholars speculate that initiates were given some form of secret knowledge? What else do scholars speculate?

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New Course Coming Soon