Class: Overview of the Four Gospels

This class of six weekly 90-120 minute sessions is for anyone who has any interest in studying the Bible, either for the first time or in greater depth than in the past. It is an excellent way to encounter Jesus in a new way, experiencing the entire accounts of his life as passed down to us. It helps newcomers to scripture get a sense of how to begin reading the Bible, as well as giving a great deal of more "academic" background for those who are hungering for that.

During the course, class participants are asked to read all four gospels in their entirety in consecutive weeks. (It's not as hard as it sounds!) For those who have never done this before, it is a very eye-opening experience. Students in the past were surprised to discover some things that were in the Gospels that they didn't know were included and some things that weren't in them that they assumed were. Also, they experienced a sense of empowerment in "seeing for themselves" what is in the Gospels rather than having someone else tell them what the Gospels are about.

We spend time each week discussing the history of the Gospels, for example: Who were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John anyway? When did they write the Gospels? Who did they write them for? Why did they include or exclude what they did? What are their different Christologies? Why are Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels so similar, and why is John’s so different?

The class includes power point presentations, handouts, and class discussion.

Sample Announcement

We are offering a six week "Overview of the Four Gospels" class taught by Ann Naffziger, MA, MDiv.

Whether you’ve never cracked open that family Bible on your mantle or you have some background with Bible study groups or scripture classes, this course has something for everyone. From the very basics ("Who were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and when did they write the gospels anyway?") to more complex questions ("Why is Jesus portrayed so differently in each gospel?" and "What are the apocryphal gospels?"), we’ll explore the gospels in an exciting and thought-provoking manner.

You’re guaranteed to learn something new and you’ll come away with greater insights about who Jesus is/can be for you. There will be no "homework" except that the class will read each gospel in its entirety during the course. (It's not as hard as it sounds!).

Feedback From Past Participants

I enjoyed everything about the class. This is the first time that I have read the Gospels straight through. I appreciated that!

I enjoyed looking at the Gospels as a whole - I get the sense of the different Christ in each Gospel. I came away with a fuller picture of Christ. I appreciated the variety of materials that Ann brought to each Gospel class and the extensive notes. I enjoyed her enthusiasm and knowledge!

It was helpful to learn the historical context of the Gospels, do comparative readings, and build on the teachings of the Catholic faith. The class discussions were great!

I learned several new things that deepen my understanding of the Gospels. And what a fascinating group of people!

I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and knowledge you brought to the class.

The learning, discussions, and the whole experience were wonderful. I've learned so much and want more! I've enjoyed the whole series very very much!! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge.

I loved reading all four Gospels in four weeks and comparing them. I loved our discussions and observations, and I most enjoyed your knowledge and teaching ability. You have set up this class very well. The materials, handouts, and overheads were so informative and helpful. Your teaching style is effective because you know your material so well. I'm eager to come to your next class.

It was great to go completely through the Gospels. Usually I just get "pieces." Things become much clearer when read and discussed in order. I hope to continue to learn more on these going forward!

I appreciated the involvement of all participants, in addition to the lectures. The insights, wisdom, and questions of everyone contributed wonderfully.

Excellent group dynamics, handouts, and Powerpoint presentations. You are a very good teacher!

This was my first-time experience of Scripture study, and I really learned a lot in this course. Excellent facilitation of discussions. The handouts were quite helpful. I also appreciated the suggested references and additional readings.

This is my first experience being led in Bible study by an actual teacher. It was a joyful experience.

The content was excellent. The teaching style was quite good -- excellent. Materials were quite thorough -- more than I could read at the time, but I'll refer back to it. Really well done.

There was more information and more focus on Jesus and the wonderful things he did, and the suffering He endured for us. I enjoyed it all.

I appreciated Ann's willingness to answer questions and research answers. She is very knowledgeable on the subject and it was easy to understand her presentation of the material. Terrific class! I would recommend it to others.

About the Instructor

Ann Naffziger holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union. She has has written articles on spirituality and theology for several national publications and edited several books on the Hebrew Scriptures. She has served parishes as a director of faith formation and as a director of R.C.I.A. She is currently a lecturer at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, a scripture instructor, a spiritual director, and a regular columnist for BustedHalo.com.