Explore the four gospels as historical documents to construct a biography of Jesus. The aim will be to separate the chaff (what early Christians invented about Jesus) from the wheat (what he really did and said). For example: Did early Christians invent Bethlehem as Jesus’s birthplace because they believed him to be descended from King David, who was born in Bethlehem? Jesus was probably born in Nazareth. The assignment is to read at least one of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark or Luke) and have a go at separating the wheat from the chaff.
Suggested reading: The Book of Matthew provides Jewish perspective. For a Greek-oriented gospel, read Luke. Do not choose Mark as the only reading. As the shortest gospel it’s good to read as a supplement to Matthew or Luke. The first few chapters of John are recommended to provide an agnostic perspective.