Religious Studies Student Research, Projects, and Publications

Johannine Online Community

Andrew Durdin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:30:00 PDT

This project is intended to depict the Gospel of John as a blog, an online conversation between several of the characters in John. It contains postings, replies, news articles, advertisements and pictures. The blog mainly emphasizes the material in John that depicts tensions over authority that John presents in reference to Thomas, Peter and Mary Magdalene. There are other scenes displayed however. The synoptic gospels and non-canonical gospels form a backdrop for this tension, but material from John is most prominent. I tried to be as diverse in representing each scene as I could. I tried to play the images used and posts off the medium in which they are displayed, both in form and content; these are ancient accounts and depictions of these accounts presented in markedly modern ways, via the Internet. The blogs are written in plain modern language with quotes from John incorporated.

Paul's 'Zine Number 6: Philemon

John Cadenhead — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:29:59 PDT

Illustrated 'zine of Paul's letter to Philemon.

Illustrated Mark: Aspects of Secrecy

Danielle Gillilan — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:29:58 PDT

One main theme within the Gospel of Mark is that of secrecy. Jesus does not permit demons to let his identity be known as he performs miracles and orders people not to tell. He also teaches in the form of parables, only revealing their meaning to his disciples. Despite Jesus' orders for people not to spread the word about his healings and miracles, the news is spread and a large crowd constantly follows Jesus. However, Jesus must reach the cross and fulfill his mission. My illustrated version of Mark highlights these areas of secrecy. Each page symbolizes Jesus' journey to the cross as many people come to follow him and spread news of his miracles. As the crowd surrounding Jesus grows, so do the decorations and colors on the pages. Nearing the passion narrative, the color of the pages elevates as so many have come to know about Jesus and Mark's emphasis on the crucifixion.