What is meant in the Gospel According to John by its opening statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” What is the Word of God & how is the Word God? Use the Prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) to discuss what is meant by the Word & how it relates to Jesus, the subject of the Gospels, and Christ, the redeemer of the Christian faith. While it might be helpful for your argument to put the Gospel of John in its historical and social context, you might also consider writing your essay to follow the Prologue itself, explaining its various terms and concepts.
Texts
1) Linda Woodhead, Christianity: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2014)
2) Richard Bauckham, Jesus: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2011)
3) Bernard McGinn, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library, 2006)