What are the Central Themes of the Gospel of Mark?

There are a number of themes portrayed in this Gospel. They are as follows:

1.Authority
 A knowledge and understanding of the way in which Mark's Gospel came to be written, and the implications of this for the authority of the Gospel for Christians today. A knowledge and understanding of various interpretations of the Gospel as 'The Word of God' (Literalism, Fundamentalism and the Liberal View).

2. The Person of Jesus
 The meaning and significance of Christian titles for Jesus, both for the disciples and for modem Christians. The relevance and importance of the Person of Jesus, as presented by Mark, for Christian faith today. Jesus is shown as the Son of God, The Son of Man, The Messiah, The Saviour and as Christ.

3. Suffering. Death and Resurrection
 Jesus' example of self-sacrifice and his suffering, death and resurrection. The central place which these events have within Christianity, and the Christian belief in life after death. Examples of this are shown in passages such as The Roman Trial and Mocking, The Cruxifixion, The Burial, The Empty Tomb and Ressurection Appearances.

4. The Christian Community
 The beginnings of the Christian community, its priorities and practices as shown in the life and teaching of Jesus. The importance and relevance of these themes for Christian life today. The Themes such as Baptism, Holy Commuinion, The Kingdom of God, Faith and Prayer and qualities such as Discipleship and Leadership.