Thoughts from Mark

So we had our first lecture on the actual text of Mark. Here are some issues I want to pursue further (not necessarily limited to Markan studies):

-The 'fresh perspective of Jesus,' which deals with Jesus' anti-empire stance and mission. How much of the New Testament is a critique of Rome and empires in general?

-The role of literary criticism as opposed to historical-critical biblical study. Does literary criticism of the gospels undermine or unnecessary ignore the historical references/issues?

-And my personal favorite: the New Testament's use of the Old Testament.