DESCRIPTION:

This course, a doctoral-level seminar open to a limited number of 500-level students, aims to review a sampling of major studies and monographs on 1 Corinthians published over the past quarter century, with a view toward learning what they contribute to an increased understanding of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.

First Corinthians shows how one of Paul's congregations met with problems that have a decidedly modern ring: divisiveness, ministerial favoritism, moral failure, spiritual elitism, charismatic excess, theological heresy, financial delinquency. Specialized studies provide fresh approaches to the interpretation, application, and preaching of this fascinating letter.

The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. The course will be conducted as a seminar, with students making class presentations based on their analysis of one (or more) of the many studies surrounding 1 Corinthians.

Nestle, Erwin and Kurt Aland et al. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993. The teacher will use this edition ("Nestle-Aland" or "Nestle27") primarily.

Winter, Bruce W. After Paul Left Corinth: The Influence of Secular Ethics and Social Change. Eerdmans 2001. All students will be asked to read this study, which the teacher will treat at the first class session.

Thiselton, Anthony C. The First Epistle to the Corinthians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000. Very thorough, rich bibliography, much history of interpretation. Will be used as a guide to literature through about 1999.

Students enrolling in the course can select from a list the teacher will provide containing recent studies and commentaries. They will be asked to provide to classmates, by the Friday prior to their scheduled Tuesday presentation, a thorough analysis and critique of the selected book (two to three thousand words)--with two books scheduled for each day the seminar meets. Seminar sessions will allow for brief oral summaries of the analysis, with the student then guiding the discussion. Presenters should locate and engage all major critical reviews. Students who want an early claim on titles can reach the teacher by email at this address: spittler@fuller.edu. Those enrolled at the 800 level will be asked to produce also a paper of about 5,000 words that gives a critical summary of recent studies in 1 Corinthians.

NE502, NS501, and permission of instructor.

Elective for master's students.

None.