DESCRIPTION:

This course will introduce the student to the discipline of Old Testament theology, including both its central methodological concerns and a selective survey of its subject matter. Methodological issues will be put into relief by comparative studies of classic works in the field, particularly those of Eichrodt and von Rad. Themes to be treated will include God, creation, redemption, promise, covenant, people, land, and the nations. Relationships to the New Testament will be discussed within each topic. A constructive proposal will be offered for organizing a theology of the Old Testament around the issue of canonical unity and diversity.

Biblical theology may be thought of as the disciplined attempt to hear "the whole counsel of Scripture"; its challenge is to let each witness within the canon have its own particular "voice," while listening for the "melody" of the whole. In this way, biblical theology is distinct from both exegesis and systematic theology, and it is critical to both if they are to make their proper contribution to an informed faith.

The course will twice weekly for two hours.

Levenson, Jon D. Sinai and Zion: An Entry into the Jewish Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1987.

An extensive collection of readings from a course reader.

Bibliographic suggestions will be provided for each topic. The following are of general interest.

Brueggemann, Walter. Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997.

Goldingay, John. Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1: Israel's Gospel. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Ollenburger, Ben C., Elmer A. Martens, and Gerhard F. Hasel, eds. The Flowering of Old Testament Theology. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1992.

There will be two written requirements for the course:

1. A 12-15 page paper on a specific topic of Old Testament theology;

2. A final examination drawn from study questions provided in advance by the instructor.

OT501.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" or "c" (OTB or OTC).

Yes.