DESCRIPTION:

This course is a general introduction to the New Testament texts from Acts through Revelation with major emphasis given to the letters of Paul and Pauline studies. Attention is given to the first-century contexts (Judaism; Greco-Roman society; early church) of these documents, to the methodological issues of interpretation, and to the use of these texts in the church today.

An understanding of the letters of Paul, the other New Testament "letters," Acts, and Revelation is essential for Christian teaching, preaching, and ethics. Theological and hermeneutical reflection on these documents will greatly aid the student toward that end.

This course will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions. Class meetings will combine lectures, video tapes, discussion, individual and/or group assignments.

Barrett, C. K. Paul: An Introduction to His Thought. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

Jewett, Robert. Saint Paul at the Movies: The Apostle's Dialogue with American Culture. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Pregeant, Russell. Engaging the New Testament: An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Williams, Demetrius K. An End to This Strife: The Politics of Gender in African American Churches. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004.

Course Reader (recommended pre-reading before class begins).

*Braxton, Brad R. No Longer Slaves: Galatians and the African American Experience. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 2002.

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

*Jewett, Robert. Paul, the Apostle to America. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

Johnston, Robert K. Reel Spirituality. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2000.

Longenecker, Richard N., ed. The Road from Damascus: The Impact of Paul's Conversion on His Life. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1997.

1. Preparation of a brief essay (4-5 pages) on a recent movie and Paul's thought following the format in Johnston and Jewett's books (25%). Due Monday of second week.

2. Preparation of a brief essay (5-7 pages) on Paul's call and your call. Essay must reflect readings and reflections of articles by Myers, Stendahl, and Corley (in the course reader) (25%). Due Friday of first week.

3. Final exam (50%).

None.

Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).

Yes.