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.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a basic understanding of the ways in which biblical theology
has been defined and situated as a discipline; (2) an ability to articulate and
to reflect upon central theological themes of the Old Testament, and to relate
them to both the New Testament and to historic Christian theological
affirmations; (3) an awareness of how the historical and cultural
particularities behind Scripture have shaped its witness; (4) an appreciation
of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points
better to read, use, and obey the theological testimony of the Old Testament;
(5) basic skills in interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly
resources both critically and constructively.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: