DESCRIPTION: The course will study the gospel as formulated christologically. It will start with an investigation into Jesus' self-revelation and into the rise of the apostolic kerygma, and then it will proceed (1) to expound the meanings of various kerygmatic formulae with various christological titles; (2) to appreciate some important models of Christology in the NT; and (3) to reflect systematically on the person and work of Christ. It will conclude with an appreciation of the development of the trinitarian conception of God.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: In this course the students are to obtain (1) a comprehensive knowledge of the apostolic gospel of Jesus Christ; (2) a training in the exegetical skills and in systematic theological reflection; and (3) an ability to reflect critically on how they might effectively preach the gospel in their situation today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The apostolic gospel is christocentric. So a firm grasp of it from the christological perspective is foundational for an effective ministry as well as for one's total theological reflection.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture and discussion. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Brown, R. E. An Introduction to New Testament Christology. New York: Paulist, 1994.

Hurtado, L. W. Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003.

Marshall, I. H. The Origins of New Testament Christology. 2nd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990.

Hawthorne, G., R. P. Martin, and D. Reid. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994 (christological articles).

Kim, S. Paul and the New Perspective: Second Thoughts on the Origin of Paul's Gospel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002 (some chapters).

Witherington, B., III. Christology of Jesus. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1990.

Some other readings from a select bibliography provided in the syllabus.

1. Reading of the assigned literature.

2. A paper of 12-15 pages on a topic to be set.

3. Final exam (50% of the final grade).