Fall 2006/Pasadena
NS500
Beaton
NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS (School of Psychology first-year students
only). Richard Beaton.
DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce the content, structure, and
interrelationship of the four Gospels. In addition to considering and employing
methods important to the study of the Gospels, we will explore the theological
and literary purposes of each Gospel and their historical value as sources for
the life of Jesus of Nazareth. (This section of NS500 is open for enrollment
only to first-year School of Psychology students.)
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks to develop interpretive
sensibilities in the student so that the student will be able to:
- know and understand better the part of the Bible (or the subject) that was
covered;
- develop ability in interpreting the Bible through creative reading and
critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods;
- become more skilled in reading the Bible theologically in light of their
own culture;
- see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy
Scripture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Central to our understanding of Jesus, the Gospels are
important documents for all believers. Those who complete this course should
gain a more comprehensive understanding of the life of Jesus, his teachings and
miracles, and the kingdom of God, all of which will enhance the student's
theological world and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Greek-English,
7th ed. United Bible Societies, 1984; OR the same synopsis in English
only.
- Berger, Klaus. Identity and Experience in the New Testament.
Fortress, 2003.
- Johnson, Luke T. The Writings of the New Testament: An Introduction.
Rev. ed. Fortress, 1999.
- Stanton, G. N. The Gospels and Jesus. 2nd ed. Oxford University
Press, 2002.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Barton, S. C. The Spirituality of the Gospels. SPCK, 1992.
- Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus
and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.
- Johnson, Luke T. Religious Experience in Earliest Christianity.
Fortress, 1998.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- One paper (1500 words each) on topics related to the historical Jesus and
the Gospels (30%).
- Two short written assignments (800 words each) on a topic of interest which
relates the Gospel material to psychology (15% each).
- A book review of Berger (1500 words; 20%).
- A final examination covering lectures and reading (20%).
PREREQUISITES: Permission of advisor--first-year School of Psychology
students.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 1
(NT1).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.