Spring 2007/Pasadena
NS525
Thompson
NS525: THE CROSS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Marianne Meye Thompson.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the rich variety of interpretations of the death of
Jesus in the New Testament, as well as the challenge of conveying its
significance today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- The student will understand the centrality of the atonement and the cross
in New Testament theology and the Christian life.
- The student will gain facility in interpreting passages that relate to the
death of Jesus and the atonement.
- The student will begin to think of ways in which the atonement can be
proclaimed and heard today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The cross of Jesus lies at the heart of NT theology,
informing our understanding of God, the mission of Jesus, and the character of
Christian faith. It is, therefore, crucial to be able to articulate a biblical
theology of the cross, particularly in order to be able to communicate its
significance in our diverse cultural contexts today.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet once a week for three hours for lectures
and discussion based on reading in the New Testament and secondary sources.
REQUIRED READING:
- Carroll, John T., and Joel B. Green. The Death of Jesus in Early
Christianity. Hendrickson, 1995.
- Cousar, Charles B. A Theology of the Cross. Fortress, 1990.
- Beilby, James K., and Eddy, Paul R., eds. The Nature of the Atonement:
Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 2006.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Gorman, Michael J. Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality
of the Cross. Eerdmans, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and preparation for class.
- Short exegetical and theological papers on passages from the NT which focus
on the cross of Christ; 60%.
- Final examination; 40%.
PREREQUISITES: NS500 and NS501, or NS502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Theology (NTT).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.