Spring 2007/Pasadena
NS569
Mackie

NS569: THE THEOLOGY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. Scott D. Mackie.

DESCRIPTION: This course will provide in-depth coverage of all the major theological themes in Hebrews: Christology, soteriology, eschatology, and ecclesiology. Special emphasis will be placed on Hebrews' Son of God and High Priest Christologies, the influence of Jewish apocalyptic eschatology and Platonism, the author's inspired use of the OT and his relation to Second Temple Judaism, the social setting of the early church, and the nature of early Christian proclamation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks to develop interpretive sensibilities in the student so that the student will demonstrate

knowledge and understanding of the Epistle to the Hebrews;
skill in interpreting the Bible through creative reading and critical interaction via historical, literary, socio-political, and other methodologies;
skill in reading the Bible theologically in light of his or her own culture;
clearer understanding of the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This self-professed "word of exhortation" (Heb 13:22) offers a clear window into early Christian proclamation. The course will therefore place great emphasis on Hebrews as an exhortation to a church under threat. Close consideration of this creative and complex "word of exhortation" will also challenge and promote our ability to think exegetically and theologically - essential elements in responsible teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

: Johnson, Luke Timothy. Hebrews. (New Testament Library.) Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006 (250 pages required reading).; Koester, Craig R. Hebrews. (Anchor Bible 36.) New York: Doubleday, 2001 (250 pages required reading).; Mackie, Scott D. Eschatology and Exhortation in the Epistle to the Hebrews. (WUNT 2.223.) Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2007 (200 pages required reading).; Course reader comprised of essays by authors such as H.W. Attridge, C.K. Barrett, L.D. Hurst, F.J. Matera, K.L. Schenck, J.W. Thompson (300 pages required reading).