DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an overview of the historical context, literary forms and theological themes of the book of Amos, introduce the student to a variety of critical approaches to the text, and study the book chapter-by-chapter.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The book of Amos is a rich theological resource from which the minister can develop exegetical skills; expand his/her understanding of a range of issues pertinent to prophetic literature; and contemplate how themes such as divine sovereignty, ethics, and social justice are relevant for the church today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic content of the book of Amos; (2) an acquaintance with a range of issues pertaining to the historical and social setting of Amos as well as to the larger corpus of prophetic literature; (3) an ability to apply exegetical and hermeneutical skills to specific texts; (4) an ability to reflect upon and evaluate the unique theological issues raised by the book of Amos and to discern their implications for Christian faith and practice; (5) an awareness of culturally diverse approaches to reading and interpreting Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet one night a week for three hours of lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Revised and enlarged ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2009.

Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1998.

Hubbard, David Allan. Joel and Amos: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries 22b. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1989.

McComiskey, Thomas E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009.

Tucker, Gene M. Form Criticism of the Old Testament. Guides to Biblical Scholarship: Old Testament Series. Edited by J. Coert Rylaarsdam. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1971.

Course Reader: A selection of articles will be available on Moodle or through library databases.

Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Andersen, Francis I., and David Noel Freedman. Amos: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 24A. New York: Doubleday, 1989.

Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.

Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.