DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, introduces the study of the book
of Acts, the letters of the New Testament, and the book of Revelation. Emphasis
is placed on the theology of each of these documents, giving attention to what
unifies them as well as to what makes each of them unique. Questions such as
the authorship, occasion, genre, and structure of each document are considered
insofar as they inform the interpretation of its contents. Paul's life and
thought are given special attention due to his prominence in this portion of
the New Testament.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: An understanding of these documents is
foundational for developing a biblically informed theology that equips one for
preaching and teaching, for thinking carefully and creatively about Christian
faith in today's world, and for faithful Christian discipleship.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a fundamental knowledge of the contents of Acts, the NT letters, and
Revelation; (2) an appreciation for the unity and diversity that characterizes
the witness of these documents to Jesus Christ; (3) an understanding of the
implications of literary genre for how one is to read and interpret these
documents; (4) an acquaintance with some of the historical, cultural,
religious, and other factors that shaped the growth and development of the
early church, the various issues it confronted, and the impact of all this upon
its theology.
COURSE FORMAT: Lectures and discussion of the assigned primary and secondary
readings; student participation is expected. The class meets weekly for
three-and-a-half-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: