DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, introduces the study of the
letters of the New Testament and the Apocalypse of John. 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 the NT letters and the Apocalypse of
John; (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; and (4) an acquaintance with some of the historical, cultural,
religious, and other factors that shaped the communities reflected in these
texts, the various issues they confronted, and the impact of all this upon the
theology in these texts.
COURSE FORMAT: Lectures and discussion of the assigned primary and secondary
readings; student participation is expected. The class meets weekly for
three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: