NS502
Spittler
NS502: NEW TESTAMENT LITERATURE. Russell P. Spittler.
DESCRIPTION:
- A first course intended for students with no prior
university-level study of Scripture. Teacher and students alike will seek
increased familiarity with the nature and contents of each New Testament book,
watching particularly for how literature rises from history. This approach
leads to the development of an exegetical instinct. The overall aim is to fit
students for a lifetime of informed, fruitful study of the New
Testament.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Since the New Testament is the primary source document for the
Christian movement, finer knowledge of its content and theology will deepen
personal spirituality and expand resources for communicating the
gospel.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet at 1:00-2:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
for lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- New Testament. NRSV, RSV, NIV, or NAB suggested.
- Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. American Bible Society.
Comes English-only, Greek-only, or in an edition with Greek and English on
facing pages. Pick the one best suited for you. If in doubt, await the first
class session before purchase. Use for studying the gospels comparatively.
- Drane, John. Introducing the New Testament. San Francisco: Harper
Collins, 1992. Compact, informative, useful illustrations, critical
summaries.
- "Resources for the Study of the New Testament," a course syllabus and
related materials.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris. An Introduction
to the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992. Recent bibliography.
- Green, Joel, Scott McKnight, and I. Howard Marshall. Dictionary of Jesus
and the Gospels. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. An excellent
reference.
- Hawthorne, Gerald F. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. Companion volume to DJG.
- Martin, Ralph P. New Testament Foundations: A Guide for Christian
Students. 2 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975, 1978. Thorough review of
critical issues.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Periodic projects designed to get students into the biblical text
and a 100-item multiple-choice final exam.
PREREQUISITES:
- None. This course is not open to students who have completed NS500
and/or NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.