DESCRIPTION:

This course will introduce students to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their contribution to our understanding of the world of Jesus and the early Church. The course will begin with a survey of the Scrolls and related literature of the Second Temple and New Testament periods. This will include a survey of the history of these periods and the debate surrounding the origin of the Scrolls. The course will then study a series of texts and themes that shed light on Jesus, the Gospels, and Paul. The course will conclude with a discussion of the use of the Scrolls and related literature for New Testament interpretation.

An understanding of the literature cognate to the New Testament is important in developing a biblically-informed theology that equips one for everyday living. The Dead Sea Scrolls are especially important for New Testament interpretation and study of Christian origins. Because of popular media coverage it is necessary for those who are entering the ministry to be informed of their meaning and relevance.

The course will be presented as a series of lectures/discussions on various topics and exegesis of important passages. Students are expected to keep their reading current and to be prepared to discuss topics/texts in class. Students who have studied Hebrew will be encouraged to translate designated texts.

Collins, John J. The Scepter and the Star: The Messiahs of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Other Ancient Literature. ABRL 10. New York: Doubleday, 1995. (= C)

Evans, Craig A. Noncanonical Writings and New Testament Interpretation. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1992. (= E)

García Martínez, Florentino and Julio Trebolle Barrera. The People of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Writings, Beliefs and Practices. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1995. (= GT)

VanderKam, James C. The Dead Sea Scrolls Today. London: SPCK/Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994. (= VK)

Wise, Michael O., Martin G. Abegg, and Edward M. Cook. The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1996. (= WAC)

1. Midterm and final exam covering the course lectures and reading.

2. One 8-10 page exegetical paper (due six weeks after the last day of lecture).

NS500 and NS501 or NS502; Greek and (especially) Hebrew are assets.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT).

Yes.