Individualized Distance Learning

NS511

Patzia

NS511: THE EMERGENCE OF THE CHURCH ( 4 units).

Arthur G. Patzia, Professor of New Testament

DESCRIPTION:

The course, within the sphere of NT Theology, is a study of the emerging church in the apostolic period as portrayed in The Book of Acts and the New Testament Epistles. This literature will be consulted for information on such topics as church organization, leadership, worship, the sacraments, the Holy Spirit, Jewish/Gentile problems, and the unity of the church.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students who read and interact with the required material, and complete the assignments should

  1. Understand the Jewish and Greco-Roman world into which Christianity came
  2. Outline the geographical expansion of the church during the apostolic period
  3. Examine the theological contributions of the early apostles
  4. Evaluate the basic nature and structure of the early church as described in the New Testament
  5. Appreciate the development and diversity of the church
  6. Be able to engage more competently and sympathetically in local and ecumenical discussions of the church today.
 

COURSE FORMAT :

Students will study at their own pace over a ten-week period. Audio lectures will be provided, along with .lecture outlines, a study guide, and supplementary materials.

 

REQUIRED READING:

·          Brown, R. The Churches the Apostles Left Behind. Paulist, 1984.

·          Bruce, F.F. The Book of the Acts. NIC. Eerdmans, revised, 1989.

·          Dunn, J.D.G. Unity and Diversity in the New Testament. Trinity, 3rd ed., 1990.

·          Patzia, A. The Emergence of the Church: Context, Growth, Leadership, Worship. InterVarsity, 2001.

·          Supplementary materials provided with the syllabus

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.       Complete three brief reports (2pp) on required assignments (15%)

2.        A book review of Brown (5-7pp)

3.        A major research paper (15-20 pp.) or two shorter papers (10-12 pp.) on a topic(s) suggested in "course syllabus" (35%)

4.       Final exam

 

PREREQUISITES: NS501

 

RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT). Ministry Focus Elective in MA in Global Leadership

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes

Updated July 2007