Summer 2020/Fuller Online

NS537

Parris

NS537: PARABLES OF JESUS (4 Units: 160 Hours). David P. Parris.

DESCRIPTION: The main objective of this class is to introduce the students to the principles for interpreting the parables of Jesus as found in the Synoptic Gospels. Attention will be given to the history of interpretation of the parables, the strengths and weaknesses of different hermeneutical principles used to interpret the parables, and how to teach from the parables.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course should have learned and/or been enabled to: (1) better understand the parables of Jesus as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, (2) be able to identify and explain the literary features of the parables, how they function, and their relevance for interpretation, (3) have a fundamental knowledge of the history of the interpretation of the parables, and (4) apply the teachings of the parables in their personal lives and ministries.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through focused study of a particular biblical book or topic, students acquire deeper mastery of the interpretation of the Bible, taking into account its ancient and contemporary contexts, which is consistent with the SOT PLO “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries”(MDiv, MAT, MATM).

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 900 pages required.

Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. English ed. American Bible Society, 2010. ISBN: 978-1585169429, Pub. Price $49.99 [361 pp.]. (previous editions and the English-Greek edition are also acceptable)

Growler, David B. What Are They Saying About the Parables? Paulist Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0809139620, Pub. Price $10.95 [160 pp.].

Scott, Bernard B. Re-Imagine the World: An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus. Polebridge, 2001. ISBN: 978-0944344866, $18.00. [160 pp.]

Snodgrass, Klyne R. Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus. Eerdmans, 2008. ISBN: 978-0802842411, Pub. Price $58.00 [864 pp. – reference for class].

Turner, Mark. The Literary Mind: The Origins of Thought and Language. Oxford University Press, 1996. ISBN: 978-0195104110, Pub. Price $55.00 [208 pp. assgined].

Assigned and reserve readings from other texts and journals to be placed on reserve reading (approx. 150 pages from authors such as Mary Ann Tolbert, A. M. Hunter, Janet M. Soskice, Sallie McFague TeSelle, David Parris, Anthony C. Thiselton).

RECOMMENDED READING:

Caird, George B. The Language and Imagery of the Bible. Westminster Press, 1980. ISBN: 978-0664213787, Pub. Price $24.95 [280 pp.].

Getty-Sullivan, M. A. Parables of the Kingdom: Jesus and the Use of Parables in the Synoptic Tradition. Liturgical, 2007. ISBN: 978-0814629932, Pub Price $14.95 [180 pp.]

Hultgren, A. J. The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802860774, Pub. Price $42.00 [552 pp.]

Kissinger, Warren S. The Parables of Jesus: A History of Interpretation and Bibiliography. Scarecrow Press, 1989. ISBN: 978-0810811867, Pub. Price $118.00 [463 pp.].

Linnemann, Eta. Parables of Jesus: Introduction and Exposition. SPCK Publishing, 1986. ISBN: 978-0281028917, Pub. Price $37.31 [196 pp.].

Scott, B. B. Hear Then the Parable: A Commentary on the Parables of Jesus. Fortress, 1989. ISBN: 978-0800624811, Pub. Price $29.00 [476 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 900 pp. of required reading from textbooks and the New Testament. [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1-4] [60 hours].
  2. Viewing video lectures from the professor [5 hours].
  3. Participation in weekly online discussions (20%). [15 hours].
  4. One online group project (20%). [Related to learning outcomes 2 & 4] [10 hours].
  5. Three shorter (3-4 page) assignments, which focus on one of the parables (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1-3] [30 hours].
  6. A 12 page term paper which will exegetically explore the meaning and significance of one of the parables — signature assignment (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1-4] [40 hours].

PREREQUISITES: NT500 (or NS500) and BI500 (or NE502).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Counts as a biblical elective for the 120 MDiv, 80 MAT, and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.