DESCRIPTION: This Internet-based course orients students to the literature of
the New Testament in its various literary, historical, and theological contexts
and to New Testament interpretation in service of Christian practice.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Those who desire that a biblical
perspective inform their life and work must not only familiarize themselves
with the content of the New Testament text, but also become aware of the impact
of method and approach upon one's reading of the New Testament.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will
have demonstrated that they (1) have an introductory knowledge of the
literature, history, and theology of the New Testament; (2) can identify a
range of questions (e.g., historical, literary, canonical) that might be
addressed to particular New Testament texts and explore those questions in the
process of interpreting particular New Testament texts; (3) can identify
significant, critical resources for New Testament study and deploy those
sources critically in New Testament study; (4) are able to take into account
the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and their contemporary
interpreters; and (5) can read the New Testament in ways that foster faithful
Christian practice.
COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's
academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, use of libraries and
other resources, and interactive discussion. Each week students and the
instructor will interact with the material and with each other through threaded
discussion forums.
REQUIRED READING: