Spring 2014/Fuller Online
OT570
Butler
OT570: JOB AND HUMAN SUFFERING (4 Units). James T. Butler.
DESCRIPTION: The book of Job will be examined critically from the twin perspectives of its meaning in its ancient context and its continuing significance for the modern community of faith. Readings and forum discussions will alternate between close exegetical examination of selected passages of Job and surveys of larger thematic and structural issues, including the place of Job within the contexts of Israelite and ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Significant time will be given to discussion of the implications of Job for the theological reflection and praxis of the church: how is suffering consistent with our confessions about God, how can we learn from the suffering of others, and how can we minister faithfully to those who suffer?
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a sound grasp of the book of Job and a consistent, exegetically sound interpretation of its message; (2) an ability to relate Job to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and to appreciate the distinctive contributions of this literature to biblical theology; and (3) an ability to articulate responses to the theological challenges posed by suffering; (4) an increased awareness of the way that diverse communities experience and interpret suffering.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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:
Either the CEB, NRSV, or TNIV translation of the Old Testament.
Balentine, Samuel E. Job. Smyth and Helwys, 2006. ISBN: 978-1573120678, Pub. Price $55.95 [750 pp.].
Gutiérrez, Gustavo. On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent. Orbis, 1987. ISBN: 978-0883445525, Pub. Price $24.00 [160 pp.].
MacLeish, A. J.B. Houghton Mifflin, 1958. ISBN: 978-0395083536, Pub. Price $15.00 [153 pp.].
Newsom, Carol. The Book of Job: A Contest of Moral Imaginations. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195396287, Pub. Price $24.95. [320 pp.].
A published personal narrative or reflection on suffering and its theological implications (a list of suggestions will be provided in the syllabus).
Articles provided on e-Reserves through the course Moodle page. [Examples included below.*]
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
All assigned reading, which will afford the basis for responding to the posts and essays [approximately 1500 pages, 100 hours]
Weekly posts (250-400 words) reflecting on assigned reading and 2 weekly responses to the posts of classmates (100-150 words) - (35% of course grade; 20 hours)
Five essays (800-900 words) regarding key issues in understanding and interpreting the book of Job (35% of course grade; 20 hours);
A final paper (approximately 3,500 words) relating the interpretation of Job to some facet of human suffering (30% of course grade; 20 hours).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MDiv elective. Meets MA program requirement for Old Testament book study (OTBK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.