Summer 2014/Fuller Online

MR579

Rosner

MR579: JUDAISM AND JEWISH-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS (4 Units: 120 hours).Jennifer M. Rosner.

DESCRIPTION: This class examines both the fundamental tenets of Judaism as well as the relationship between the Jewish and Christian religious traditions. While the main focus of the course will be modern Judaism and twentieth century developments in Jewish-Christian relations, the history of the “parting of the ways” and the resulting mutually exclusive self-definitions of Judaism and Christianity sets the backdrop for the contemporary context.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a grasp of the fundamental tenets and historical development of Judaism; (2) a basic understanding of the complex history between the Jewish and Christian religious traditions; (3) an increased appreciation for the significance of key twentieth century events and their contribution to a new chapter in Jewish-Christian relations; (4) skills toward rethinking Christian doctrine in light of these twentieth century developments; (5) an ability to apply shifting trends in missiology to a Jewish context.

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:

Boyarin, Daniel. Borderlines: The Partition of Judaeo-Christianity. University of Pennsylvania, 2004. ISBN: 978-0812219869, Pub. Price $26.50 [392 pp.] (selections).

Braaten, Carl E. and Robert W. Jenson. Jews and Christians: People of God. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN: 978-0802805072, Pub. Price $23.50 [198 pp.].

Fishbane, Michael A. Judaism: Revelation and Traditions. HarperOne, 1987. ISBN: 978-0060626556, Pub. Price $13.99 [160 pp.].

Soulen, R. Kendall. The God of Israel and Christian Theology. Fortress, 1996. ISBN: 978-0800628833, Pub. Price $25.00 [208 pp.].

Wyschogrod, Michael. Abraham’s Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations. Eerdmans, 2004. ISBN: 978-0802813558, Pub. Price $31.50 [253 pp.] (selections).

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bader-Saye, Scott. Church and Israel After Christendom: The Politics of Election. Wipf & Stock, 1999. ISBN: 978-1597520782, Pub. Price $18.40 [204 pp.].

Frymer-Kensky, Tikva et al. Christianity in Jewish Terms. Basic Books, 2002. ISBN: 978-0813365725, Pub. Price $18.95 [464 pp.].

Neusner, Jacob. Judaism in Modern Times: An Introduction and Reader. Blackwell, 1995. ISBN: 978-1557866844, Pub. Price $46.00 [272 pp.].

Novak, David. Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Jewish Justification. Oxford, 1989. ISBN: 978-0195072730, Pub. Price $50.00 [208 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: 100-120 hours total class time

1. Weekly posts (250-400 words) reflecting on assigned reading and weekly response to a classmate’s post (150-200 words) - (25%). [4-5 hours reading/week; 2-3 hours posting/week]

2. Weekly posts (250-400 words) reflecting on lecture/online activity and weekly response to a classmate’s post (150-200 words each) - (25%). [1-2 hours online activity/week; 2-3 hours posting/week]

3. Two short reflection papers - (25%). [2 pages each; 2-3 hours each]

4. A 15-page final essay exam - (25%). [8-10 pages; 10-15 hours preparing & writing]

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, final essay exam.