Fuller Online

NE567 Romans: Winter 2010

Erickson

 

NE567: ROMANS (English Text). (4 units) Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament.

DESCRIPTION:

A detailed English-text based study of Paul's epistle to Rome, which is, in some respects, the central document in the New Testament. Attention is focused primarily on the message and argument of the book itself and secondarily on exegetical method and certain significant aspects of Paul's ideas.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

PaulÕs letter to the Roman churches powerfully and creatively assures its readers of GodÕs abiding faithfulness to his covenant promise, both for humanity and for creation as a whole. Its rootedness in a real historical situation gives readers a sense of the nature of the Bible as both human word and divine revelation. The course intends to inspire students with more enthusiasm for reading the Bible and appreciation of new ways of reading it, improved ability to use the Bible in ministry, and motivation to deeper obedience to Scripture in their own lives.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students successfully completing NE567 ÒRomansÓ will have demonstrated (1) knowledge and understanding of the letter to the Romans; (2) ability to interpret this particular biblical book, and the Bible generally, through reading and critical interaction, using historical, socio-cultural, literary and other methods; (3) and skill in reading the Bible theologically in view of diverse contexts.

COURSE FORMAT:                                                        

Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with FullerÕs academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, web-based research, and weekly interactive discussion with other students and the instructor.

REQUIRED READING: (approximately 1,100 pages)

á       Two rapid readings of Romans, at least one in the NRSV or the TNIV. [c. 40 pp]

á       Weekly lectures, posted online

á       Cranfield, C. E. B. Romans: A Shorter Commentary. Eerdmans, 1985. [384 pp.]

á       Grieb, A. Katherine. The Story of Romans: A Narrative Defense of GodÕs Righteousness. WJKP, 2002. [165 pp.]

á       Tamez, Elsa. ÒNow no Condemnation: A Meditation on Romans 8.Ó Ecumenical Review 41 (1989): 446-453.

á       ______. ÒGodÕs Election, Exclusion and Mercy: A Bible Study of Romans 9–11.Ó International Review of Mission 82 (1993): 29-37. Both these articles are available as Òfull-textÓ downloads in pdf-format.

á       Wright, N. T. ÒThe Letter to the Romans: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections.Ó In The New InterpreterÕs Bible, vol. 10, 393-770. Abingdon, 2002. [376 pp.]

á       Selected articles from G. F. Hawthorne et al., eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. IVP, 1993.

RECOMMENDED READING: See syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.      Two "rapid" (single sitting) readings of the entire Book of Romans in two different versions, one being either the NRSV or the TNIV, both are acceptable. Describe in two maximum 500-word essays your observations based on these readings, and submit them for group discussion in Weeks 1 and 9. [10%]

2.      Major, 3000-5000-word team project due in Week 10 embracing (1) an analysis of the so-called New Perspective debate, (2) a description of its relevance to the exegesis of Romans, and (3) an application of these insights and other appropriate research to the exegesis of a well-chosen passage from Romans. [20%]

3.      Maximum 1500-word sermon or Bible study, individually produced, but based on the team project, due in Finals Week. [10%]

4.      A seminar-style discussion of GriebÕs book and the Tamez articles, focusing on the influence of culture and perspective on interpretation, conducted in Weeks 6-8. [15%]

5.      Preparation of assigned passages, web-based research, and collateral readings for weekly group discussion and interaction. [20%]

6.      Five short bi-weekly journals for individualized interaction with instructor. [8.3%]

7.      Five bi-weekly quizzes based on assigned collateral material. [16.7%]

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MA: Biblical Studies; MDiv/MAT-BS: Elective; MA in Global Leadership Ministry Focus Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Updated October 2009.