Spring 2003/Pasadena
NS561
Scholer
NS561: WOMEN, THE BIBLE, AND THE CHURCH. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is designed (1) to undertake a study of the Old and New
Testament texts and their cultural environments which bear on the roles and
status of women in biblical history and, in particular, in the early church;
(2) to reflect on a wide range of hermeneutical, historical and theological
perspectives relevant to the issues of women and ministry; and (3) to formulate
significant exegetical and hermeneutical implications and conclusions for the
role and status of women in ministry and the church today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Fuller Seminary is committed to equality for women and men in all
of its programs of preparing women and men for all forms of ministry. Yet, the
issues involved in this commitment and its implications continue to be widely
discussed and debated throughout the Church. This course provides a responsible
biblical and hermeneutical basis for engaging these issues. The course also
seeks to fulfill, to some degree, the following goals of the Biblical Division:
(1) a holistic knowledge of biblical literature; (2) an approach to the Bible
which respects its origins in particular historical and cultural settings; (3)
the cultivation of skills for the interpretation of Scripture; (4) an
integrated theological interpretation of the Bible; and (5) the cultivation of
attitudes and affections towards the Scripture, as well as habits and conducts
flowing from the Scripture, which are consistent with its status as the Word of
God.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will consist of lectures and vigorous discussion,
meeting twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Beck, J. R. and C. L. Blomberg. Two Views on Women in
Ministry. (Counterpoints.) Zondervan, 2001.
- Belleville, L. L. Women Leaders and the Church: 3 Crucial Questions.
Baker, 2000.
- Clark, E. A. Women in the Early Church. Michael Glazier [distributed
by the Liturgical Press], 1983.
- Groothius, R. M. Good News for Women: A Biblical Picture of Gender
Equality. Baker, 1997.
- Kraemer, R. S. and M. R. D'Angelo. Women & Christian Origins.
Oxford University Press, 1999.
- Mickelsen, A. Women, Authority, and the Bible. InterVarsity Press,
1986.
- Osiek, C. Beyond Anger: On Being a Feminist in the Church. Paulist,
1986.
- Scholer, D. M. Selected Articles on Hermeneutics and Women and Ministry
in the New Testament. Pasadena: Fuller Seminary Bookstore, Fourteenth
Printing, 2003.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Grenz, S. J. with D. M. Kjesbo. Women in the Church: A Biblical
Theology of Women in Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 1995.
- Kraemer, R. S. Her Share of the Blessings: Women's Religions among
Pagans, Jews, and Christians in the Graeco-Roman World. Oxford University
Press, 1992.
- Van Leeuwen, M. S. Gender & Grace: Love, Work & Parenting in a
Changing World. InterVarsity Press, 1990.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Three brief critical papers [4-6 pages each]: one on Osiek [due April 10];
one on Clark [due May 1]; and one on Beck-Blomberg [due May 22].
- A major position paper [15-20 pages; this should clearly reflect the use of
all required readings] on the role and status of women in the New Testament and
in the Church today [due June 11].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- M.Div. Elective. Meets the Interdisciplinary requirement for School
of Psychology students and the M.A.C.L.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.