Winter 2004/Pasadena
NS500
Hagner
NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS. Donald A. Hagner.
DESCRIPTION:
- This is one course of a two-course sequence designed to provide a
basic introduction to the NT, including not only the traditional elements of
"Introduction" such as author, date, provenance, background, structure, and use
of sources, but also the theologies of the various writings. The orientation is
both historical and exegetical. The present course is devoted to the four
Gospels, and traces their origin, interrelationship, and theological
distinctives. Some attention will be given to the hermeneutical problem of
preaching from the Gospels today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- An understanding of the Gospels is indispensable not only in
teaching and preaching, but in developing a biblically informed theology that
equips one for everyday living.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course is based mainly around the lectures, but discussion with
the active participation of the student will also be expected. The course will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English
Version. American Bible Society, 1987.
- The first half of the following two books, which are also useful for New
Testament 2 (NS501):
- Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New
Testament. Doubleday, 1997.
- Ladd, G. E. A Theology of the New Testament. Eerdmans, rev. ed.
(1993).
- Gerhardsson, B. The Reliability of the Gospel Tradition.
Hendrickson, 2001.
- Hagner, D. A. "Interpreting the Gospels: The Landscape and the Quest" (to
be handed out in class).
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Two short papers on assigned subjects (but with some choice
allowed). Midterm and final exams.
PREREQUISITES:
- None, though Greek is desirable.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 1 (NT1).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.