Winter 2004/Pasadena
OT534
Butler
OT534: OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY. James T. Butler.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will introduce the student to the discipline of Old
Testament theology, including both its central methodological concerns and a
selective survey of its subject matter. Methodological issues will be put into
relief by comparative studies of classic works in the field, particularly those
of Eichrodt and von Rad. Themes to be treated will include God, creation,
redemption, promise, covenant, people, land, and the nations. Relationships to
the New Testament will be discussed within each topic. A constructive proposal
will be offered for organizing a theology of the Old Testament around the issue
of canonical unity and diversity.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Biblical theology may be thought of as the disciplined attempt to
hear "the whole counsel of Scripture"; its challenge is to let each witness
within the canon have its own particular "voice," while listening for the
"melody" of the whole. In this way, biblical theology is distinct from both
exegesis and systematic theology, and it is critical to both if they are to
make their proper contribution to an informed faith.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will twice weekly for two hours.
REQUIRED READING:
- Levenson, Jon D. Sinai and Zion: An Entry into the Jewish
Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1987.
- An extensive collection of readings from a course reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bibliographic suggestions will be provided for each topic. The
following are of general interest.
- Brueggemann, Walter. Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute,
Advocacy. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997.
- Goldingay, John. Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1: Israel's
Gospel. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
- Ollenburger, Ben C., Elmer A. Martens, and Gerhard F. Hasel, eds. The
Flowering of Old Testament Theology. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns,
1992.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- There will be two written requirements for the course:
- A 12-15 page paper on a specific topic of Old Testament theology;
- A final examination drawn from study questions provided in advance by the
instructor.
PREREQUISITES:
- OT501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" or "c" (OTB or
OTC).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.