Fall 2004/Pasadena
NS500
M. Thompson
NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS. Marianne Meye Thompson.
DESCRIPTION:
- This introduction to the four gospels introduces students to (1)
the content of each of the Gospels; (2) the historical setting of the gospels
and of the life of Jesus; and (3) the various methods appropriate to studying
the gospels, and their implications for interpreting and understanding these
beloved and familiar texts.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels.
Satisfactory completion of the course should increase the student's confidence
in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and
interpreting the work of New Testament scholars.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Lectures and discussion based on reading the New Testament and
secondary sources. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Achtemeier, Paul; Joel Green; and Marianne Meye Thompson.
Introducing the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
- Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, English Edition. OR
Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English edition. United Bible
Societies, 1993.
- The following two books will be useful throughout the course for
additional background reading, in preparing papers, and in study for the final
examination. It is strongly recommended that students consider acquiring these
useful tools:
- Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd
ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
- Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus
and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular completion of the reading in the Gospels and secondary sources.
- Two short papers, covering various aspects of the Gospels and their
study.
- A final examination, covering lectures and reading.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament "1" (NT1).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.