DESCRIPTION:

This course, which is offered in Spanish, provides an introduction to the four canonical gospels, including (1) the content of each of the Gospels in its historical setting; (2) the life and message of Jesus; (3) the relationship to early Christian communities; (4) the methodologies employed in the interpretation of the Gospels; and (5) special attention to their relevance today.

This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels. Students will increase understanding of the Gospels, their meaning for today and their potential for preaching and teaching.

Lectures and discussions based on primary and secondary readings and centered on historical, exegetical, and theological issues related to the Gospels. The class will meet on April 8-9, April 29-30, and May 20-21 (9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00).

Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. English edition OR Greek-English edition. United Bible Societies, 1993.

Johnson, Luke. The Writings of the New Testament. Fortress, 1986.

Stanton, Graham. The Gospels and Jesus. Oxford University Press, 1989.

By permission of the professor, students may read the following texts in Spanish instead of Johnson and Stanton above:

Harrison, Everett F. Introducción al Nuevo Testamento. Libros Desafío, 2002.

Stanton, Graham. La Verdad del Evangelio? Verbo Divino, 1999.

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. M. Thompson. Introducing the New Testament. Eerdmans, 2001.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd edition. Eerdmans, 1993.

Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.

Kee, Howard Clark. Understanding the New Testament. 5th edition. Prentice Hall, 1993.

Sanders, E. P. and M. Davis. Studying the Synoptic Gospels. Trinity Press International. 1989.

Readings from bibliography to be distributed in class.

1. Completion of the assigned readings, attendance, and discussion. Assigned reading prior to the first class (April 8): Luke Johnson. The Writings of the New Testament, pp. 1-240. By permission of the professor, students may read Everett F. Harrison, Introducción al Nuevo Testamento, pp. 1-165.

2. An essay on the synoptic problem or a subject to be approved by the professor (8-10 pages) (25%). Deadline: April 29.

3. An essay on a theological theme in the Gospels or an essay on the theology of one of the gospels (8-10 pages) (25%). Deadline: May 20.

4. A final examination (take-home) on the content of the Gospels, class sessions, required readings and recommended readings. Essays answering three of five questions (12-15 pages) (50%). Deadline: June 10.