Fall 2005/Pasadena
NS500
Beaton
NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS (School of Psychology first-year students
only). Richard Beaton.
DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce the content, structure, and
interrelationship of the four Gospels. In addition to considering and employing
methods important to the study of the Gospels, we will explore the theological
and literary purposes of each Gospel and their historical value as sources for
the life of Jesus of Nazareth. (This section of NS500 is open for enrollment
only to first-year School of Psychology students.)
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks to develop interpretive
sensibilities in the student so that the student will be able to:
- understand more about the literary features of the Gospels;
- appreciate new ways of reading Scripture;
- better understand the historical and cultural context;
- develop ability in interpreting the Gospels;
- see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy
Scripture;
- move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in his or her life.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Central to our understanding of Jesus, the Gospels are
important documents for all believers. Those who complete this course should
gain a more comprehensive understanding of the life of Jesus, his teachings and
miracles, and the kingdom of God, all of which will enhance the student's
theological world and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Greek-English,
7th ed. United Bible Societies, 1984; OR the same synopsis in English
only.
- Johnson, Luke T. The Writings of the New Testament: An Introduction.
Rev. ed. Fortress, 1999.
- Berger, Klaus. Identity and Experience in the New Testament.
Fortress, 2003.
- Johnson, Luke T. Religious Experience in Earliest Christianity.
Fortress, 1998.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Barton, S. C. The Spirituality of the Gospels. SPCK, 1992.
- Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus
and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.
- Ladd, G. E. A Theology of the New Testament. Rev. ed. Eerdmans,
1993.
- Stanton, G. N. The Gospels and Jesus. 2nd ed. Oxford University
Press, 2002.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- One paper (1500 words each) on topics related to the historical Jesus and
the Gospels (30%).
- Two short written assignments (800 words each) on a topic of interest which
relates the Gospel material to psychology (15% each).
- A comparative book review of Berger and Johnson (1500 words; 20%).
- A final examination covering lectures and reading (20%).
PREREQUISITES: Permission of advisor--first-year School of Psychology
students.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 1
(NT1).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.