Spring 2006/Pasadena
NE506
Scholer
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: REVELATION. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION: This course is a careful study of the New Testament Apocalypse of
John, with special attention to the issues of genre, socio-historical setting,
purpose, cultural-religious contexts and the variety of interpretations in the
church. The theology of Revelation and suggestions for preaching will also be
covered.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through the lectures,
discussions and assignments, should enable students to (1) better know and
understand Revelation; (2) understand more about the literary features of
Revelation; (3) better understand the historical and cultural situations in
which Revelation was written; (4) develop ability in interpreting Revelation;
(5) see more clearly the nature of the New Testament as both human word and
holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new ways of reading Revelation; (7) have more
enthusiasm for reading Revelation; (8) use Revelation better in their
ministries; and (9) move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their
lives.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Revelation is a book too often misunderstood, feared,
abused and neglected. It has a powerful message of hope, comfort and challenge
for the Church, which needs to be understood and heard.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will consist of lectures and vigorous discussion.
The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation.
(New Testament Theology.) Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press,
1993.
- Michaels, J. Ramsey. Interpreting the Book of Revelation. (Guides to
New Testament Exegesis.) Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.
- Rhoads, David. From Every People and Nation: The Book of Revelation in
Intercultural Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005.
- EITHER Trafton, Joseph L. Reading Revelation: A Literary and
Theological Commentary. Rev. ed. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2005.
OR Witherington, Ben, III. Revelation. (The New Cambridge Bible
Commentary.) Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Boyer, Paul. When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in
Modern American Culture. (Studies in Cultural History.) Cambridge and
London: Harvard University Press, 1992.
- Collins, A. Y. Crisis and Catharsis: The Power of the Apocalypse.
Philadelphia: Westminster, 1984.
- Pate, C. M. Four Views on the Book of Revelation. (Counterpoints.)
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.
- Wainwright, Arthur W. Mysterious Apocalypse: Interpreting the Book of
Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993.
- It is assumed that students will make good use of many of the
standard critical commentaries on Revelation in the work of the course (listed
in the syllabus) [it would be a good idea to purchase at least one of these
after the class has begun].
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Read 4 Ezra [= 2 Esdras 3-14] (found in the NRSV Apocrypha) and
construct a two- to three-page outline of it [10% of the grade].
- Write an exegesis paper (10-15 pages, including notes) on an approved
paragraph of Revelation [50% of the grade].
- Write an essay on the theology of Revelation (5-7 pages, including notes)
[20% of the grade].
- Read selected chapters of Revelation in Greek and be tested on them [20% of
the grade].
PREREQUISITES: LG512, NS501, and NE502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.