DESCRIPTION: This course is a general introduction to the "second half" of the
New Testament writings, covering the Acts of the Apostles through the Book of
Revelation. Due to his prominence both as a literary character in Acts and as
author of the Pauline corpus, Paul and the subsequent tradition inspired by him
will receive major attention in the course of this study, including historical
and methodological considerations that lie at the center of much current
debate. By way of comparison and contrast, attention will also be given to
strands of non-Pauline (mainly Jewish) Christianity that receive expression in
the New Testament documents.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the course,
the student should be able to discuss: (1) critical issues in the
interpretation of Paul, including the distinction between the literary and
historical Paul; (2) basic introductory matters related to each of the
documents covered in the course, including authorship, date, historical
occasion, and theological themes; (3) the narrative plot structure of the Book
of Acts as it charts the spread of the Christian movement from Jerusalem to
Rome; (4) the wide assortment of ecclesiologies emerging from the New Testament
period; (5) the unity and disunity of the New Testament writings and their role
as Scripture in the life of the church today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: A working knowledge of the New Testament documents,
including their historical, literary, and theological contexts, is
indispensable for the conceptualization and practice of ministry. The large
sweep of New Testament material covered in this course will not only increase
the student's competency as a reader of New Testament texts but will acquaint
him or her with a wide assortment of ecclesiologies emerging from the New
Testament period. As a result, the student will gain greater appreciation for
the ministry of the church in a multiplicity of forms.
COURSE FORMAT: The course is primarily lecture in format, with appropriate
emphasis on outside reading of primary and secondary source material. The class
will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: