Spring 2007/Pasadena
NS525
Thompson

NS525: THE CROSS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Marianne Meye Thompson.


DESCRIPTION: A study of the rich variety of interpretations of the death of Jesus in the New Testament, as well as the challenge of conveying its significance today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. The student will understand the centrality of the atonement and the cross in New Testament theology and the Christian life.

  2. The student will gain facility in interpreting passages that relate to the death of Jesus and the atonement.

  3. The student will begin to think of ways in which the atonement can be proclaimed and heard today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The cross of Jesus lies at the heart of NT theology, informing our understanding of God, the mission of Jesus, and the character of Christian faith. It is, therefore, crucial to be able to articulate a biblical theology of the cross, particularly in order to be able to communicate its significance in our diverse cultural contexts today.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet once a week for three hours for lectures and discussion based on reading in the New Testament and secondary sources.

REQUIRED READING:
Carroll, John T., and Joel B. Green. The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity. Hendrickson, 1995.

Cousar, Charles B. A Theology of the Cross. Fortress, 1990.

Beilby, James K., and Eddy, Paul R., eds. The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 2006.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Gorman, Michael J. Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross. Eerdmans, 2001.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Regular attendance and preparation for class.

  2. Short exegetical and theological papers on passages from the NT which focus on the cross of Christ; 60%.

  3. Final examination; 40%.

PREREQUISITES: NS500 and NS501, or NS502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.