Spring 2007/Pasadena
NS569
Mackie
NS569: THE THEOLOGY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. Scott D. Mackie.
DESCRIPTION: This course will provide in-depth coverage of all the major
theological themes in Hebrews: Christology, soteriology, eschatology, and
ecclesiology. Special emphasis will be placed on Hebrews' Son of God and High
Priest Christologies, the influence of Jewish apocalyptic eschatology and
Platonism, the author's inspired use of the OT and his relation to Second
Temple Judaism, the social setting of the early church, and the nature of early
Christian proclamation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks to develop interpretive sensibilities in
the student so that the student will demonstrate
- knowledge and understanding of the Epistle to the Hebrews;
- skill in interpreting the Bible through creative reading and critical
interaction via historical, literary, socio-political, and other methodologies;
- skill in reading the Bible theologically in light of his or her own
culture;
- clearer understanding of the nature of the Bible as both human word and
holy Scripture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This self-professed "word of exhortation" (Heb 13:22)
offers a clear window into early Christian proclamation. The course will
therefore place great emphasis on Hebrews as an exhortation to a church under
threat. Close consideration of this creative and complex "word of exhortation"
will also challenge and promote our ability to think exegetically and
theologically - essential elements in responsible teaching and preaching.
COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will
meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Johnson, Luke Timothy. Hebrews. (New Testament Library.)
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006 (250 pages required reading).
- Koester, Craig R. Hebrews. (Anchor Bible 36.) New York: Doubleday,
2001 (250 pages required reading).
- Mackie, Scott D. Eschatology and Exhortation in the Epistle to the
Hebrews. (WUNT 2.223.) Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2007 (200 pages
required reading).
- Course reader comprised of essays by authors such as H.W. Attridge, C.K.
Barrett, L.D. Hurst, F.J. Matera, K.L. Schenck, J.W. Thompson (300 pages
required reading).
RECOMMENDED READING:
- DeSilva, David A. Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical
Commentary on the Epistle "to the Hebrews." Grand Rapids/Cambridge:
Eerdmans, 2000.
- Hagner, Donald A. Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition.
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Two papers that each discuss a major theme covered in the course (2000
words each; 70%).
- Final exam (30%).
PREREQUISITES: NS501 or equivalent.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Theology (NTT).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.