Spring 2008/Pasadena
NS521
Shaules

NS521: NEW TESTAMENT ETHICS. William J. Shaules.


DESCRIPTION: This course challenges the student to develop a theological framework for Christian ethics that combines the critical tools used for exegesis with other sources of theological thought. The goal of this class is to combine these sources to produce a coherent understanding of major ethical issues facing Christian communities today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students in this course will

  1. learn the necessary skills for interpreting New Testament texts that have relevance for ethics;

  2. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of scriptural perspectives in the area of ethics;

  3. develop a basic understanding of hermeneutics: bridging the gap between the ancient text and modern readers;

  4. learn to apply these skills, in collaboration with other students, towards a reasoned discernment of specific ethical issues challenging Christian churches today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The ethical challenges facing Christians today are arguably unprecedented in their scope and complexity. A study of the New Testament voice as it interacts with these issues is invaluable for teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions of lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:
Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1996.

Johnson, Luke Timothy. Scripture and Discernment: Decision Making in the Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES
Burridge, Richard A. Imitating Jesus: An Inclusive Approach to New Testament Ethics. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 2007.

Matera, Frank J. New Testament Ethics: The Legacies of Jesus and Paul. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Siker, Jeffrey S. Scripture and Ethics: Twentieth-Century Portraits. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Spohn, William C. What Are They Saying About Scripture and Ethics? New York: Paulist Press, 1995.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Preparation of assigned reading for the class

  2. Completion of a midterm covering the first half of the course (25%)

  3. Completion of a research paper of 12-15 pages (35%)

  4. Completion of a group project where students will discern an ethical issue biblically and theologically (15%)

  5. Completion of a final exam (25%)

PREREQUISITES: NS500 or NS501.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: A final exam will be given during the last class meeting.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/08)