DESCRIPTION: An exploration of views on the miraculous in the NT writings, in light of the historical Jesus and the period, with a view to understanding their contemporary relevance.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student is expected to be able to (1) demonstrate knowledge of the background to the miracle traditions in the NT; (2) exhibit a detailed knowledge of the various approaches to the miracles by the NT writers; (3) interpret passages that relate to the miraculous in the NT; (4) demonstrate a command of the issues associated with a discussion of the miraculous in contemporary Christianity.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: In the face of the church being divided in its understanding not only of the place of miracle and the miraculous in the NT but also in contemporary ministry, this course will make clear the centrality of the miraculous for Jesus and the earliest Christians, challenging as well as giving the opportunity for the student to articulate a theology and practice of miracle for ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: Meeting daily for two weeks in four-hour sessions centered around lectures, as well as some discussion, particularly on the historical Jesus, Paul, the gospel writers, and select epistles.

REQUIRED READING:

Twelftree, Graham H. Jesus the Miracle Worker: A Historical and Theological Study. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999. AND

Cotter, Wendy. Miracles in Greco-Roman Antiquity: A Sourcebook for the Study of New Testament Miracle Stories. New York: Routledge, 1999.

OR Achtemeier, Paul J. Jesus and the Miracle Tradition. Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2008.

An additional text to be read for a critical book review assignment is to be chosen by the student from a list in the course syllabus.

1. One paper of 1,250 to 1,500 words, i.e. 5 to 6 pages, chosen from 8 topics in the syllabus on the miraculous in relation to Jesus or one of the NT writers. Due August 8 (20%).

2. One critical book review of 750 to 1,000 words, i.e. 3 to 4 pages. Due August 22 via email (20%).

3. Three Exegetical Exercises or "Gobbets" of 400 to 500 words, i.e. 1-1/2 to 2 pages each. Due September 5 (20%).

4. One paper of 2,500 to 3,000 words, i.e. 10 to 12 pages, chosen from 8 topics in the syllabus on the miraculous in relation to Jesus or one of the NT writers. Due September 12 (40%)