Spring 2009/Pasadena
OT865/551
Goldingay
OT865/551: OLD TESTAMENT ETHICS SEMINAR. John Goldingay.
DESCRIPTION: The course is a PhD seminar on the content of Old Testament
ethics, on method in the study of Old Testament ethics, and on issues raised by
setting the Old Testament in the context of Christian faith and vice versa. Up
to three master's level students may be admitted, with the professor's
permission.
LEARNING OUTCOMESS: To pass the course, students will have demonstrated that
they have
- read a number of the books of the Old Testament and reflected on their
ethical significance;
- considered key questions about the ethical interpretation of the Old
Testament;
- reflected on the relationship between Old Testament ethics and New
Testament ethics.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: To help people see the ethical significance of the Old
Testament and how to use it.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for three-hour sessions. Professor
Goldingay will give presentations at the opening and closing classes. Classes
in between will include discussion of the ethical implication of specific books
in the Old Testament and student presentations on ethical issues within the Old
Testament and on key secondary texts.
REQUIRED READING:
- Wright, C. J. H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God.
Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Barton, J. Ethics and the Old Testament. Harrisburg,
PA: Trinity Publishing International, 1998.
- Bauckham, R. The Bible in Politics. Louisville: Westminster
John Knox, 1989.
- Gottwald, N. K., and R. A. Horsley, eds. The Bible and
Liberation. Rev. ed. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis/London: SPCK, 1993.
- Carroll, M. Daniel, and Jacqueline E. Lapsley, eds. Character Ethics and
the Old Testament: Moral Dimensions of Scripture. Louisville: Westminster
John Knox , 2007.
- Rogerson, J. Theory and Practice in Old Testament Ethics. New York:
Clark, 2004.
- Swartley, W. M. Slavery, Sabbath, War and Women. Scottsdale,
PA: Herald, 1983.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students will complete assigned readings in the Bible and
secondary literature (for master's level students, a minimum of 600-1000
pages), and on this basis write a research/reflection paper on issues in the
study of Old Testament ethics in the context of faith in Christ (for master's
level students, a 20-page paper).
PREREQUISITES: Master's level students must have completed the MDiv core
requirements in Old Testament (or equivalent study) and have permission of the
professor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.