DESCRIPTION: This is the first of a two-course sequence designed to provide a
basic introduction to the New Testament, including not only the traditional
elements of "introduction," such as authorship, date, provenance, background,
structure, and use of sources, but also the theologies of the various writings.
The orientation is both historical and exegetical. The present course is
devoted to the four Gospels, and traces their origin, interrelationship,
theological distinctives, and value as sources for life of Jesus research. Some
attention will be given to the hermeneutical problem of preaching from the
Gospels today. The course will commence with an overview of intertestamental
history.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a
foundational knowledge of the content of the NT documents studied in this part
of the course; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical
matters that may inform our understanding of them; (3) appreciation of the
world in which Jesus lived and ministered; and (4) an understanding of some of
the factors contributing to the diverse portraits of Jesus that came to
expression in the four Gospels.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An understanding of the Gospels is indispensable not
only in teaching and preaching, but in developing a biblically informed
theology that equips one for everyday living.
COURSE FORMAT: Meeting daily for two weeks, for four-hour sessions, the course
will be presented as a series of lectures on various topics and exegesis of
important passages. Students are expected to keep their reading current and to
be prepared to discuss topics in class.
REQUIRED READING: