DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce the student to the discipline of Old
Testament theology, including both its central methodological concerns and a
selective survey of its subject matter. Methodological issues will be put into
relief by comparative studies of classic works in the field, particularly those
of Eichrodt and von Rad. Themes to be treated will include God, creation,
redemption, promise, covenant, people, land, and the nations. Relationships to
the New Testament will be discussed within each topic. A constructive proposal
will be offered for organizing a theology of the Old Testament around the issue
of canonical unity and diversity.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Biblical theology may be thought of as the
disciplined attempt to hear "the whole counsel of Scripture"; its challenge is
to let each witness within the canon have its own particular "voice," while
listening for the "melody" of the whole. In this way, biblical theology is
distinct from both exegesis and systematic theology, and it is critical to both
if they are to make their proper contribution to an informed faith.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a basic understanding of the ways in which biblical theology has been defined
and situated as a discipline; (2) an ability to articulate and to reflect upon
central theological themes of the Old Testament, and to relate them to both the
New Testament and to historic Christian theological affirmations; (3) an
awareness of how the historical and cultural particularities behind Scripture
have shaped its witness; (4) an appreciation of how we may learn from
historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and
obey the theological testimony of the Old Testament; (5) basic skills in
interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly resources both
critically and constructively.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will twice meet weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: