Winter 2014/Pasadena

NS501

Downs

NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ROMANS–REVELATION. David J. Downs.

DESCRIPTION: This course constitutes an introduction to the nature, structure, and message of the New Testament letters and the Apocalypse of John in their historical, literary, and canonical contexts.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Not only is an intimate acquaintance with the New Testament documents essential for Christian teaching and preaching, it also provides the foundation for discipleship, spirituality, and creative theological thinking to meet the challenges of today’s world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students should be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, content, structure, and message of the writings from Romans through Revelation; (2) to demonstrate developing skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various contexts; and (3) to articulate the character of the NT letters and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of his church.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will meet weekly for three-and-a-half hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

CEB, NRSV, TNIV Bible: Romans-Revelation.

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 978-0802837172, Pub. Price $44.00 [544 pp.].

Bassler, Jouette M. Navigating Paul: An Introduction to Key Theological Concepts. Westminster John Knox, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664227418, Pub. Price $20.00 [152 pp.].

Blount, Brian K. Can I Get a Witness? Reading Revelation through African American Culture.Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN: 978-0664228699, Pub. Price $25.00 [168 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Donelson, Lewis R. From Hebrews to Revelation: A Theological Introduction. Westminster John Knox, 2000. ISBN: 978-0664222369, Pub. Price $30.00 [168 pp.].

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1997. ISBN: 978-0802844231, Pub. Price $46.00 [844 pp.].

Green, Joel B. and Lee Martin McDonald, eds. The World of the New Testament: Cultural,

Historical, and Social Contexts. Baker, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801039621, Pub. Price $49.99. [640 pp.].

Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-0830817788, Pub. Price $60.00 [1067 pp.].

Martin, Ralph P., and Daniel G. Reid. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0830817795, Pub. Price $60.00 [1319 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Two short papers on assigned NT passages (1,500-2,000 words each; total 30%).

2. Moodle discussion groups (10%).

3. An integrative essay on an assigned topic or text (ca. 2,500-3,500 words; 35%).

4. A final exam (25%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2); meets MAT (2010) program requirement.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.