DESCRIPTION:

By way of introduction, the problematic nature of studying Old Testament theology will be illustrated by reference to the various approaches employed in recent scholarship. Yahweh's relationship to Israel and to the natural and human world will be examined thematically. The theology of the Psalter will be used as a means of reaching out to the theology of the Old Testament in general. In conclusion, the connection between the Old and New Testaments will be considered.

Theology gives ministry its backbone. Old Testament theology lays a foundation for New Testament theology, inasmuch as the Old Testament was the Bible of Jesus and the early Church. It may for us, as it did for them, reveal the heart and mind of the living God.

The course will meet twice weekly for two hours.

Fretheim, T. E. The Suffering of God: An Old Testament Perspective. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1984.

Hasel, G. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Zimmerli, W. Old Testament Theology in Outline. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1978.

Also such material as is set in the schedule.

Eichrodt, W. Theology of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1961, 1967.

Ollenburger, B. C., et al., eds. The Flowering of Old Testament Theology. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1992.

Von Rad, G. Old Testament Theology. 2 vols. New York: Harper & Row, 1962, 1965.

Wolff, H. W. Anthropology of the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1974. (Not in Print.)

Reading on the themes covered in the lectures, as given in the schedule of class sessions. In addition, a paper will be required on a particular theme not covered in class.

OT501.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTB) or "c" (OTC).

Yes. Questions on the approach to Old Testament theology and its content will be asked.