NS500
Hansen
NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS. G. Walter Hansen.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course investigates the historical contexts, literary
structures, and theological themes of the four gospels. Various methods of
research are employed to explore the implications of the life and message of
Jesus given in the four gospels.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The gospels call Christian communities to believe in Jesus and to
follow him. Disciples of Jesus root their theology, their personal conduct, and
their ministry in the rich soil of the gospels' proclamation of Jesus as Savior
and Lord.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Lectures and discussions will be centered on historical,
exegetical, and theological issues related to the text of the gospels. Class
will meet for two-hour sessions, twice a week.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English
Version. American Bible Society, 1987.
- Barrett, C. K. The New Testament Backgrounds: Selected Documents.
Rev. ed. San Francisco: Harper & Collins, 1987.
- Barton, Stephen C. The Spirituality of the Gospels. London: SPCK,
1992.
- Johnson, Luke. The Writings of the New Testament. Philadelphia:
Fortress Press, 1986.
- Stanton, G. N. The Gospels and Jesus. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 1989.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd
ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
- Green, J. B. and S. McKnight. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels.
Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1992.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- An exegetical paper on a gospel pericope.
- An essay on a theological theme in the gospels.
- A final exam on the gospels, class sessions, and required reading.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 1 (NT1).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.