Reading the New Testament (BN0029T)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit introduces skills for interpreting the New Testament with a particular focus on the Gospels, Pauline Epistles and Revelation. Students will examine historical, literary and theological dimensions of these New Testament texts, including questions of background, genre, and key theological ideas. Attention will be paid to an overview of the New Testament writings and the diversity of their theologies. Also to be examined are the ways in which these texts function as Scripture, and their consequent meaning for Christian faith and discipleship.

Unit code: BN0029T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Diploma

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline the major historical, literary and theological issues involved in study of the New Testament
2.

Describe the range and diversity of theological meanings present in different New Testament texts
3.

Demonstrate an ability to use critical tools (commentaries, concordance knowledge of history, genre, bible software) to interpret texts
4.

Exegete a passage from a New Testament text within the context of its overall theology

Pedagogy

Video lectures, quizzes, readings, tutorial discussions

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Bible or New Oxford Annotated Bible or Harper Collins Study Bible (recommended for purchase)
  • Boring, M. E. An Introduction to the New Testament: History, Literature, Theology, 2012. (recommended for purchase)
  • Barton, J. The Nature of Biblical Criticism, Louisville: Westminster, 2007.
  • Grant, R. M. Augustus to Constantine: The Rise and Triumph of Christianity in the Roman World, Louisville: Westminster, 1990.
  • deSilva, David. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2004.
  • Ehrman, B. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christians Writings, 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
  • Klauck, H. J. Ancient Letters and the New Testament: A Guide to Context and Exegesis, Waco, Texas: Baylor, 2006.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Written Examination

Take home exam (equivalent 1000 words)

 0 30.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

short quiz (equivalent 200 words)

 0 10.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

short quiz (equivalent 200 words)

 0 10.0
Exegetical Essay

exegetical essay (1000 words)

0 30.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

Tutorial report (800 words)

 0 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-07 11:43:02 +1000