Content

This unit engages at depth with the Book of Revelation. It will explore the theology and imagery of Revelation, with exegesis of a number of passages. It will provide a knowledge of: the literary structures and Old Testament background, especially in relation to apocalyptic writing in ancient Judaism and letter-writing in early Christianity. It will examine the text in relation to time: past, present and future. Attention will also be given to the cultural values of the ancient world as they illuminate an understanding of the text in its own socio-religious context. The spirituality, political worldview and theology of Revelation will also be explored.

Unit code: BN9820T

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the literary and rhetorical techniques of Revelation, particularly in relation to its symbolism.

2.

Outline key theological themes of Revelation, particularly in its understanding of Jesus, eschatology and the nature of evil.

3.

Exegete a passage from Revelation in relation to its literary and socio-cultural context.

4.

Analyse theories on the relationship between Revelation and Jewish apocalyptic writings, including the Old Testament.

5.

Describe the concerns and values of the ancient world, Jewish and Graeco-Roman, out of which the Book of Revelation arises

6.

Critically evaluate the theological contribution of Revelation for the mission and ministry of the Church today.

Unit sequence

Pre-requisite: foundational unit in New Testament unit.

Pedagogy

Blended pedagogy with 'flipped classroom": students, both online and face-to-face to read online lectures and be prepared to discuss them in a blended, synchronous Zoom class discussion, along with weekly forum discussion posts online.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation. NIGTC. Eerdmans, 1998.
  • Boxall, Ian. The Revelation of Saint John. BNTC. Hendrickson, 2006
  • Boring, M. Eugene. Revelation. IBC. Westminster John Knox, 1989.
  • Huber, Lynn R. & O'Day, Gail R. Revelation. WC. Liturgical Press, 2023
  • Koester, Craig R. Revelation. AYB. Yale University Press, 2014.
  • Schreiner, Thomas R. Revelation. BECNT. Baker Academic, 2023.
  • Schüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth. Revelation: Vision of a Just World. PC. Fortress, 1992.
  • Roloff, Jürgen. Revelation. CC. Fortress, 1993
  • Tonstad, Sigve. Revelation. Paideia. Baker Academic, 2019.
  • Yong, Amos. Revelation. Belief. Westminster John Knox, 2021

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum - Participation in Forum Discussion

Participation in the weekly forum discussion, responding in writing to 8 of the 12 sessions.

1500 20.0
Essay - Thematic Essay

A theological essay on a theme, symbol or motif that frequently recurs in the Book of Revelation

3000 40.0
Essay - Exegetical Essay

Exegetical essay on a specific passage in Revelation.

3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 1 Sep, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-09-01 10:23:59 +1000