The Gospel of John (BN3180C)

Content

This unit explores the content, literary character, theology, and setting of the Gospel of John. Students are introduced to both traditional interpretations and contemporary insights. They study selected major passages in detail, bearing in mind the Gospel’s literary structure and its theological concerns. Particular attention is devoted to those Johannine passages that play a key role in the lectionaries of the various Christian churches.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Two units in Biblical Studies, including some New Testament study, at second level (or equivalent).

Pedagogy

Each 3-hour class comprises 2 hours of interactive lecture and discussion and 1 hour of structured group discussion and interpretation focused on biblical passages and/or secondary readings (in each case, presented in modes appropriate for face-to-face or online learning contexts).

Indicative Bibliography

• Brown, Sherri, and Francis J. Moloney. Interpreting the Gospel and [the] Letters of John: An Introduction. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017. (EBook available.)
• Byrne, Brendan. Life Abounding: A Reading of John’s Gospel. Strathfield: St Pauls, 2014. (EBook available.)
• Coloe, Mary L. John. 2 vols. Wisdom Commentary 44A–44B. Collegeville: Liturgical Press (Michael Glazier), 2021. (EBook available for vol. 1.)
• Edwards, Ruth B. Discovering John: Content, Interpretation, Reception. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015. (EBook available.)
• Lee, Dorothy A. Flesh and Glory: Symbol, Gender and Theology in the Gospel of John. New York: Crossroad, 2002.
• Lincoln, Andrew L. The Gospel According to Saint John. Black’s New Testament Commentaries. London: Continuum, 2005. (EBook available.)
• Loader, William. Jesus in John’s Gospel: Structure and Issues in Johannine Christology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017. (EBook available.)
• Moloney, Francis J. The Gospel of John. Sacra Pagina 4. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998 (or rev. ed., 2005). (EBook available.)
• Segovia, Fernando F., ed. “What is John?” 2 vols. SBL Symposium Series 3 and 7. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1996–1998.
• Schneiders, Sandra M. Written That You May Believe: Encountering Jesus in the Fourth Gospel. Rev. ed. New York: Crossroad, 2003.

Assessment