Content

This unit introduces students to the literature, historical background and theology of the New Testament. Students will learn to use basic tools and approaches for biblical studies, focusing on reading the biblical text as literature, with its historical context in mind and with a goal of discerning its theological message. Key New Testament themes such as new creation will be explored against their Old Testament background. Along the way the unit will challenge the learners to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the New Testament and its place within the biblical canon as well as its role in Christian faith and life. Students will also consider the implications of their learning for Christian ministry contexts.

Unit code: BS1102L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret the theological message of New Testament texts by reading them as literature and with their historical context in mind

2.

Explain how consideration of the place of New Testament texts within the whole biblical canon affects interpretation of them

3.

Discuss key New Testament themes against their Old Testament background and apply them to ministry contexts

Unit sequence

Prohibited combinations BN2002L Bible Introduction 2 BS1003L Exploring the Bible

Pedagogy

Online

Indicative Bibliography

  • Drane, John. 2011. Introducing the Old Testament, 3rd ed. Lion: Oxford UK. (recommended for purchase)
  • The Bible, preferably the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the Today’s New International Version (TNIV) and preferably in the form of a study Bible. (recommended for purchase)

  • Alexander, David, and Pat Alexander, 2009. The Lion handbook to the Bible. 4th ed. Lion: Oxford, UK.

  • Barton, J., ed. 1998. The Cambridge companion to biblical interpretation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

  • ———, ed. 2006. The Cambridge companion to the Gospels. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

  • Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. 2013. Encountering the New Testament: a historical and theological survey. 3rd ed (with CD-ROM). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

  • Evans, Craig A., and Stanley E. Porter, eds. 2000. Dictionary of New Testament background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

  • Jacobson, Diane L., and Robert Kysar. 1991. A beginner’s guide to the books of the Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.

  • Ralph, Margaret Nutting. 2003. And God said what? An introduction to biblical literary forms. Revised Edition. New York, NY: Paulist Press.

  • Ryan, M., ed. 2003. Reading the Bible: an introduction for students. Tuggerah, NSW: Social Science Press.

  • Stegemann, Wolfgang, Bruce J. Malina and Gerd Theissen, eds. 2002. The social setting of Jesus and the Gospels. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

1750 word essay

0 50.0
Essay

1000 word appraisal of a Bible study resource such as a DVD

0 20.0
Essay

1250 word integrative response to a topic developed from insights produced through a journaling process

0 30.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000