Courses

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

The principles of Hebrew exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the Old Testament.

Old Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 611 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Old Testament Textual Criticism, Genesis, Exodus, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Daniel, Psalms, Chronicles and the Rewritten Bible, Inner-Biblical Exegesis, History of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible, and Old Testament Theology. Among other things, students are asked to research and report on various aspects of the seminar topic. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

The principles of Greek exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the New Testament.

New Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 621 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Matthew, Luke-Acts, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Apocryphal Gospels and the New Testament, the Septuagint and the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, the Targums and the New Testament, Anti-Semitism and the New Testament, and New Testament Theology. Students are asked to research various aspects of the seminar topic and report back to the seminar. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

This course reviews the emergence, aims, and interpretive techniques of the Deuteronomistic history, including the (re)interpretation of Mosaic, conquest and royal traditions. Of special interest is the presentation of the founding and confirming of the Davidic dynasty.

This course reviews several of the most promising recent developments in Jesus research. Sources, the criteria of authenticity, Jesus' contemporaries, and Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom receive emphasis. Special attention is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance for Jesus research.

This course reviews the principal themes of the Pentateuch, emphasizing the presentation of Yahweh as Creator and covenant Maker. Critical interpretation of the Pentateuch, including the classic statement of the Documentary Hypothesis, is assessed.

This course reviews recent research in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Mark's community and its interpretation of the Jesus tradition, as well as to the question of the historicity of Mark's presentation of the story of Jesus.