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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to explore the nature and scope of Christian worldview as we investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions. We will inquire into implications of Christ's lordship for various spheres of life, such as politics, art, science and the environment. We investigate and develop personal responses to the challenges for a Christian worldview in today's pluralist society.

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

This course is an examination and deeper understanding of Karl Barth's theology. Primary attention is given to the character, development, and significance of Barth's theology. The student also reads Karl Barth in the context of Christian thought.