Course Summary

The New Testament in context

The course lays the foundation for in-depth study of the New Testament by surveying its contents, identifying pertinent issues in New Testament studies, and analyzing the relevance of the New Testament in a modern world. Emphasis is on original source material. The course is composed of three modules: (1) Biblical Studies, the Gospels and Acts, (2) The Epistles and The Apocalypse, and (3) Message, Response, and Interpretation. Required for the M.T.S. and M.Div. degrees. 3 semester hours of graduate credit.

Objectives

• Identify characters, issues, events, places, and themes noted in the New Testament

• Judge underlying assumptions in the critical study of the New Testament

• Analyze New Testament content for application to contemporary life.

Credit for the course requires a score of 70% or greater on each of 3 multiple-choice examinations and two essays. Each element is valued at 20% of the final grade.

A sample exam problem is given below:

Which of the following has no bearing on the Synoptic Gospels problem? (A) Divergences between the Gospels (B) Non-canonical Gospels (C) Similarity of arrangement (D) Similarity of style and wording

Resources

A New Testament in any language is essential. The N.I.V. is recommended as exam problems draw from its vocabulary. The course syllabus serves as a guide. As a secondary source, the student will find a good introduction beneficial. An online book by Pheme Perkins, Reading the New Testament: An Introduction is available at no cost to the student.  It may be accessed from the Special Electronic Collection.