Course Summary

Basic theological concepts found in the Old Testament

Beginning with God as the center, the course introduces the student to a unified view of God, Scripture, and God's work. The person and activity of Yahweh as revealed to Israel provides the focus of attention. The course also deals with how God's activity interfaces with culture. The course is organized in three modules: (1) Introduction to Old Testament Theology, (2) The Life and Faith of Israel, and (3) Old Testament Theology: Israel's Gospel. 3 semester hours of graduate credit.

Objectives

1.  Describe the methodology of Old Testament theology as it relates to interpreting Scripture in a contemporary context.

2.  Examine theological concepts that appear in the Old Testament.

3.  Appraise the Old Testament’s diverse theological contours with respect to unity.

Credit.  Credit for the course requires a score of 70% or greater on three examinations and two essays. Each element will count for 20% toward the final grade. Problems are multiple-choice. A sample exam problem is given below.

A unique characteristic of the God who reveals himself in the Old Testament is his (A) exclusiveness, (B) identification with prayer, (C) identification with sacrifice, (D) association with a specific place.

Textbooks

Goldingay, John. Old Testament Theology: Israel's Gospel. InterVarsity Press, 2003. 940 pages. $31.17 ISBN: 978-0830825615

Mead, James K. Biblical Theology: Issues, Methods, and Themes. Westminster John Knox Press, 2007. 336 pages. $32 ASIN: B0093KCBEG

Sailhamer, John H. Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach. Zondervan, 1999. 332 pages. $27.99 ISBN: 978-0310232025