New Testament

5 credits

Module Content:

1. The historical, political, intellectual, social and religious background to ‘Christian origins’.
2. Overview of the Gospels drawing on modern critical methods.
3. Introduction to Pauline thought, comparing older and more recent approaches.
4. A New Testament theme, to be selected from a) Church and state b) mission and discipleship including its application to ministry and teaching/preaching.
5. Detailed study of selected texts (chosen in part to link with other topics studied in this module). An indicative list might include Mark’s passion narrative; John 1 (and ideally other parts of John’s Gospel too – perhaps comparing John’s passion with Mark); Matthew 5-7; Luke 4; Luke 15.1-32; Romans 5-8; the 3 narratives in Acts and one account in Galatians of Paul’s ‘conversion’; Hebrews 1.
6. Theology and theologies of the NT. An exploration of some key questions e.g. the theme of unity and diversity in the NT, the Partings of the Ways between Judaism and Christianity.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able:

• To recognize and make use of the methods of interpretation appropriate to a selection of specific biblical texts.
• To recognize and analyse the interplay between the production of biblical texts and contexts in the New Testament.
• To appreciate the social, historical and intellectual origins of the early Jesus movement and responses to it in early Christian communities.
• To investigate the variety of interpretative stances within early Christian communities and to appreciate their importance for Christian ministry today.
• To demonstrate ways in which texts from the New Testament can be used appropriately in Christian ministry today.
• To appreciate the complexities of the relationship between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

Methodology:

Part-time Mode A:

This module will be taught through a series of lectures and student-led seminars.

Students will be required to participate and lead class seminars and also to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study which will focus on close textual readings.

There will be a joint seminar with each of the other two strands – Theology and Christian Practice in Church and Society.

Part-time Mode B:

This module will be taught through workbook and DVD lectures. Students will also contribute to online seminars and will be required to engage in independent study of set texts. Students will also be required to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study which will focus on close textual readings.

There will be a joint seminar with each of the other two strands – Theology and Christian Practice in Church and Society.

Assessment: 2,500 words of coursework (e.g. essay, exegesis, sermon or project as agreed by course leader).
Contact Hours: 20 Student Work Load: 100 - 120 hrs