B7150 – Introduction to the New Testament

Unit Code

B7150

Unit Name

Introduction to the New Testament (undergraduate)

Unit Weighting

9  Credit Points

Type of Unit

Foundational

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

Nil

Academic Staff

Rev Fr. Dr. Paul Fanous  BSc (UNSW), MBBS (USYD), MTh (UON), DMin (PTS)

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit introduces students to the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes. It provides a solid foundation for further biblical and theological study.  This course unit introduces the study of the New Testament to the student. It will discuss the many different approaches to studying and understanding the New Testament and scripture in general, and will suggest an approach to the New Testament, with a particular look at the Orthodox method of scriptural interpretation. The course will also examine some key themes in the New Testament, and the Orthodox understanding of these themes and issues. This course aims to equip students with a clear framework of Biblical interpretation, as a basis for their continued studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. articulate a thorough knowledge of the contents of the New Testament
2. assess the historical, social and cultural context of the New Testament
3. demonstrate well-developed exegetical skills in critical interpretation of New Testament texts
4. integrate significant secondary literature into formal critical essays on the books of the New Testament
5. relate the fruits of New Testament studies to a range of life and ministry situations
During this course unit, students may acquire the following threshold concept. This concept is fundamental to a proper understanding of the unit or course. It is essential for further progress in the discipline. It is often troublesome for students.
The books of the New Testament are works of literature, written and received in a particular historical period, for a distinct religious purpose.

Content

1. Contents of the New Testament
2. Historical, cultural, political and religious contexts of the New Testament materials
3. The literary nature of the New Testament
4. Key methodologies and approaches to Biblical interpretation and critical issues
5. Developing skills in exegesis and writing an exegetical essay
6. Identification and analysis of key New Testament themes

Unit Weekly Schedule
Week 1 Introduction – What is the New Testament and why study it?
Week 2 The World of Early Christianity – Historical, cultural, political and religious contexts of the New Testament
Week 3 Methods of Biblical interpretation –  The critical problem of criticism
Week 4 Introduction to the Gospels – The synoptic problem and its solutions
Assignment/Task 1
Week 5 The Second Gospel of Luke – The Acts of the Apostles
Week 6 St John – His Gospel and Epistles:  A parenthetical message
Week 7 The Pauline Corpus – Some case studies
Week 8 The Interpretation of St Paul – A misunderstood prophet
Assignment/Task 2
Week 9 The Other New Testament Books – A look at the apocalypse
Week 10 New Testament Theme 1 – New Testament Christology
Week 11 New Testament Theme 2 – The Kingdom
Week 12 New Testament Theme 3 – St Mary in the New Testament
Assignment Task 3

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