Course Description
This course is an analysis of selected portions of the New Testament letters. It includes an analysis of the structure, content, historical-cultural background, and theological contribution of a portion of the letters. Additional attention will be paid to various methods and approaches to the books.
Course Objective
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Explain the genre of the four Gospels as history, narrative, and theology
2. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of some of the different critical and literary approaches to the study of the four Gospels
3. Describe the Greco-Roman and Jewish historical/cultural setting for the life of Christ and explain its importance for understanding the life of Christ
4. Describe the main historical and theological features of each of the Gospel’s portrayals of Jesus
5. Explain Jesus’ teaching on key topics including the kingdom of God, the law, and the cost of discipleship
6. Give evidence for the literal body resurrection of Jesus and explain its historical and theological importance