RLT1050

Introduction to the New Testament

R Drake

6 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of the subject first-year students should have gained understanding of the historical circumstances surrounding the composition of the New Testament corpus, skill in identifying the literary genres involved and awareness of the role of exegetical endeavour.

Synopsis The subject is intended to acquaint the student with the literature of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and social setting, its relationship to the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and its unique contribution to revealing the Founder of Christianity. A survey of the bridging period of Roman involvement in the lands and lives of the people of the region helps to contextualise further presentation. The various literary units of the New Testament are introduced - gospels, letters, apocalyptic - but more detailed attention will be given to the formation of the Synoptic Gospels, theories of sources, interrelationship, uniqueness, according to mainstream contemporary interpretation.

Assessment Two exercises (750 words each): 30% - Essay (1500 words): 30% - Examination (hour and a half): 40%

Recommended texts

Barratt C K The New Testament background: Selected documents 2nd edn, SPCK, 1987
Brown R E An introduction to the New Testament Doubleday, 1997
Ehrman B D The New Testament: A historical introduction to the early Christian writings Oxford, 1997
Freyne S The world of the New Testament Michael Glazier, 1980
Goosen G and Tomlinson M Studying the Gospels: An introduction Dwyer, 1994
Harrington D J Interpreting the New Testament Michael Glazier, 1979
Johnson L T The writings of the New Testament: An interpretation Fortress, 1986
Kümmel W G Introduction to the New Testament SCM, 1975
Pregeant R Engaging the New Testament: An interdisciplinary introduction Fortress, 1995

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