B9253 Interpreting the Four Gospels

Unit code T9253

Unit name Interpreting the Four Gospels

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites 9 cp

Exclusions B7252 Synoptic Gospels; B7253 The Four Gospels; B9252 Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels

Curriculum objective This course unit builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in the pre-requisite biblical studies. It critically examines the historical context, structure, literary forms and theological content of the four gospels of the New Testament as well as their application to Christian worship, teaching and spirituality. As an Advanced Elective unit, this unit builds on critical skills formed in pre-requisite study.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Analyse the impact that the historical, socio-cultural and religious background of the New Testament period had on the development of each of the four gospels
2. Analyse and interpret the principal literary forms and theological themes of the four gospels of the New Testament
3. Exegete selected passages from the four gospels using an accepted methodology
4. Integrate secondary recent scholarship into the critical study and interpretation of the four gospels
5. Apply insights gained from the critical study of the four gospels to contemporary Christian preaching, teaching and spirituality

Content

1. The historical, geographical and socio-cultural context of the 1^st century CE Roman Empire and the religious context of 1^st century CE Palestinian Judaism.
2. The literary genre of Gospel and the literary forms within the New Testament gospels.
3. The distinctive theological themes of each of the four gospels.
4. Exegesis of selected passages or themes from the four gospels using an accepted methodology
5. The application of critically researched knowledge of the Gospels to various church activities

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Determine the impact that the historical, socio-cultural and religious background of the New Testament period had on a key theological position of any one of the four gospels.  [Outcomes 1, 2, 4]
2. Exegete a significant passage from any one of the four gospels, using appropriate methodology. [Outcomes 2, 3, 4]
3. Interpret a selection of related pericopes from one or more of the four gospels for their theological themes and their application to the contemporary culture, ecclesial or secular [Outcomes 2, 4 and 5]