Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Unit Description

The unit commences with an examination of the inter-testamental period. Political, historical, cultural, and religious developments are noted and analysed for their contribution to the setting of the New Testament. The distinctions between the Jewish, Greek, and Roman social patterns, religious thought, and philosophical schools are identified.

The distinctive characteristics of the Gospel genre are examined, the relationship between the Gospels and the Epistles is noted, and the synoptic problem is addressed with a range of possible solutions described. The authorship, structure, purpose, and content of each Gospel is presented. Particular attention is given to the uniqueness of John’s Gospel in relation to the Synoptics.

The significance of the book of Acts historically and theologically for the early church is discussed in detail highlighting the missional impetus and the spread of the gospel through the work of individuals. Emphasis is placed upon the contextualisation of the gospel.

Paul the man, the minister and the writer is briefly discussed and his contribution to Christian theology established. The Epistles are examined with particular focus upon historical context, message, and practical significance. The development of the theology of the church throughout the first century and the issues faced at each stage are outlined.

Practical application of the New Testament text to the contemporary setting with a strong appreciation of the need for contextualisation of the New Testament message is emphasised.

Areas where there are scholarly differences are highlighted and students are presented with a range of views. These include authorship of particular books, the authenticity of selected sections of text, and historical discrepancies.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include: lectures and tutorials; weekend schools; class discussions; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio tape and online interaction.


Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every 2nd Year (Odd), Semester 2)
Online: (Every 2nd Year (Even), Semester 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.