The Story of Jesus, Gospel and Early Church (BN8316B)

Content

This unit is designed to ground students in the New Testament story as a basis for understanding Scripture and the Christian faith. Students will be introduced to the captivating narratives of the New Testament in their literary, cultural, historical, social, and religious contexts. Moreover, the unit will explore the place of the epistles within the broader tapestry of the Early Church's story as well as examine the narrative dimensions of Pauline theology. It will also discuss the key theological themes and ideas, highlighting their relevance for Christian life and mission.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

No prerequisites required.

Pedagogy

The pedagogy of this unit is attuned to online and blended delivery. Teaching and learning in the unit occur through various student-centered learning experiences. Apart from undertaking assessment-for-learning tasks, students will engage with guided readings, exegetical exercises, knowledge applications, reflections, podcasts, video lessons, etc. Online workshops will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and developing discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

• Beale, G. K, and Benjamin L. Gladd. The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2020.
• Croy, N. Clayton. Prima Scriptura: An Introduction to New Testament Interpretation. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2011.
• DeSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation. Second Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
• Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul. Theological Explorations for the Church Catholic. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016.
• Gooder, Paula. Searching for Meaning: An Introduction to Interpreting the New Testament. Louisville, KY: SPCK/Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.
• Hays, Richard. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation. Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethic. San Francisco: HarperOne, 2014.
• Lee, Dorothy A. The Ministry of Women in the New Testament: Reclaiming the Biblical Vision for Church Leadership. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2021.
• Thomaskutty, Johnson. An Asian Introduction to the New Testament. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press, 2021.
• Witherington, Ben. The New Testament Story. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Pub, 2004.
• Wright, N. T, and Michael F Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. London: SPCK, 2019.

Assessment