Content

This unit will explore the biblical tradition of justice, righteousness and the reign of God and the historical and social situations in which the concept developed. Texts will be used from the Pentateuch, the Psalms, the Prophets and Wisdom Literature as well as selected passages from Qumran Literature. Study of the concept of justice in the NT will focus particularly on the Gospel of Luke, with its emphasis on the reign of God as good news of justice for the poor and oppressed.

Unit code: BS9116Y

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate an understanding of the meaning of the concept of justice in both Testaments

2.

Outline the basic links between the concepts of justice and righteousness in the various books of the First Testament

3.

Appraise and analyse continuity and discontinuity in the teaching and practice of justice, righteousness and the reign of God from one Testament to another, with main concentration on the Gospel according to Luke in NT study

4.

Exhibit appropriate skills in biblical interpretation

5.

Identify key words in Hebrew and Greek lexicons and dictionaries, and use the shades of meaning appropriately in both oral and written work.

Unit sequence

Successful completion of at least two foundational unit in Biblical Studies

Pedagogy

Lectures, discussion groups, short student presentations, frequent revision activities, use of ppts, and some AV/IT material such as video clips, DVDs, Youtube clips

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books* [RSV is also acceptable]
  • Birch, Bruce C. Let Justice Roll Down: The OT Ethics and Christian Life. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 1991.
  • Beasley-Murray, George R. Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986.
  • Byrne, Brendan. The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke's Gospel. Strathfield, NSW: St Pauls Publications, 2000.
  • –––––––. Galatians and Romans. Strathfield, NSW: St Pauls, 2010.
  • Grassi, Joseph. Informing the Future: Social Justice in the New Testament. New York: Paulist, 2003.
  • Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. NICNT. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.
  • Hendricks, Herman. Social Justice in the Bible. Quezon City: Claretian, 1985.
  • Herzog 11, William R. Jesus, Justice and the Reign of God. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2000.
  • Horsley, Richard. Jesus and the Powers: Conflict, Covenant, and the Hope of the Poor. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress 2010.
  • ––––––. The Prophet Jesus and the Renewal of Israel: Moving beyond a Diversionary Debate. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012
  • Malchow, Bruce V. Social Justice and the Hebrew Bible: What is Old. What is New. Collegeville, MN: Michael Glazier, 1996.
  • Malina, Bruce. The Social Gospel of Jesus: The Kingdom of God in Mediterranean Marshall, Christopher, D. Compassionate Justice: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue with Two Gospel Parables on Law, Crime, Punishment and Restorative Justice. Eugene OR: Cascade 2012.
  • McKnight, Scot, and Joseph B., eds. Jesus Is Lord, Caesar Is Not: Evaluating Empire in New Testament Studies. Downers Grove IL: IVP Academic, 2013
  • Nardoni, Enrique. Rise up O Judge: A Study of Justice in the Biblical World. Peabody MA: Hendrickson, 2004. (recommended for purchase)
  • Weinfeld, Moshe. Social Justice in Ancient Israel and the Ancient Near East. Jerusalem: The Magnes Press, The Hebrew University, 1995.
  • Zehr, Howard. Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice. Scottdale, GA: Herald

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4000 word essay

0 60.0
Exegesis

2000 word exegetical presentation

0 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-28 14:50:33 +1100