Preaching the Gospels (BN2111B)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit immerses students in the historical contexts, literary features, stories, discourses, and key themes of the Four Gospels. Through engagement with current New Testament scholarship and analysis of selected texts, students will uncover the distinctive perspectives and theological messages within each Gospel. The unit also fosters the development of exegetical skills vital for interpretation and practical application, while exploring creative ways of integrating their insights into the art of preaching. Upon completion, students gain a nuanced understanding of the Gospels, equipping them with practical tools for interpretation and sermon development strategies that help to faithfully capture and communicate the unique voices of Gospel narratives.

Unit code: BN2111B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the social, religious, cultural, political and literary background of the Gospels’ narratives
2.

Identify common and distinct aspects of the Gospels’ narrative theologies
3.

Exegete selected passages from the four Gospels
4.

Reflect on the place of Gospel exegesis in the art of preaching
5.

Apply the knowledge of the Gospels’ historical background, literary features and theological themes to sermon design

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: 18 points in BN and 18 points in DL

Pedagogy

This unit applies a constructivist approach to HEd pedagogy attuned to online 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 application exercises, reflections, video lessons, a variety of online teaching and learning activities (TLAs), etc. Online tutorials, workshops, and discussions will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and developing discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Blount, Brian K., and Gary W. Charles. Preaching Mark in Two Voices. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
  • Bond, Helen K. The First Biography of Jesus: Genre and Meaning in Mark’s Gospel. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2020.
  • Burridge, Richard A. Four Gospels, One Jesus: A Symbolic Reading. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2014.
  • Fleer, David, and Dave Bland. Preaching Mark's Unsettling Messiah. Saint Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2006.
  • Gooder, Paula. The Parables. Norwich, UK: Canterbury Press, 2020.
  • Jarvis, Cynthia A., and E. Elizabeth Johnson, eds. Feasting on the Gospels. 4 vols. A Feasting on the Word Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013.
  • Kuruvilla, Abraham. Mark: A Theological Commentary for Preachers. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2012.
  • Kysar, Robert. Preaching John. Fortress Resources for Preaching. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2002.
  • Powell, Mark Allan. Fortress Introduction to the Gospels. Second ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2019.
  • Strauss, Mark L. Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels. Second ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Summative Reflection 650 15.0
Portfolio - Exegetical Portfolio 2250 50.0
Homily/Sermon 1600 35.0

Variant 2

Portfolio - Exegetical Portfolio 2700 60.0
Essay 1800 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 11 Sep, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-09-11 10:35:14 +1000