Content

This unit engages at depth with the Gospel and Letters of John using the Greek text. It will explore the theology of the Johannine literature, with exegesis of a number of passages. It will provide a knowledge of: the literary structures and techniques, especially the symbolism; its theological themes, particularly glory, love, eternal life, eschatology, and the person and work of Jesus; the relationship of John’s Gospel to the Synoptic Gospels and the interrelationship of the Gospel and Epistles; and the possible concerns and setting of the Johannine community, including its divisions. Attention will also be given to the cultural values of the ancient world as they illuminate an understanding of the texts in their own context. The issue of masculine language and imagery will also be explored in these texts.

Unit code: BN9120T

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline the Johannine worldview against the backdrop of the intellectual climate of its time

2.

Analyse the literary techniques in both Gospel and Letters, and their relevance to the core symbolism

3.

Exegete a passage from the Johannine literature using sophisticated critical methodology and with adequate knowledge of the New Testament Greek language.

4.

Articulate the unique theological perspective in the Gospel and Letters

5.

Analyse the concerns and context of the Johannine community, including issues of disagreement and division

6.

Articulate implications of the study of the Johannine literature for the life, witness and mission of the church of today.

.

Unit sequence

1 x introductory unit in New Testament Completed one year of NT Greek

Pedagogy

Lectures. Discussion. Tutorial on Greek text

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barrett, C.K. The Gospel According to St. John: An Introduction with Commentary and Notes on the Greek Text. 2nd ed. London: SPCK, 1978.
  • de Boer, M. & J.M. Lieu (eds.), •Handbook of Johannine Studies.• Oxford; Oxford University Press, 2018.
  • Estes, D. & R. Sheridan, How John Works. Storytelling in the Fourth Gospel. Atlanta GA: SBL, 2017.
  • Keener, C.W. The Gospel of John. A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2003.
  • Lieu, J.M. I, II, and III John. New Testament Library. Louisville/London: Westminster John Knox, 2008.
  • Lincoln, A. The Gospel According to St John. London: Continuum, 2005.
  • Moloney, F.J. The Gospel of John. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 1998.
  • Parsenios, G.L. First, Second and Third John. Paideia. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014.
  • Talbert, C.H. •Reading John. A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Fourth Gospel and Johannine Epistles. Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 2013.
  • Thompson, M.M. John: A Commentary. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox, 2015.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay - Thematic essay

Thematic essay of 3000 words

3000 40.0
Exegetical Essay - Exegetical essay

Major exegetical essay on the Greek text of 3000 words

3000 40.0
Seminar or Tutorial - Forum discussions

Tutorial forum, presentation and participation, including weekly translation preparation of selected Greek texts

1500 20.0

Variant 1

Exegetical Essay - Exegetical essay A

Exegetical essay on the Greek text of 1500 words

1500 20.0
Essay - Thematic essay

3000 word thematic essay

3000 40.0
Exegetical Essay - Exegetical essay B

Exegetical essay on the Greek text of 1500 words

1500 20.0
Seminar or Tutorial - Class discussions

Tutorial forum, presentation and participation including weekly translation preparation of selected Greek texts

1500 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 30 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-30 13:51:51 +1100