THEO 310 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY

COURSE NUMBER:

THEO 310

COURSE TITLE:

Bringing the Text to Life: Biblical Theological Themes

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Stephen Martin

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3 (hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a close study of selected biblical theological themes and their social-ethical implications for contemporary society. Themes investigated may include Christian political responsibility, war and peace, gender and sexuality, environmental stewardship, etc.

Prerequisites: THEO 250

REQUIRED TEXTS:

A recognized, scholarly translation of the Bible (e.g. New Revised Standard Version; New International Version; English Standard Version).
Wright, Christopher J. H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004).
Middleton, J. Richard, A New Heaven and a New Earth (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2015).

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Questions on Assigned Readings	10%
Book Report	15%
Presentation and essay	35%
Quizzes	15%
Final Exam	25%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To build on the foundations laid in “Entering the Story” (Theo 250), developing a more nuanced, thematic approach to the Bible that permits it to speak more deeply to Christian scholarship and discipleship
To challenge students to approach the Bible in a manner that listens closely for the inter-play of themes and variations, harmonies and dissonances
To help students gain a greater appreciation for the underlying agenda of the Bible for ecological, social, and personal transformation
To encourage students to apply the insights of the fundamental themes 1to other themes in the Bible appropriate to their disciplinary and vocational interests.

COURSE OUTLINE:

3.1. Introduction

3.1.1. Transitions Jan 4

Reading: Wright, 17-20

3.2. A Structure for Biblical Theology

3.2.1. The theological angle Jan 9, 11

Reading: Wright, 23-47

3.2.2. The social angle Jan 16, 18

Reading: Wright, 48-74

3.2.3. The economic angle Jan 23

Reading: Wright, 76-99

First quiz Jan 30

3.3. Themes in Biblical Theology

3.3.1. Ecology Feb 1

Reading: Wright, 103-145

3.3.2. Economics Feb 6, 8

Reading: Wright, 146-180

3.3.3. Land Feb 13, 15

Reading: Wright, 182-211

3.3.4. A New Heaven and a New Earth

discussion Feb 27

Second quiz Mar 1

3.3.5. Politics Mar 6, 8

Reading: Wright, 212-251

3.3.6. Justice Mar 13, 15

Reading: Wright, 253-279

3.3.7. Culture Mar 20

Reading: Wright, 327-361

Third quiz Mar 22

3.4. From Biblical Theology to Contemporary Ethics (group presentations)

Note: Your essay will be due on Moodle the Friday before your presentation.

3.4.1. Social media Mar 27

3.4.2. Same-sex marriage Mar 29

3.4.3. Recreational marijuana Apr 3

3.4.4. Vegetarianism Apr 5

3.4.5. Gender complementarity Apr 7

3.4.6. Pacifism Apr 10

Your essay will be due on Moodle the Friday before your presentation.

3.5. Conclusion

3.5.1. Theology, discipleship,and the church Apr 12

Reading: Wright, 363-382

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.