BI  451: New Testament Theology Dr. Brian K. Peterson Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina

Course Description and Goals:

This course is a study of New Testament theology as a pastoral discipline. The course will:

1. Explore the theological diversity within the major New Testament witnesses.
2. Search for unity within the diversity of the NT.
3. Examine the origin, presuppositions, history, and methods of New Testament theology.
4. Assist the student in the formation of his/her own theological perspective on the function and authority
   of Scripture in the life of the church.
5. Strengthen the integration of the New Testament's message and the practice of ministry.

   Textbooks:

1. Each student will read both of the following books:

• Frank J. Matera, New Testament Christology. Westminster John Knox, 1999.

• David L. Bartlett, Ministry in the New Testament. Wipf and Stock, 2001.

3. During this term, students are expected to read (again!) in English translation the entire New Testament; these readings are included in the course schedule below. Please bring an English Bible and Greek New Testament to each class session. With respect to this portion of the course's expectations, consider the following:

[Meditate on scripture]..." not only in your heart, but also externally, by actually repeating and comparing oral speech and literal words of the book, reading and rereading them with diligent attention and reflection, so that you may see what the Holy Spirit means by them. And take care that you do not grow weary or think that you have done enough when you have read, heard, and spoken them once or twice, and that you then have complete understanding. You will never be a particularly good theologian if you do that, for you will be like untimely fruit which falls to the ground before it is half-ripe." (Martin Luther, "Preface to the Wittenberg Edition of Luther’s German Writings, " Luther’s Works Vol. 34, p. 286)

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  Class Requirements:

1. Each week the class will meet for  two 75-minute sessions of lecture, response, and discussion. 
Students are expected to have read the assigned material, and come ready to respond to it and the
lecture material with questions, challenges, and other edifying observations. For each class meeting’s
reading assignment, each student will identify two issues raised by that reading to suggest as a point
for class discussion. These should not simply be questions about facts, but theological and pastoral
issues, insights, or problems that these readings raised for you. These will be emailed to me by 6 p.m.
of the day before they are assigned.          

2. Two papers will be written. The first paper will deal with the Christology in one particular NT witness
(8-10 double-spaced pages). The final paper will address an issue posed by me regarding the unity and authority
of the New Testament within the life of the church (12-14 double-spaced pages). More specific instructions for
each of these papers will be given at the appropriate time during the course.

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  Grading:
 
 

Preparation & participation	100 points
Careful reading & theological reflection (discussion questions)	100 points
Christology paper	100 points
Final paper	200 points

350 pts required to pass the course (70%)

More than four absences will result in a failing grade. Students should let me know as soon as possible about
unavoidable absences.

Requests for extensions or acceptance of late work will be considered only if the student's reason is one
that could be brought to a congregation as an excuse for not being prepared on for one's responsibilities
on a Sunday morning (family emergency or medical reasons).

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