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Title: BIB 602: Theological Themes in the New Testament
Subtitle: Exploring the Core Doctrines of Christian Faith
Course Name & Level: Theological Themes in the New Testament, Master Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: New Testament, Theology, Christian Doctrine
1. Introduction:
This course provides an in-depth examination of the major theological themes found in the New Testament, focusing on their development and significance within the broader biblical narrative. Students will explore how these themes underpin the message of King Jesus and His Kingdom.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course focusing on the exploration of key theological themes in the New Testament, emphasizing their relevance to the Kingdom of God and the Great Commission. Students will engage with primary texts and scholarly interpretations to gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament’s theological foundations.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the theological themes in the New Testament and their implications for contemporary Christian faith and practice.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and analyze major theological themes in the New Testament and understand their significance in the context of the entire biblical narrative.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Incarnation: The belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on human flesh.
- Atonement: The reconciliation of humanity with God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
- Justification: The act of being declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Sanctification: The process of being made holy, set apart for God’s purposes.
- Eschatology: The study of the end times, including the return of Christ and the final judgment.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to New Testament Theology: Overview of the key themes and their significance.
- The Kingdom of God: Exploration of the central theme of Jesus’ teaching and its implications.
- The Person and Work of Christ: Study of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
- Salvation and Atonement: Examination of the theological concepts of salvation and atonement in the New Testament.
- Justification by Faith: Understanding the doctrine of justification as presented by Paul and other New Testament writers.
- The Holy Spirit: The role and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the church.
- The Church: The nature, purpose, and function of the church in the New Testament.
- Ethics and Christian Living: The ethical teachings of the New Testament and their application to Christian living.
- Eschatology: The theological perspectives on the end times and the coming Kingdom of God.
- Mission and Evangelism: The Great Commission and the New Testament’s emphasis on spreading the Gospel.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key theological themes and concepts in the New Testament.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen theological theme in the New Testament.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant theological theme in the New Testament.
8. Research References:
- The Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach by Frank Thielman. eBook format. MLA Citation: Thielman, Frank. The Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach. Zondervan, 2005.
- New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ by Thomas R. Schreiner. eBook format. MLA Citation: Schreiner, Thomas R. New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Baker Academic, 2008.
- Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright. eBook format. MLA Citation: Wright, N.T. Paul: A Biography. HarperOne, 2018.
- The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction by Donald A. Hagner. eBook format. MLA Citation: Hagner, Donald A. The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction. Baker Academic, 2012.
- The Holy Spirit and Ethics in Paul: Transformation and Empowering for Religious-Ethical Life by Volker Rabens. eBook format. MLA Citation: Rabens, Volker. The Holy Spirit and Ethics in Paul: Transformation and Empowering for Religious-Ethical Life. Mohr Siebeck, 2010.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the theological themes in the New Testament, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
