Course Description and Objectives
Course Texts
Evaluation
Grading Scale
Schedule
Bibliography

Course Description and Objectives (top of page)

Catalog Description: Theological and ethical themes of the New Testament, their origins and development, similarities and differences.

Course Objectives: (under construction)

Course Texts (top of page)

Required Texts
MVNT	Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. HarperSanFrancisco, 1996.
NOAB	New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha (NRSV). Oxford, 1991, 1994.
Reserve Readings
Bonhoeffer	Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. New York: Macmillan, 1959.
Fisk (89)	Fisk, Bruce. "Eating Meat Offered to Idols: Corinthian Behavior and Pauline Response in 1 Corinthians 8-10" Trinity Journal 10 (1, 1989): 49-70.
Fisk (96a)	"Abortion" in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Ed., W. Elwell. Baker, 1996. Pp.2-6.
Fisk (96b)	"Body of Christ" in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Ed., W. Elwell. Baker, 1996. Pp.73-74.
Keener	Keener, Craig. Paul, Women and Wives: Marriage and Women's ministry in the Letters of Paul. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1992.
McKnight	"The Hermeneutics of Confessing Jesus as Lord." Ex Auditu 14 (1998) 1-17 (handout).
Schrage	Schrage, Wolfgang. The Ethics of the New Testament. D. E. Green, trans. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
Stott	Stott, John. Involvement: Being a Responsible Christian in a Non-Christian Society. Volume I. Old Tappan, NJ : F.H. Revell Co., 1984.
Willard	Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God. HarperSanFrancisco, 1998
Wilson	Wilson, Jonathan.R. Gospel Virtues: Practicing Faith, Hope & Love in Uncertain Times. Intervarsity Press, 1998.
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Evaluation (top of page)

1. Reading and class discussion

• Ethos and Praxis: Central to this course are the readings in the New Testament, Hays's Moral Vision, and various additional secondary readings. Follow the Schedule carefully, taking concise notes on what you read. Make use of Hays's endnotes and look up biblical passages central to his argument. Develop the habit of writing out one or more questions based upon the assigned readings. These questions may be:
  • descriptive -- about the meaning of a passage in the NT or MVNT
  • synthetic -- about how one passage relates to another
  • hermeneutical -- about the links (or gaps) between the NT world and our own
  • pragmatic -- about the implications of NT teaching for specific, concrete moral/ethical questions

  Bring your written question(s) to class each day and expect to be asked to share it/them with the class, or to hand them in, or both. For tips and strategies for successful college reading, read my Excursus on Reading. To read various reviews of Hays's MVNT, go here.

• Evaluation Criteria: I will assume that if you show up for class you have come prepared for class. That preparation (or lack) will be reflected in the nature and quality of your comments. If necessary (or by popular demand), I will inspect reading notes and/or spring unannounced quizzes on the readings as part of your grade for this component. I will not be impressed by those who arrive sans course text and (full-size) Bible, nor will I feel inclined to give class time to the opinions of those who haven't done the reading.
• Weight: 25%

2. Book Review

• Format: Read carefully one of the books from the class bibliography (or propose an acceptable alternative) and submit a 2-3 page (500 -- 750 word) book review. Approximately two thirds of the review should summarize the content/argument of the book, and one third should be given to evaluation and critique. Note: you may be wise to choose a book that supports the research you are doing for your paper/project (see #3). For examples of scholarly reviews, browse the journal holdings of our library (esp. journals like Journal of Biblical Literature, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, Evangelical Quarterly, New Testament Studies, Scottish Journal of Theology, Westminster Theological Journal) or browse a nice selection of on-line reviews at Review of Biblical Literature, or go to Westmont's Library homepage and use First Search or ProQuest.
• Due date: March 6
• Evaluation criteria: evidence you have read and pondered the entire book; proper English style (grammar, spelling, punctuation); standard form (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, page numbers, staple); avoidance of meta-language (e.g., "I think that..."; "The interesting thing is"; "The next point I want to make is"), clear analysis and thoughtful critique; choice of book (more substantial/challenging/significant books will be weighted more heavily).
• Plagiarism: anyone who presents someone else's written work as one's own is guilty of plagiarism. Any infraction will be taken very seriously, and may result in an F for the course. For this exercise, you are not to consult any other reviews of the book you are reviewing.
• Weight: 15%

3. Research Paper OR Project

• Format: Select a theological/ethical topic from the following list (or propose an acceptable alternative) on which to do either a formal research paper or a creative project. Broadly conceived, your task is to consider how the New Testament might shape our vision, imagination, values and behavior on the topic you choose. Topics marked out in bold face are addressed directly in MVNT (see chaps. 14-18 & Conclusion); if you select one of these six topics you agree to honor the due date indicated and to play a significant role in class during our discussion of that chapter/topic.
• NEW: Library Research Clinic: Wed., February 9th, 7-8 p.m. in Computer Lab
  
  • Paper: those wanting to develop formal research and writing skills (important for grad. school, not to mention life) should prepare and compose a research paper (9 to 12 pages/2250 to 3000 words in length, not counting bibliography) focusing on the teaching(s) of the New Testament on your selected topic. You should consult at least ten sources (monographs, commentaries, articles, no more than two encylopaedia/dictionary articles, no more than three web sites). Practical tips for citing sources in footnotes and bibliography are found here. Guidelines for citing sources from cyberspace are here.
  • Project: those who want freedom from the constraints of the research paper genre should propose an alternative project. It must address one of the topics below in a helpful and creative way and shall include some sort of verbal presentation (written, oral, media). Examples:
    • set up a web site
    • participate in and evaluate some kind of community involvement that requires ethical decision making (e.g., phone counselling, hospital visitation)
    • produce a video incorporating interviews/media footage/commentary
    • prepare a report on the theological foundations or ethical policies of a contemporary movement (e.g., Greenpeace, WTO, the Republican party, IMF, NATO, Promise Keepers, The Vineyard Movement, Focus on the Family, NOW, Planned Parenthood) or public figure (contemporary or past politician, Christian leader) in light of the teaching of the NT.
    • develop a Bible study guide for a church or home group (children, youth, adult), complete with study units, a resource file and teachers' manual

Unleash your creativity, but clear your proposal with me before you invest large amounts of time.

Selected Topics	Student	Due Date
Discipleship
Divorce and Remarriage
Angels, demons and the moral life Christian use of wealth/money Sexual relations outside of marriage Suffering in the Christian Life
Feminist theology and biblical foundations
Luke and the Poor
Homosexuality in the church The Gift of Tongues
The Sermon on the Mount Social agendas of Gore, Bush and the NT
Faith and Deeds (James and Paul) Discipleship Evangelism strategies and the NT Fighting/reconciliation OR Alcoholism
Abortion, Planned Parenthood and NT Abortion and the New Testament Abortion and the New Testament Pro-choice theology and the NT Spiritual Warfare Death, dying, children and the NT Love, according to Jesus
Sexual relations outside of marriage Speech (gossip/oaths/slander/blasphemy)
Gifts, Charismatic Theology and Worship
Parent-child relationships Sexual relations outside of marriage Alcohol and Drinking Responsibility to the poor The Body of Christ What it means to be a Christian
The Law of Moses and the Christian

• Due date: you decide (unless you choose one of the bold-faced topics). Select your topic, format and due date no later than class time on Jan. 31. (Those who ignore this deadline will lose one third of a grade for each weekday that passes. No extensions will be granted so choose carefully and don't procrastinate. Late papers/projects will likewise suffer a reduction of one third of a letter grade per day. The highest grade awarded for a late paper is B (85%). On the day you submit your paper or project, you will be invited to speak to the class for no more than five minutes, describing your work (method, findings, conclusions, lingering questions, etc.).
• Evaluation criteria: on style and form see #2 above. In addition, a good research paper will show evidence of critical thinking, fair-minded judgment, and the use of substantial sources. (Avoid popular treatments and lay commentaries.) All citations and other forms of indebtedness must be shown clearly in footnotes or endnotes.
• Plagiarism: anyone who presents someone else's written ideas or work as one's own is guilty of plagiarism. Infractions will be taken very seriously and may result in an F for the course. When in doubt, ask.
• Weight: 30%

4.Final Exam.

• Format: negotiable. Most likely I will provide a list of essay questions in advance, from which I will ultimately select the final exam questions. There will probably also be an objective section, testing your knowledge of the NT (location of key passages, central teaching of principal texts, etc.). Student input is welcome. A Study Guide for the Final will be posted when the time comes. NEW: the exam itself is here.
• Cheating: Inappropriately giving or receiving information, using notes during a test, etc., will be taken very seriously. At minimum the exam will earn an F; additional sanctions (e.g., an F for the course, suspension from the college) are also possible. It ain't worth it.
• Weight: 30%

Grading Scale (top of page)

.		B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69	.
A	95-100	B	84-86	C	74-76	D	64-66	F	0-59
A-	90-94	B-	80-83	C-	70-73	D-	60-63	.

Schedule (top of page)

Date	Texts and Topics	Pre-class Readings	Web Links
Jan 10	Introduction and Syllabus	.
Jan 12	Reading Scripture with faith and discipline. Christian moral judgment: Constructive Improvisation?	MVNT 1-14	A great musician. Presidential politics and Jesus
Description: Listening Closely to the Authors of the New Testament
Jan 14	Does Paul have a theological foundation for ethics? Does eschatology shape ethics? Paul and the new creation. Marriage in 1 Cor 7.	MVNT 16-27 1 Cor 7; 1 Thess 3-5; Rom 8 Stott: 24 - 30	Browse the Didache -- an early Christian moral handbook. Learn about the Jewish Mishnah. Heaven's Gate statement and website.
Jan 19	The death of Christ and the Body of Christ in Paul. Justification and faith in Paul. 1 Cor 3:5-17: Building up the Christian Community.	MVNT 27-36 Phil 2-3; Gal 5 Fisk (96b): 73-74.	Three contemporary intentional Christian communities: JPUSA; Taize; Reba Place Church.
Jan 21	Transformation, allegiance and Spirit: Three reasons to be good.	MVNT 36-46 1 Cor 8-10; Rom 8 Fisk (89): 49-70 (skim)	Are there pros and cons to the "What Would Jesus Do?" movement?.
Jan 24	Sex and Gender in Paul's Thought 1 Cor.7:1-16; 1 Cor 14:34-35	MVNT 46-56 1 Cor 7; 11:3-16; 14:34-35; Gal 3:26-28	Ancient authors on women. Evangelical sites for gender equality and for male-female role distinctions.
Jan 26	Ephesians and 1 Timothy: the legacy of Paul?	MVNT 60-72 Eph 5:21-6:9; 1 Tim 2-3	Dan Wallace defends the Pauline authorship of Ephesians. Persuaded?
Jan 28	Mark's Crucified Messiah: Contradiction of Terms?	MVNT 73-80 Mark 8	What was a Roman crucifixion like? Crucifixion according to Josephus. "The Tribulations of Dietrich Bonhoeffer" by Leon Howell. Suffering and persecution in our day.
Jan 31	Mark and Discipleship: Called to Suffer	MVNT 80-92 Mark 8-10 Bonhoeffer:95-104 (ch.4)
Feb 2	Film Screening: Jesus of Montreal	Roger Ebert's Chicago Sun-Times 3.5 star review of JOM. See also Imaging the Divine by Lloyd Baugh.
Feb 4	Matthew's Kingdom Ethics: A Call to Righteousness, Mercy and Discipline	MVNT 93-104 Matt 5-7 Bonhoeffer: 117-128 (chp.6) Wilson: 39-46	All about Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Another useful DSS site. And another.
Feb 7	Matthew's Jesus: Always with Us	MVNT 104-111 Matt 1, 18, 28
Feb 9	Westmont scholar in residence Moises Silva: Pauline Ethics in Galatians	All of Galatians (instructions here)
Feb 11	Historiography in the Canonical Gospels	Handout / discussion
Feb 14	Luke's Jesus: Servant, Prophet, Martyr	MVNT 112-128 Luke 4; Acts 3-7
Feb 16	Luke, Acts and the Delay of the Parousia	MVNT 129-137 Luke 19:11-27; 21 Acts 1
Feb 18	John: Ethics crowded out by Christology? The Spirit and the Worshipping Congregation	MVNT 138-157 John 13-17	Catholics, Evangelicals & Promise-Keepers: Terry Mattingly reflects on the challenge of Christian unity. Evangelicals & Catholics Together 1994 statement (from a strongly anti-ECT site) Richard Mouw, Pres. of Fuller Seminary, on Evangelicals and Catholics.
Feb 23	The Historical figure of Jesus: Proper Starting Point for Theological Reflection?	MVNT 158-168	Great collection of early Christian "gospels."
Feb 25	Is it either bibliolatry or historiolatry? Should we begin with Jesus? Can we?	McKnight: 1-17
Feb 28	Revelation as Theopoetic Vision?	MVNT 169-175 Rev 1, 4-5	Five ways to read Revelation.
Mar 1	Revelation's Call: Overcome Evil Through Suffering (Rev 6-16; Seals, Trumpets, Bowls)	MVNT 176-185 Rev 6-7, 12-15
Synthesis: Looking for Unity in Canonical Diversity
Mar 3	Is the New Testament Canon Coherent? Test Case: Righteousness in Matthew and Paul.	MVNT 187-192	.
Mar 6	Book Review due Community, Cross and New Creation	MVNT 193-205	Selected book reviews of Hays's The Moral Vision of the NT
Hermeneutics: Considering Models for How to Use the New Testament
Mar 8	Modes of Appeal; Sources of Authority Reinhold Niebuhr's "Christian Realism" Karl Barth's Divine Command	MVNT 207-225 Romans 7 MVNT 225-239	Introductory essay on Reinhold Niebuhr. Introductory essay on Karl Barth.
Mar 10	John Howard Yoder's Political Discipleship Stanley Hauerwas' "Community of Character"	MVNT 239-253 MVNT 253-266	Yoder's home page (a tribute).  Duke Divinity School's page on Hauerwas. Christianity Today review of Hauerwas' recent work.
Mar 13	Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza's Feminist Critique of Patriarchy	MVNT 266-282
Mar 15	Putting the New Testament to Work	MVNT 291-312
Pragmatics: Finding our Way in a Confusing World
Mar 17	Jesus and Violence: Turn the Other Cheek	MVNT 313-329 Matt 5:38-48  Schrage: 107-115
Mar 20	Violence in the Canon: does NT trump OT?	MVNT 329-346
Mar 22	Divorce and Remarriage in the Gospels	MVNT 347-357 Mark 10:2-12 Matt 5:31-32; 19 Luke 16:18
Mar 24	Divorce and Remarriage in Paul	MVNT 357-361 1 Cor 7:10-16 Keener: __-__
Apr 3	Marriage and the Cross of Christ	MVNT 361-376
Apr 5	Homosexuality: Reading the Key Texts	MVNT 379-389
Apr 7	Homosexuality: Sorting out the Issues	MVNT 389-403
Apr 10	Anti-Judaism: Reading the Key Texts	MVNT 407-428 Rom 9-11; Acts 3; Matt 21, 23; John 8	The national Holocaust memorial in Israel. The U.S. holocaust memorial in D.C. The Anne Frank House in the Netherlands.
Apr 12	Anti-Judaism: Paul & Luke vs. Matthew & John?	MVNT 428-441
Apr 14	Film screening: Larry King Live: Should Christians Stop Trying to Convert Jews?	The Jews for Judaism site -- a group formed to combat the evangelistic efforts of Jews for Jesus.
Apr 17	Abortion: Key Texts and Biblical Themes	MVNT 444-461 Fisk (96a): 2-6	Examine the mission statement of Planned Parenthood and browse the "Ultimate Pro-life Resource List." Frederica Matthewes- Green on Killing 7 to Save 1
Apr 19	Abortion and the Christian community
Apr 26	Wealth and Possessions	MVNT 462-470 Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35 Willard: 203-214	Christianity Today review of Willard's Divine Conspiracy.
Apr 28	Review and Exam Preparation. Study Guide.	.	A nice star chart in case you are up late studying.

Bibliography: RS113 -- Course Bibliography (top of page)