New Testament Letters: The Voices of the Early Christians

BN3002Z / BN9032Z

The New Testament letters or epistles offer us a glimpse of the conversations and conflicts of the early Christians. These letters were written to establish and shape the thinking and practices of emergent Christian communities in the near east and Roman Empire. They have an enduring role in shaping our understanding of the early church and continue to be used as theological sources for the practices and theology of contemporary Christian communities. In this unit, the authorship and historical context of the letters is discussed and their inclusion in the canon is explored from theological and historical angles. Students will engage with the literary form and structure of the letters and identify the rhetorical techniques that differentiate these from the Gospels and other biblical texts. This unit will encourage students to consider the continuing influence of these letters on Christian thought and practice and understand their contemporary use.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Second semester

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

Mixed Mode - onsite or online

Prerequisites

Sixteen foundational units including the first and second year capstones to be completed prior to enrolment . For exemptions, please contact the Registrar.

Should you want information about the readings for this unit, please contact your lecturer. Otherwise, all readings will be available through the unit ARK site two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

Prescribed Texts

Assessments

  1. Seminar or Tutorial - Bible Reading and Reflection. Weighting 25%

    Students will choose a topic/week to lead the discussion. Following their bible reading students will reflect on their experience of preparing for a leading a bible reading and discussion.

  2. Exegesis - Exegesis and Letter. Weighting 40%

    This assessment item has two (2) components. Part one (1): write a detailed exegesis (1500 words) on a passage from one of the seven (7) ‘genuine’ Pauline letters. Part two (2) Letter (750-1000 words) written to a contemporary scenario provided by the lecturer.

  3. Oral Presentation - Oral Presentation. Weighting 35%

    Compare and contrast two passages from the New Testament letters on a common theme (10 minute presentation, 10 minutes for discussion) as either an academic presentation or a sermon (presentation/sermon topics to be provided in Week 10, and two (2) passages are provided seven (7) days prior to the assessment due date)

TEACHING & LEARNING PLAN

This subject will involve:

  • One on-campus 2 hour lecture per week

  • One on-campus 1 hour tutorial per week

  • Online preparation & reading 2.5 hours per week

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this unit will:  

1. Discuss the authorship and audience of the New Testament letters.

2. Use literary analysis to understand the form and purpose of New Testament letters.

3. Discuss the theology and ethics of the Pauline letters.

4. Understand and analyse common themes across biblical texts for a contemporary audience.

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