Timetabling
This unit is an introduction to the life, letters and theology of the apostle Paul. It explores the integration of these three areas of Pauline studies and encourages an understanding of Paul as a contextual theologian. Students will investigate: the ways in which Paul’s own experiences led to the transformation of his theological convictions; how his letters can be studied as ‘words on target’ that bring these transformed convictions into dialogue with the contextual situations of his churches; and the extent to which Paul’s theology is contextually shaped by his own experience, the situation of the churches to which he writes and the wider arena of the Jewish and Graeco-Roman world.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the life, letters and central theological convictions of the apostle Paul
discuss critically the relationship between the context of Paul’s communities, his personal experience, and his theological convictions
offer a detailed, critical exegesis of a specific text from a Pauline epistle that gives attention to the way that theological argument serves rhetorical purposes
discuss critically the main contours of one of Paul's theological convictions and how this relates to our own contemporary context.
Prerequisites:
15 points of New Testament at Level 1
Teaching Methods:
2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial weekly for 12 weeks
Assessment:
Level 2
1 x 2500 word exegetical essay on a set text from the Pauline epistles, with particular focus on the theological convictions within the text and on the argumentative purpose of the text within the context of the letter from which it is taken (50%)
1 x 2500 word essay that studies a chosen term or concept within Pauline theology, and which integrates the Pauline data with a contemporary issue or context (50%).
Level 3
1 x 3000 word exegetical essay on a set text from the Pauline epistles, with particular focus on the theological convictions within the text and on the argumentative purpose of the text within the context of the letter from which it is taken (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay that studies a chosen term or concept within Pauline theology, and which integrates the Pauline data with a contemporary issue or context (50%)
Mode of Teaching:
Semester
Bibliography:
Recommended reading
Bassler, J. M. Navigating Paul: An Introduction to Key Theological Concepts . Louisville / London: Westminster John Knox, 2007.
Bassler, J. M. Pauline Theology Volume 1: Thessalonians, Philippians, Galatians, Philemon . Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994.
Dunn, J. D. G. ed. The Cambridge Companion to Paul . Cambridge Companions to Religion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
Dunn, J. D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle . Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1998.
* Gorman, M. J. Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters . Grand Rapids / Cambridge: Eerdmans, 2003.
Hooker, M. D. Paul: A Short Introduction . Oxford: Oneworld, 2003.
* Horrell, D. G. An Introduction to the Study of Paul . 2nd revised ed. T & T Clark Approaches to Biblical Studies. London: T & T Clark, 2006.
Riesner, R. Paul's Early Period: Chronology, Mission Strategy, Theology . Trans. Doug Stott. Grand Rapids / Cambridge: Eerdmans, 1998.
Schnelle, U. Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology . Trans. M. E. Boring. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.
Wright, N. T. Paul: Fresh Perspectives . London: SPCK, 2005.
Unit Fields
Unit Level
