1. Readings. The required texts are:  Online Book Store

1. Duling, Dennis C. and Norman Perrin. The New Testament: Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History, 3rd edition Harcourt Brace & Co., 1997, 1982, 1974. ("Duling & amp; Perrin") ISBN #: 015500378X, soft-cover.
2. Brown, Raymond E., et al."The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1999, 1968. ("Brown") ISBN #: 0138598363, paperback.
3. Newsom, Carol A. And Sharon H. Ringe, eds. The Women’s Bible Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1998. ("Newsom & Ringe") ISBN #: 066425781X, paperback.
4. Meeks, Wayne A., gen. ed. The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version. London: HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. ("Meeks")ISBN #: 0060655275, paperback.
5. Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, English Edition United Bible Societies, 1983. ("Aland") ISBN #: 0826705006, hardcover.

It is acknowledged that the reading list is long. However, these books will be required throughout students’ studies and should occupy a prominent place in the library of their work lives. This course is the foundation for the study of theology and consequently it occupies a prominent place in the Bachelor of Divinity Degree Program.

2. Conferences. Students may schedule up to two Internet Conferences with the professor by sending an e-mail to the professor with a proposed date and time and the reason for the conference. Of course, students may ask questions of the professor at any time by sending an E-mail to the address at the link above or by posting them to the message board.

3. Exams. There will be two exams: a mid-term examination which must be taken by the end of the second week and a comprehensive final examination which must be taken by the end of the fifth week. The exams will cover the assigned readings.

4. Papers. There will be a short paper of no more than two single-spaced pages or 1,250 words, due at the end of each week’s readings in which students will answer the discussion questions and give a reaction to their readings. These papers are to be e-mailed to the professor. Those who do not feel comfortable with e-mailing the papers can contact the professor for a mailing address. The papers should conform to the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian ’s, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

5. Grades. Course work will be weighted as follows:

Papers Midterm Exam Final Exam

20% 30% 50%

6. Grading Scale.

90-100% 80-89% 70-79% 60-69% 59% or below

A - Excellent B - Above Average C - Average D - Below Average F - Failing Grade

A = Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines. Anticipates next steps in progression of ideas.

B = Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in chats, message boards, e-mails and conferences. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work is of high quality.

C = Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes only the minimum requirements, and displays little or no initiative. Communicates at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a generally acceptable understanding of all basic concepts.

D = Quality and quantity of work is below average and barely acceptable.

F = Quality and quantity of work is unacceptable.

1. How, if it does, does New testament history differ from Old Testament history?
2. What is a gospel? How do the gospels differ from the prophetic works we studied in the Old Testament? The Apocrypha?
3. Who wrote the gospels? When? Who is the intended audience of each gospel? Is there a central message in each gospel? What is it?
4. Identify the groups of Israelites during the New Testament period.

1. Does it help you to understand the gospels by using the Aland book? If so, in what way(s)?
2. What are the first words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John? The first miracle? What do these suggest about the theme of the Gospel of John?
3. Discuss the four gospels and include in your answer, to whom each gospel is written, what is the central message of each gospel, and what does each contain which is different from the others.

1. Where is it that the new followers of Jesus Christ are first called Christians?
2. What kind of writing is Acts? What are the major types of writing in the New Testament?
3. What are the issues at the Jerusalem council? How are they resolved?
4. How is a replacement for Judas selected?
5. What happens to Judas in Acts? Does this differ from the gospel account? How do you account for or explain this difference? Does the difference matter? If so, in what way and to whom?

1. What are epistles?
2. In which scripture does Paul say that the things he wish to do he does not do?
3. Read Chapter 3 of Titus, what is to be the response of Christians to persons who cause divisions within the church?
4. Read 2 Peter 2:4-10, identify the persons being named there.
5. Read 1 John 3:1-7 and compare it with the scripture in "2" above. Discuss these two pericopes. Are they in conflict with one another? If they are in conflict, can such conflict be resolved? How?

1. What is an apocalypse?
2. What type of writing is Revelation?
3. According to Revelation, will the earth be destroyed on Judgment Day?
4. According to Revelation, what is the office or duties of the Holy Spirit?