Introduction to the New Testament I

At the Introduction to the New Testament I course we present the conditions and the circumstances regarding the formation of the synoptic traditions, we introduce the attendee into the substance of the synoptic problems and their possible solutions. We discuss the synoptic gospels literary history aspects (author, addressee, where, when and the circumstances in which they were written, the reason for why they were written, the literary unity and their structure), their main content, the most representative literary form, as well as the theological themes and motifs, in an attempt to offer a comprehensive approach. Based on historical and factual information, the introductive course leads the attendee into the exegesis and the theological approach.

Competences

Specific competences

The attendee will have a better knowledge regarding the formation of the synoptic tradition, its passing on and the essence of the historical questions regarding the gospels writing, he discovers the existing theories for solving the synoptic problems, finds out the utility of the double-sourced theory and its limitations in explaining the synoptic questions. He knows the literary history aspects of the first three gospels, he is able to differentiate the facts (proof) from the theories (hypothesis), he can reason for either of the different scientific points of view by recognizing the principles that lay behind them. He knows the main content of certain writings, their literary form, their theological theme and motifs, the gospel stories main structural principles and he's able to present them in a free and professional way.

General competences

The attendee practices the appreciative reading of the Bible, he expands his factual knowledge, his theological approach is gradually shaping and perfecting, his decision making process is more factual, accurate and reliable, and his systematical and integrating capacity grows.

Course structure

# Title
1 The Structure of New Testament Studies and their Place Amongst the other Theological Disciplines. Introduction of the New Testament as Historical-Theological Discipline. Brief History of the Discipline
2 The Notion of ’Gospel’. The Formation of Tradition about Jesus (His Words and Deeds). The Synoptic Problem and Theories of Solution. The Two-Sources Theory: Benefits and Deficiencies
3 John the Baptist and Jesus. The Debates of Jesus according to Mark
4 The Way of Jesus on Earth: The Son of Man with Power and His Suffering. The ’Messianic Secret Theory’ in the Gospel of Mark
5 Jesus' Suffering, Death and Resurrection in the Synoptic Gospels
6 Introductory Problems of the Gospel according to Mark
7 Jesus’ Pre-history according to Matthew
8 The Sermon on the Mount and the Parables of Jesus
9 The Community of the Disciples and Jesus’ Opponents in the Speeches of Jesus according to Matthew
10 Introductory Problems of the Gospel according to Matthew
11 Jesus’ Pre-history according to Luke (Lk 1–4)
12 Social Sensibility in the Gosel According to Luke
13 The Disciples of Jesus and the Signs of Times. Lifestyle and Eschatology According to Luke
14 Introductory Problems of the Gospel According to Luke

Total estimated time

Classroom study Course Seminar Practice
2 hours/week 2 0 0
28 hours/semester 28 0 0
Individual study Hours/sem
Total estimated time 100
Studying course notes and bibliography 40
Further documentation in libraries, electronic platforms, or on the field 10
Preparing essays, papers, or documentation 20
Personal tutoring 2
Total individual study 72

Examination

The attendee will take midterms and a final oral exam as a mean to evaluate his knowledge and acquired skills.

Bibliography

Book

Collection of studies

Source edition