Page 80 - 2017-2018 Academic Catalog

325 Sociology of Religion
This course examines the practice of religion in a social context, and the application of basic principles of sociological analysis to religion. Emphasis will be placed on religion in the contemporary United States. (3 credits) (Cross-listed as SOC 325)
326 Apocalyptic Literature
This course focuses on the biblical books or portions of books sharing features of apocalyptic prophecy: Isaiah 24-27, Ezekiel 38-48, Daniel, Zechariah, and the New Testament book of Revelation. Dealing with God’s climactic intervention to crush evil and bring in the new age, apocalyptic features visions and symbolism that require careful attention to literary genre and historical context, including inter-testamental Jewish apocalyptic. Revelation will be seen to build on much of this earlier apocalyptic tradition. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
327 Isaiah
This course is a detailed study of the book of Isaiah against the background and history of the prophetic institution in ancient Israel. The prophets called God’s people to covenant faithfulness, warned of God’s judgment, and proclaimed coming redemption through his Messiah. Isaiah gives us climactic revelation regarding the coming of this one as King and Suffering Servant. The theology of the book is foundational for understanding the New Testament, and provides a powerful message for the church today. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
332 Johannine Literature: Gospel and Letters
This course is a study of the fourth Gospel and 1-3 John. Recent scholarship has produced a wealth of research on these books opening up new vistas for appreciating the depths of John’s theological themes. These focus on the glory of the eternal Word made flesh, fulfilling the Old Testament, revealing to us the Father and the Spirit, and redeeming us on the cross. Special study is also made of the historical reliability of John’s Gospel, and of John’s theology of mission. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
333 Pauline Literature
This course is a study of the Apostle Paul, his letters, and their theological and ethical themes, within the first century historical context. We study how Paul’s letters fit within the history given in the book of Acts, the nature of his debate with opponents in Galatians and elsewhere, and especially Paul’s unique revelation and explication of the “doctrines of grace”: the eschatological gospel that declares those “in Christ” are freely justified, and now live by the power of the Spirit, to the glory of God. We also consider the challenges to Reformation readings of Paul by more recent “new perspectives” on Paul. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
334 Later New Testament Literature
This course is a study of the general or catholic epistles (Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, and Jude). A special study is made of the theology of Hebrews, focusing on the superiority of Christ as the fulfillment of OT types and shadows, and the danger of apostasy. Issues of Jewish Christianity then and now are examined, especially with reference to Hebrews and James.
80