| Unit name | Scripture Citing Scripture: New Testament Usage of Jewish Sacred Texts |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20191 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Campbell |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit considers the ways in which New Testament writers employ Jewish scripture within the books of the New Testament. There has been much scholarly discussion of this fascinating issue recently, especially given an improved scholarly understanding of the nature and extent of the scriptures of Judaism in late Second Temple times (circa 250 BCE – 70CE) in light of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. After considering the latter by way of introduction, as well as the New Testament use of scripture in general, this unit critically analyses the employment of one particular scriptural text (e.g. Deuteronomy or Psalms) within a range of New Testament writings (e.g. the gospels, Paul’s letters, Revelation). The unit aims to introduce students to:
a) the ways in which New Testament writers employ Jewish scripture; b) the historical, literary and theological perspectives of New Testament interpretation in light of scholarly insights into late Second Temple Judaism in recent years; c) critical analysis of a key scriptural text or texts.
On successful completion of this unit student will have a good knowledge and critical understanding of the ways in which New Testament writers employ Jewish scripture. Students will have further developed their skills in assessing, presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments, and in researching and writing essays.
1 x 1 hour lecture (shared with THRS30175 – Scripture Citing Scripture) and 1 x 1 hour seminar per week
One summative coursework essay of 2500 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 8 (50%). Both elements will assess knowledge and critical understanding of the texts and issues relating to New Testament interpretation; skills in assessing, presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments, and in researching and writing essays.
J.G. Campbell, Deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls (2nd edition; Oxford: Blackwell, 2002); J. Barton & J. Muddiman (eds), The Oxford Bible Commentary (Oxford: OUP, 2001) K. Doob Sakenfeld (ed), New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible (second edition; volumes 1-5; Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-9); S. Moyise, The Old Testament in the New Testament: An Introduction (London: T & T Clark, 2004); S. Moyise & M.J.J. Menken (eds), Psalms in the New Testament: The New Testament & the Scriptures of Israel (London: T & T Clark, 2004) S. Moyise & M.J.J. Menken (eds), Deuteronomy in the New Testament: The New Testament & the Scriptures of Israel (London: T & T Clark, 2007)
