THEO3216 The Passion of Jesus, Passion of Christians

Reverend Doctor Michael Trainor

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

1 THEO1201 - Interpreting the New Testament
1a Admission into GCTHS-Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
1b Admission into GDPTHS-Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
1c Admission into MTHS-Master of Theological Studies
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c))

THEO3209 has been successfully completed

This topic studies the four Gospel accounts of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection. A close exegetical study of these stories, climactic to each of the Gospels, and an appreciation of the literary power of the narratives, will reveal the theological meaning intended by the evangelists as they sought to offer an understanding for their first century CE audiences about the most important human event - death. The topic will also explore the contemporary implications of these narratives for our own experience of suffering and death. Missional possibilities will also be reflected upon.

The aims of this topic are to:

read the four Gospel stories of Jesus' death in their cultural settings and from their respective theological context
interpret these stories as climactic to each Gospel narrative and central for the earliest communities of disciples
employ and practice various exegetical techniques to reveal the theological intent of the passion narratives
articulate the theology of the narratives in their historical and literary settings
identify the issues confronting the earliest Christian communities which prompted the memory of the Gospel passion narratives
develop an appropriate hermeneutic relevant to the participants' context
encourage clear thinking, presentation of argument, communication of ideas, and quality of discussion

On completion of this topic, participants should be able to:

undertake a critical reading of these 1st Century CE Christian narratives
recognise the cultural and social issues surrounding suffering and death that confronted early Christian communities
demonstrate exegetical skills in interpreting gospel texts from the Mediterranean culture of the 1st Century CE
identify relevant primary and secondary sources
reflect on the implications of these ancient texts for life today
formulate and communicate ideas cogently, while respecting co-learners

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2016 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.