THEO3218 John's Gospel and the Johannine Epistles

This topic examines the Gospel of John using a range of methodologies, including narrative, historical, social scientific, liberationist and feminist criticisms. It also gives an introduction to the Johannine epistles. A detailed exegesis of particular passages will be undertaken.

This topic aims to explore the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles, in order to:

• Understand the historical context in which they were written
• Appreciate the Jewish and Graeco-Roman cultural backgrounds to these writings
• Compare this Gospel with the witness of the synoptic gospels
• Deal with literary and socio-rhetorical questions that arise from exegesis of the texts
• Gain an understanding of the theology of the Gospel
• Explore connections between these writings and contemporary issues

1. Thoroughly understand of the structure, themes and distinctive features of the Gospel of John
2. Demonstrate a grounding in the critical issues raised by the Johannine epistles
3. Demonstrate an extended facility with exegetical methods
4. Demonstrate an extended confidence in discerning the key exegetical issues raised by the text and in applying these insights to contemporary ministry and mission