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Introduction to THL208 The Synoptic Gospels

This subject investigates the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke as literary expressions of the development of early Christianity from its roots in Judaism. It explores these three Gospels in their historical, literary, socio-cultural, and religious contexts.

Subject Outlines

The subject assesses these Gospels as sources for understanding Jesus and also probes the puzzle of their interrelations. On a rotating basis, one of these Gospels provides the focus for detailed study of literary, historical, and theological issues germane to its interpretation.

Availability

The subject is available in the following sessions:

• Session 1 (30) On Campus at Canberra Campus and United Theological College
• Session 1 (30) Online at Canberra Campus
• Term 1 (75) On Campus at Ming Hua Theological College

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Theology.

Assumed Knowledge

The assumed knowledge for this subject is THL106.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to appraise critically the Synoptic Gospels in relation to similar contemporary writings
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical, socio-cultural, and religious matrices of the Synoptic Gospels
• be able to discuss critically the formation of the Synoptic Gospels
• be able to discuss critically scholarly methods of gospel analysis such as form, source, redaction, and narrative criticism
• be able to articulate an understanding of scholarly assessments of the relations between the Synoptic Gospels
• be able to articulate in a critically informed way key historical, literary, and theological issues pertaining to the interpretation of one of the Synoptic Gospels
• be able to demonstrate critical engagement with both the Gospels and secondary literature
• be able to demonstrate developing competence in exegesis and interpretation of biblical texts
• demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing, and communication skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• introduction to the Synoptic Gospels
• Gospel genre and other gospels
• the Synoptic Gospels in their historical, socio-cultural, and religious contexts
• the relationship between the historical Jesus and Synoptic portraits of Jesus
• the Synoptic problem: the relations between the Synoptic Gospels
• distinctive features of the Synoptic Gospels
• authorship, date, provenance, and patristic traditions regarding one Synoptic Gospel
• literary structure, key themes, and interpretive challenges of one Synoptic Gospel
• close reading of a key text(s) from one Synoptic Gospel
• Jesus according to Matthew, Mark, or Luke
• the study of one Synoptic Gospel as a response to its social, cultural, and religious milieu

Residential School

This subject contains a 2-day Optional Residential School. The residential school provides an orientation to gospel studies and instruction in exegetical and interpretive method in relation to the synoptic gospels. Activities include lectures, practical guidance to exegesis, and library orientation.