2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
New Testament
NT 041 New Testament Greek c
Purpose:
• To ensure that students with a good foundation in Greek
are fully prepared for further work in the New Testament
The course emphasizes reading, vocabulary work, and syntactical
analysis. It is prescribed for entering students who pass the
placement exam (see “Placement in Greek and Hebrew” on page
52) but show by their results in the test that they have need of
additional instruction.
Fall semester, two hours. Auditing not permitted. Staff.
NT 111 General Introduction to
the New Testament
Purpose:
• To provide students with the historical and literary framework
requisite for responsible New Testament interpretation
Topics covered include introductory matters that apply to the
New Testament as a whole: historical and linguistic background,
inscripturation and canon formation, textual transmission and
criticism. The general approach to these issues is historical, but
with an underlying concern for the theological dimensions of each.
Prerequisite, NT 010 or equivalent completed or in progress.
Fall semester, three hours. Staff.
NT 123 Biblical Hermeneutics: Old
and New Testaments
Purpose:
• To grow in skill in understanding, interpreting, and applying
the Bible
Topics covered include prolegomena to biblical interpretation, principles
and practice of biblical interpretation, and the question of
hermeneutics in the historical-critical tradition. Prerequisites, OT
013 completed or in progress, NT 013 or equivalent completed or
in progress, and NT 111.
Spring semester, four hours. Mr. Poythress.
NT 133 Biblical Theology II
For course description, see OT 131 on page 96. Not available to
M.Div. or M.A.R. students.
Spring semester, three hours. Staff.
NT 143 New Testament for Ministry
Purpose:
• To examine some of the ways that New Testament
writers applied the story of Jesus Christ to various
problems confronting the first-century church
• To develop responsible ways of applying the story
of Jesus Christ to problems we face today
Topics covered include how the centrality of Jesus in the NT functions
in relation to redemptive history, how that history applies to
believers today, some major theological themes of the NT Gospels
and Epistles, and the task of bridging the historical and cultural gap
between the ancient and modern worlds. Not available to M.Div.
or M.A.R. students.
Spring semester, three hours. Staff.
NT 211 New Testament Interpretation:
The Gospels
Purpose:
• To develop a framework of understanding for
interpreting and applying the canonical Gospels
• To familiarize students with the Gospels’ description
of the earthly ministry and teaching of Jesus
Christ, and to enable them to understand and
apply the theology of the Gospels in ministry
Topics covered include a selective survey and critique of historicalcritical
investigation of the Gospels, questions of special introduction,
an overview of the content and theology of Jesus’ actions
and teaching, and an examination of the character and special
emphases of each canonical Gospel. Prerequisites, NT 013 or
equivalent, OT 013 or equivalent, NT 111 and NT 123.
Fall semester, four hours. Mr. McCartney.
2009–2010
101