2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
New Testament
2009–2010
NT 941 Hermeneutics in the New
Testament Period
Purpose:
• To examine the apostolic use of the Old Testament
in its first century hermeneutical context
• To enable students to discern whether, and in
what respects, this apostolic usage may be
regarded as determinative for exegesis today
This course will begin by examining the methods of interpreting
Scripture used by various Jewish communities during the second
temple period, as evidenced in Philo, the Greek versions, pseudepigraphic
and apocryphal documents, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and
rabbinic literature. The latter part of the course will be a seminar
comparing and contrasting these methods with apostolic exegesis.
Limited enrollment.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Staff.
NT 951 Theological Models and Exegesis
Purpose:
• To understand the role of interpretive frameworks,
in order to deepen interpretation
Topics covered include the interrelations of systematic theology
and exegesis, with special attention to the covenant concept, theological
concept formation, and key metaphors of theology; and the
bearing of philosophy of science on theological method.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Poythress.
NT 961 The Structure of Pauline Theology
Purpose:
• To understand relations among major themes in Paul
Topics covered include the organic unity of justification, sanctification,
union with Christ, covenant, and eschatology in Pauline
theology.
Fall semester. Mr. Poythress.
NT 982 History of Interpretation
Purpose:
• To enable students to learn the history of biblical
interpretation through the study of primary documents
from the Patristic period to modern times
The course will focus on those biblical interpreters whose work provoked
significant developments in hermeneutical theory or practice
in the church. The impact of modern New Testament criticism on
hermeneutics will be a special interest.
Winter Term. Mr. McCartney.
NT 993 Hermeneutical Foundations
Purpose:
• To evaluate and reform views on foundational
issues in hermeneutics
Topics covered include the role of hermeneutics; the nature of
meaning; divine authorship; grammatical-historical method; the
problem of historical relativity; problems of circularity, incompleteness,
probability; and the work of the Holy Spirit in hermeneutics.
Area seminar for Ph.D. students specializing in Hermeneutics and
Biblical Interpretation; others admitted only by special permission
of the instructor.
Spring semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Poythress.
Courses listed for other majors which may be counted as major
courses for the Th.M. degree in New Testament: OT 761, OT 783,
ST 781.
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