2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
OLD Testament
• To engage in close reading and apply to specific books
the principles of biblical-theological interpretation
learned in Biblical Theology I and Biblical Theology II
Topics covered include redemptive-historical interpretation and
the question of application; critique of various popular methods
of application of biblical material; the nature of biblical historywriting;
the office, function, and theology of the prophet in the Old
Testament; understanding wisdom literature in light of the gospel;
the specific theologies and redemptive-historical trajectories of
several specific biblical books; and the use of the Old Testament
in ministry. Prerequisites, OT 131, and NT 133. Not available to
M.Div. or M.A.R. students.
Fall semester, three hours. Staff.
OT 211 Old Testament History and Theology I
Purpose:
• To provide an introduction to the theology of the Pentateuch
• To engage in the exegesis of selected passages
from the Pentateuch with particular attention to their
relationship to ancient Near Eastern literature, the
theology of the Pentateuch as a whole, and to the history
of redemption as it reaches its climax in the gospel
Topics covered include the narrative structure of the Bible, the
Pentateuch and the history of redemption, Genesis 1-3 as an entry
point to biblical theology, and the book of Exodus. Prerequisites,
OT 013, or equivalent, and NT 123.
Fall semester, three hours. Mr. Green.
OT 223 Old Testament History and Theology II
Purpose:
• To explore the relationship among literature, history, and
theology in the books of Deuteronomy through Ezra/Nehemiah
• To provide a knowledge of the content of this section of canon
• To give a biblical-theological framework for
applying these books in life and ministry
In addition to laying out the theology and content of each of these
books, we will cover such topics as the relationship of Deuteronomy to
the other books. Additional topics covered include OT historiography;
OT theology; the relationship between revelation, history, and theology;
and covenant. Prerequisites, OT 013, and NT 123.
Spring semester, three hours. Staff.
OT 311 Prophetical Books
Purpose:
• To provide knowledge of the content of this portion of the canon
• To study the role of the Hebrew prophets in Israelite
society and the nature of Israelite prophecy
• To give a biblical-theological framework to understand
the prophetic books in life and ministry
Topics covered include the structure, content, and theology of the
prophetic books and Daniel; the ancient Near Eastern setting of
prophecy; the history of interpretation of the prophetic literature;
and the role of the prophets in redemptive history. A portion of
the course involves seminar discussions with the professor.
Prerequisites, OT 013, and NT 123.
Fall semester, three hours. Mr. Kelly.
OT 323 Poetry and Wisdom
Purpose:
• To gain a strong familiarity with the nature of Hebrew poetry
• To explore the theological context of the wisdom books
(Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), Psalms, and Song of Songs
• To discuss the theology of OT wisdom vis-à-vis the gospel
Topics covered include the nature and diversity of OT wisdom
books; characteristics of Hebrew poetry; exegetical studies of various
psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs; and
wisdom and the NT. Prerequisites, OT 013, and NT 123.
Spring semester, two hours. Staff.
OT 431 The Book of Psalms
See OT 731 below. Prerequisites, OT 013, or equivalent, and
NT 123.
Fall semester, two hours. Mr. Green.
2009–2010
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