YSS-Sacred Scripture

This course is a study of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) that are essential for understanding Israelite history and theology and may also provide the lens through which the entire Bible was intended to be read. Greater focus will be placed on key texts in Exodus, their adaptation and development in Deuteronomy, and on the major themes in Genesis. This will include an introduction to the four major sources of this formative biblical tradition.

This graduate introduction to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) focuses on the text of each of these gospels in their own historical, literary and pastoral contexts. Attention is given to the origin and growth of each gospel within early Christianity, their message and theology, including similarities and distinctive emphases that make each effective in enlivening the faith of their own particular communities.

This course offers a basic foundation in OT prophecy that begins with the narratives in the Deuteronomic Historical Books, especially focusing on important texts in the books of Samuel and Kings. After this introduction, the course then moves to an in-depth study of the classical prophets, both northern and southern, that takes us through the time of Exile and finally, the restoration of Israel. This course looks at all of Israel’s prophets, with special emphasis on Elijah, the Major Prophets, Isaiah of Jerusalem, Deutero-Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and the 12 minor prophets. Emphasis will be given to the prophets’ message and style of communication as God’s spokespersons, as well as the role of the prophets in the NT and in society.

This course explores the life, theology and development of the earliest Christian communities that are found in the letters of the Apostle Paul. This course studies each of the seven undisputed letters of Paul, as well as the Deutero-Pauline, in its own historical, literary, theological, and pastoral contexts.

This course offers an introduction to the contemporary study of the Wisdom, Apocalyptic, and other Writings of the Hebrew and Greek Old Testament (First Covenant). The history, literature and theology of Judaism in the Persian and Hellenistic periods will be explored with special emphasis placed on Biblical, apocryphal, Qumran, Aramaic and Hellenistic texts. The emerging environment of first century Judaism will be thoroughly explored. The course will include exegesis of selected pericopae.

This course provides an introduction to the Gospels of Mark, Mathew, and Luke. The literary structures, the distinctive theological themes, and the community for which each Synoptic Gospel was written will be thoroughly presented. Emphasis will be placed upon the synoptic problem and as part of the theological examination of the miracle stories, parables, pronouncement stories, and sayings of Jesus. This course will include exegesis of selected pericopae.

This course provides an introduction to the Gospel of John, the Johannine epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The literary stuUctures and distinctive theological themes are reviewed as well as the problem of authority in the Johannine corpus. The communities for which the Johannine literature was written will be explored in their social and ecclesial contexts. The course will include exegesis of selected pericopae.

This course offers a consideration of the letters of Paul in their epistolary, theological, and missionary contexts. The course will concentrate upon Pauline theological themes within the context of the communities receiving the letters and the overall ministry of Paul. Emphasis will be placed on the study of Pauline theology through readings and exegrsis of selected pericopae.

This course provides an introduction to the Gospel of John, the Johannine epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The literary stuUctures and distinctive theological themes are reviewed as well as the problem of authority in the Johannine corpus. The communities for which the Johannine literature was written will be explored in their social and ecclesial contexts. The course will include exegesis of selected pericopae.