NT1704 CHRISTOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Spring, 2000

The purpose of the paper is to describe a christological problem or issue. Identify important scholarly positions on the issue and some of the scholars supporting each. Include a brief bibliography of the most important sources you have used.

List pertinent matters for class discussion. The following are sample questions (you need not use any of them): How does the outcome of the debate on this issue affect the construction of a modern confession of faith? What is the relevance of a decision on this issue to our discussion of _________ (another christolo-gical affirmation)? What understanding of sin or the human predicament is most naturally associated with this christological confession? Is there tension between this christological perspective and ___________ (another N.T. affirmation)?

The seminar paper should be 5-6 ages in length. Copies will be distributed to all members of the seminar one week before the presentation date. The final paper, 15-20 pages in length including full bibliography, may be a fuller development of the topic of the seminar paper, or the treatment of a different topic (in consultation with the instructor). The final paper will be due on May 15.

You may propose your own topic, pick one from those already listed in the syllabus, or select one of the following.

Was apocalyptic the mother of all Christian theology?

Is the hope of the parousia essential to N.T. christology?

What role did the Lord's Supper play in the formation of christology?

The origin and function of the notion of Jesus as the image of God.

Why was Christ assigned a role in creation?

Was Jesus subject to original sin?

What implications for questions about the humanity and divinity of Christ are contained in the notion of the mediator?

In what sense did early Christians worship the risen Jesus? Did their devotion compromise monotheism?

Is Matthew's baptismal formula (28:19) trinitarian?

Does the N.T. call Jesus "God"?

What is the significance of Paul's conjunction of "Christ" and "God" in opening greetings and closing blessings?

Is Jesus regarded as the incarnation of Sophia in the N.T.?

What christology can be attributed to the author of James?

The christology of Matthew's birth narratives

The significance of the miraculous conception (Virgin Birth) for Matthew and/or Luke

NT1704 CHRISTOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Spring, 2000

Discussion of assigned reading

Brief written responses will be required in the first weeks

Discussion of seminar papers

A brief written response to each paper will be required

Discussion of assigned New Testament passages

Reading, written responses and discussion: 25%

Seminar paper: 25%

Final paper: 50%