OT039-812 - Approaches to Old Testament Theology

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category advanced unit
    C
  • old testamentUnit Discipline

Prerequisites

24cps OT

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code OT752-4.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, Old Testament theology as a discipline

B. Be able to

1. Examine recent scholarship in the discipline of Old Testament theology

2. Demonstrate skill in utilising diverse scholarship in tracing key themes through the Old Testament corpus

3. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on the discipline of Old Testament theology 

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying Advanced perspectives and skills from ‘Approaches to Old Testament Theology’ to ministry practice and Christian living as a reflective practitioner

Content

  1. The exploration of the nature of Old Testament Theology as a discipline; methodological considerations; unity and diversity in Old Testament theology; obstacles in creating an Old Testament Theology; the relationship between Old Testament Theology and biblical theology.
  2. The historical and contextual issues that led to the writing and formulation of contemporary Old Testament Theology, identifying some of the forces that shaped the writers' presuppositions and world-view.
  3. A representative sample of Old Testament Theologies, both classical formulations (at least four of von Rad, Eichrodt, Jacob, Preuss, Brueggemann, Childs, Terrien, Clements, Routledge) and recent evangelical approaches (at least 4 of Martens, Kaiser, Dempster, Smith, House, Goldingay, Sailhamer).
  4. Key biblical themes that can be traced through the Old Testament as a whole, and as Christian Scripture.  A few select  themes will be chosen from topics  like covenant, temple, sin/atonement, Messianic  hope, festivals, Spirit, spirituality, and mission.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Ollenburger, Ben C., Old Testament Theology: Flowering and Future (Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2004).

 

Recommended:

Alexander, T.D., et al (eds); New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Leicester: IVP, 2000).

 Barr, J., The Concept of Biblical Theology: An Old Testament Perspective (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999).

Brueggemann, W., Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1997).

Dempster, S.G.,  Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible (NSBT; Leicester: Apollos, 2003).

Dumbrell, W.J., Covenant and Creation: An Old Testament Covenant Theology (Revised Edition) (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2013).

Eichrodt, W., Theology of the Old Testament (2 vols; translated by J.A.Baker; London:SCM, 1961 & 1967).  (Classic Text).

Goldingay, J.,  Old Testament Theology (Vol 1 - Israel's Gospel; Vol 2 - Israel's Faith; Vol 3 - Israel's Life) ( Downers Grove: IVP, 2003, 2006, 2009).

Hasel, G.,  Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate (4th Ed., Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991). (Classic Text).

House, P.R., Old Testament Theology (Downers Grove: IVP, 1998).

Kaiser, W.C., The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008).

Merrill, E.H., Everlasting Dominion: A Theology of the Old Testament (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2006).

Perdue, L.G., Reconstructing Old Testament Theology, After the Collapse of History (OBT, Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005).

von Rad, G., Old Testament Theology (2 vols; translated by D.M.G. Stalker, London: SCM, 1975).  (Classic Text)

Routledge, R., Old Testament Theology: A Thematic Approach (Nottingham: IVP, 2008).

Wright, C., The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative (Nottingham: IVP, 2006).