ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYBTH/MHT 501 The Mission of God in Biblical and Contemporary ContextsJoseph L. Castleberry, [email protected] David A. Thomas, Ph.D. [email protected] Spring, 2006 COURSE SYLLABUSCOURSE DESCRIPTIONThis introductory course to the River segment of the AGTS curriculum segment of the AGTScurriculum consists of an in depth study of the mission of God, as it is revealed in both Oldand New Testaments. The course will not only examine the text of Scripture, but alsoconsider the mission of God in terms of history, culture, and philosophy of the people towhom the mission was delivered, the interpretation of Scripture within the Bible, theprogressive development of biblical theology as new cultures and peoples were engaged byIsrael and the Church, the modes of mission and ministry which are evidenced in the Bible,and the application of biblical missiology to the contemporary world context. OBJECTIVESAt the conclusion of this course the student should be able to:• explain the concept of biblical theology.• discover the processes through which the Scriptures were formed and the ways theywere interpreted within the biblical record.• trace the history of the mission dei through both Old and New Testaments.• evaluate the assertion that mission dei is the unifying theme of the Bible.• articulate a biblical understanding of human diversity and God’s desire to save menand women from every diverse human grouping.• consider how the process of intercultural and inter-religious encounter between thepeople of God and other peoples shaped the progressive revelation of God inScripture and apply the principle to contemporary ministry.• discern the unique role of mission within the themes and structures of the NewTestament.• identify the missiological principles within the Scriptures and how they may beapplied in contemporary ministry.• understand and experience the role of the Holy Spirit and Spirit-empowered believersin the fulfillment of mission dei.• commit his or her life to the cause of God’s mission.TEXTBOOKSRequired: Alexander, T. Desmond and Brian S. Rosner, et. al., editors. New Dictionary of BiblicalTheology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2000.Kaiser, Walter C. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations. GrandRapids: Baker Books, 2000. Köstenberger, Andreas J. and Peter T. O’Brien. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A BiblicalTheology of Mission. New Studies in Biblical Theology 11. Downers Grove:InterVarsity, 2001.York, John V. Missions in the Age of the Spirit. Springfield: Logion, 2000.BASIC OUTLINE AND COURSE SCHEDULE1/12/06 What is Biblical Theology?Reading: Alexander and Rosner, “Biblical Theology,” “History of BiblicalTheology,” and “Relationship of Old Testament and New Testament” inNDBT; Köstenberger/O’Brien pp 19-23.1/19/06 Mission in Creation. Reading: Kaiser pp. 7-38; Köstenberger/O’Brien pp. 25-53; York 19-27.1/26/06 Biblical Theology of Diversity.Reading: Kaiser pp. 39-50.2/2/06 Israel’s National Purpose.Reading: Kaiser pp. 51-63; York pp. 27-33. Note: It would be helpful toreview previous reading from York for this class session. 2/9/06 Covenant and Promise.Reading: Helpful to review Kaiser chapter 3.2/16/06 Missio Dei in the Historical Books of the Old Testament. Reading: York pp. 33-40.2/23/06 Davidic Covenant.Reading: York pp. 41-53.[3/2/06 Spring Break3/9/06 Prophets and Mission.Reading: Kaiser pp. 65-74; York pp. 53-64.3/16/06 Old Testament Summary and the Intertestamental Period.Reading: Köstenberger/O’Brien pp. 55-71. 3/23/06 Missio Dei in the Gospels.Reading: Köstenberger/O’Brien pp. 73-127, 203-226; York pp. 65-78.3/30/06 Mission Dei in the Gospels, continued.4/6/06 Book of Acts: The Holy Spirit in Mission and Paul’s Missionary Methods.Reading: Kaiser pp. 75-82; Köstenberger/O’Brien pp. 127-201; York pp. 79-94.4/13/06 Acts and Paul, continued.4/20/06 Revelation, Summary of New Testament. Reading: Köstenberger/O’Brien pp. 227-270; York pp. 95-100. METHODOLOGYCourse objectives will be met through:1. Classroom lecture2. In-class questions, answers, discussions, and brief quizzes 3. Completion of required assignments of reading and writingCOURSE REQUIREMENTS1. Consistent attendance. Anticipated absences should be made known to the professorsbeforehand. Consult the AGTS catalog for seminary policy on the relation betweenexcessive absenteeism and grade reduction. 2. Completion of reading assignments on the indicated dates (see course plan, below).3. Classroom participation (discussion, questions, answers) where appropriate.4. Completion of “semi-spontaneous” quizzes. These quizzes will be announced at thebeginning of a given class period. At the end of said period the students will be given aquestion pertaining to that period’s lecture and five to ten minutes to complete the quiz.Questions will be drawn from both lecture content and that day’s required readings.Quizzes may be somewhat comprehensive (i.e., pertaining to previous days’ lecturesand/or readings). 5. Research paper. In 12-15 pages, summarize the content of this course by writing a paperentitled: My Biblical Theology of Missio Dei. In this paper, you should:• Apply the principles of biblical theology taught in the class;• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of missio dei as found in the biblicalwitness, including appropriate biblical references. Be sure to demonstrate a clearcontextual understanding of all texts that are discussed.• Include rich footnoting of scholarly sources from the literature of Old and NewTestament studies and missiology.• After presenting your understanding of the biblical principles of mission, apply themto your current sense of God’s unique calling on your life and what the Holy Spirit isleading you to do.6. Final Exam*Late work will be docked one-half letter grade per date unless previous permission hasbeen granted by the professor.GRADING PROCEDUREClass participation 10%Quizzes 20%Research paper 30%Final Exam 40% Total 100%SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHYStudents are advised to consult the excellent bibliography at the conclusion of Köstenbergerand O’Brien for their research