ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYBNT 542Studies in the General Epistles: JamesJames D. Hernando Spring, 2007COURSE SYLLABUSCOURSE DESCRIPTIONAn exegetical and theological study of the Epistles of James. Special emphasis will be given to the distinctive theological contributions of this letters as well as its practical value in addressing and providing guidance for the Church today.OBJECTIVESAt the successful completion of this course the student should be able to:Knowledge 1. Identify and discuss some of the characteristics of Diaspora Judaism as the cultural-historical backdrop for James’ letter to Jewish Christians.1. Discuss James’ view of faith and works and why his view need not be viewed as antithetical to Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith.2. Discuss the main introductory issues for which there is considerable debate and identify the most plausible position.3. Explain why James has been regarded as “the Amos of the New Testament”, giving concrete illustrations of passion for social-justice.Skills1. Read and analyze a New Testament periscope by constructing an exegetical outline (in English and/or Greek) which considers both the immediate context and its relationship to the New Testament letter as a whole.2. Identify and locate pragmatic concerns of James in this epistle, positing a plausible Sitz im Leben by appealing to the internal evidence of the letter and relevant cultural historical evidence. 3. Identify the moral/ethical and theological truths expressed in James and discuss relevant and legitimate application of such in the life of the present-day Church.1Attitudes1. Attitudes appreciate the historical-cultural nature of all the New Testament writings and how examination of their life-setting serves and aids the task of interpretation.2. Appreciate the diversity of the New Testament writing within an overall canonical unity.TEXTBOOKSRequired:Adamson, James. The Epistle of James, in The International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976, repr. 1984.Martin, Ralph P. and Peter H. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Development. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.Recommended:Davids, Peter H. The Epistle of James, in The New International Greek Testament Commentary Series. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.BASIC OUTLINEI. ProlegomenaA. Assign a Cultural Historical Context to the EpistleB. Introductory IssuesC. The Structure of James: Question and Controversy (?)II. Exegetical AnalysisA. Chapters 1-2 Examining Christian MaturityB. Chapters 3-4 Community ProblemsC. 4:13- 5:11 Developing a Christian WorldviewD. 5:12-20 Concluding ExhortationsIII. Critical Reflection/SynthesisMETHODOLOGYIn this course we will seek to meet our objectives through:1. Classroom lecture.2. Guided classroom discussion of issues related to assigned reading, lectures, and class assignments.3. Individual reading, research, and writing.2COURSE REQUIREMENTS1. Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Planned absences should be announced beforehand to the professor. Excessive absenteeism is defined by the AGTS catalog and will be dealt with accordingly.2. Completion of all reading assignments.3. One Reading Summary (see handout)4. Oral presentation on an introductory issue (see handout)5. Exegetical Outlines (see handout)6. Term Paper – 12-14 pp (see handout)Topical OR Thematic EssayProblem – Description Paper.Theological Application PaperGRADING PROCEDURE1. Grade Weights:Class Participation 5% 50 pointsReading Summary 15% 150 pointsReading Assignments 10% 100 pointsOral Presentation 15% 150 pointsExegetical Outlines 25% 250 pointsExegesis Paper 30% 300 points100% 1,000 points2. Grade Penalties: Work turned in late without the prior permission of the professor will receive a grade reduction of 1/2 letter grade for every day late.3. The total number of possible points to be earned in the semester is 1000. Point totals at the end of the semester are tabulated and a grading curve plotted relative to the collective grade profile of the class.CHAPEL ATTENDANCE:Attendance at Community Chapel on Friday, March 16 will be required. Class members will proceed to the chapel on that day at 10:30 am. Class will resume at 11:55 and finish at 1:15 p.m. as usual.3SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYAdamson, J.B. The Epistle of James. In the NICNT Series, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976.Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948. Reprinted.Davids, Peter. The Epistle of James. In the NIGTC Series. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.Hort, F.J.A. The Epistle of James. London: Macmillan, 1909.Kistemaker, Simon. Exposition of the Epistle of James and the Epistles of John. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1986. Laws, Sophie. A Commentarv on the Epistle of James. In the HNTC Series. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1980.Martin, Ralph P. James, In the WBC. Waco, Texas: Word Publishers, 1988.Maynard-Reid, P.V. Poverty and Wealth in James. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books,1987.Mayor, J.B. The Epistle of James. London: Macmi1lan, 1913.Mitton, C.L. The Epistle of St. James. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966.Moffat, J. The General Epistles: James, Peter, Judas. London: Hodder and Stoughton,1928.Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. In the TNTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.Perkins Pheme. First and Second Peter, James and Jude. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 1995.Randall, G.H. The Epistle of St. James and Judaistic Christianity. Cambridge: TheUniversity Press, 1927.Ropes, J. H. A Critical and Exegetical Commentarv on the Epistle of St. James. In the ICC. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1916.Tasker, R.V.G. The General Epistle of James. In the TNTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1956. SPECIFIC DATASyllabus prepared by James D. Hernando, Ph.D., November 13,