Preview Sheet New Testament I & II

Preview Sheet New Testament I & II Matt Schwartz Course Description

“For the Sacred Scriptures contain the word of God and since they are inspired, really are the word of God; and so the study of the sacred page is, as it were, the soul of sacred theology.” -Dei Verbum, 24

Sacred Scripture forms the bedrock of everything we believe, and provides a litmus test for everything we learn and do. Furthermore, deep study of Scripture is neither easy, nor particularly available to the average layperson. It is therefore absolutely imperative that we have a deeper understanding of the Bible.

This course is designed to help you (a) learn about the New Testament writings and the history of earliest Christianity and (b) develop certain analytical skills that are crucial for reading and analyzing New Testament texts. By the end of the two classes, you should be able to: 1. Speak intelligently about the contents and message certain New Testament books and Place the NT writings in their historical, sociological, religious, and literary context 2. Recognize the broad similarities and wide-ranging differences among these books and understand the major issues affecting the canon of the NT. 3. Summarize the major critical problems confronting selected books of the NT and give make appropriate connections to the ministry you are involved in. Your tasks before class: 1. Read paragraphs 17-20 in the Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) and paragraphs 101-120 in the Catechism.

2. As you prepare for this initial class on the Bible, please spend some quality time reflecting not only on the above readings, but on your honest responses to these three questions: . How important has the Bible been to your spiritual development? How do you relate, in general, to the New Testament? List three areas / problems which make reading and understanding the New Testament difficult for you. 3. Read the article “Redeeming the Bible” by Pauline Viviano

4. Bring your Bible and New Testament notes to class.