Courses

This course is primarily an exegetical study of the main eschatological passages in the New Testament (NT). Following a two-step hermeneutical approach, we will look at: (1) what these passages meant in their original context and (2) what they mean to us in our contemporary setting. The course consists of three learning components. First, we will examine various prophetic and apocalyptic thoughts before the times of Jesus and look at how various NT eschatological traditions were developed from these ideas. Second, we will read through the major eschatological passages in the NT and discover unifying themes of NT eschatology through carefully read through the text in the original context. And finally, we will look at the contemporary significance of the selected NT texts and discuss how they help shape an eschatological lifestyle, i.e. a Christian way of life that does not lose sight of the second coming of Christ.

Knowing

• To become familiar with the main eschatological passages in the NT for use in teaching and preaching ministry
• To gain an understanding of problems and issues in the controversial areas of Christian eschatology and to be able to identify the text(s) that illuminate the options

Being

• To become competent interpreters of the text
• To gain a positive appreciation of theological unity and diversity in the NT
• To allow the eschatological passages to motivate, form and transform our faith, worship and Christian way of life

Doing

• To develop skills in interpreting the eschatological passages in the NT in terms of their theological, historical and social context
• To explain key topics and terms related to NT eschatology
• To be able to evaluate apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic artwork in various media (music, films, literature, TV shows, etc.) from a biblical perspective