MJ521: Paul, Judaism,
and the Jewish People (4 credits)
Daniel Juster, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Judaic
Studies
DESCRIPTION:
In contrast to past interpreters, many
contemporary scholars are seeing Paul as an observant Jew captivated by the
vision of the crucified and risen Messiah and passionately committed to
bringing non-Jews to the knowledge of him. The present course will summarize
this historical development in Pauline scholarship and will examine the letters
attributed to Paul in order to understand Paul’s Judaism and his relationship
to his own people. The course will also inquire into th erole his teaching
should play in 21st century Messianic Jewish theology and halakhah.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
· To acquire an
understanding of the most widespread interpretations of the Pauline writings.
· To understand how new
approaches to Paul that more diligently pursue Jewish backgrounds for
contextual understanding provide probably new and valuable insights to Pauline
theology.
· To evaluate and apply
this understanding to the present with regard to life in Messianic Jewish
congregations and churches.
RELEVANCE:
The right interpretation of Paul is crucial for an understanding of so
many questions. How is our salvation procured? What is the nature of the work
of Yeshua? Who is Yeshua? What is the relationship of Jew and Gentile in the
New Covenant? What is the relationship of the nation of Israel to the New
Covenant people of God? How shall we live, but what ethic? How do we attain to
the power to so live? These questions for the most basic matters of New
Testament theology. Answering them effects message and mission, proclamation
and discipleship.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture and discussion
REQUIRED READING:
Davies, W. D. Paul
and Rabbinic Judaism. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1980.
Fee, Gordon, God’s Empowering Presence, Peabody,
Mass: Hendrickson, 1994.
Harink, Douglas. Paul among the Post
Liberals . Grand Rapids: Michigan: Brazos, 2003.
Hays, Richard B. Echoes of Scripture in
the Letters of Paul. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.
Nanos, Mark. The Mystery of Romans.
Minneapolis: Fortress Press: 1996
RECOMMENDED READING:
Dunn, James D. G. Jesus, Paul and the Law. Louisville: Westminister, 1990.
Longenecker, Richard N. Paul, Apostle of
Liberty. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1964.
Sanders, E. P. Paul, the Law and the
Jewish People. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983.
Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian
Judaism. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1977.
Stendahl, Krister. Paul Among Jews and
Gentiles. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1980.
Stowers, Stanley. A Rereading of Romans.
New Haven: Yeale University Press, 1964
Thieleman, Frank. Paul and the Law. Downers
Grove, Ill: Inter Varsity, 1994
ASSIGNMENTS:
The
student will read all of the required texts. There will be an examination to be
sent in by the end of July. A required research paper on a topic of Pauline
theology and Judaism occasioned by the required readings, is due at the end of
September. The paper use fifteen scholarly references (books and/or journals.
It should be well footnoted. 20 pages of point 12 text less notes is required.
PREREQUISITES: None. Anyone who wishes to
audit this course must register and pay audit fees through Messianic Jewish
Theological Institute. Contact Dr. Mark Kinzer at MKBenBen@cs.com
<mailto:MKBenBen@cs.com> .
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for all MJTI diploma and certificate students.
FINAL
EXAM: Final exam, which students should return within one month.