The Epistles of John

Course description:

This course places the Epistles of John in their historical context in the New Testament with the Gospel of John. You are invited to think for yourself about the meaning of the texts and the relationship between the Epistles and the Gospel of John. Reading John's Gospel in the light of the Epistles will help unlock its meaning and deepen your appreciation and understanding of the texts and their value to the Church today. 

Objectives:

1. To compare key theological themes in 1 John and John's Gospel
2. To understand the role of redaction criticism in 1 John
3. To evaluate the significance of the historical-critical method in the interpretation of 1 John.

Learning outcomes: 

1. To understand Christology in the Epistles of John
2. To analyse ethical behaviour in the Epistles of John
3. To apply the historical-critical method in the interpretation of the Epistles of John
4. To compare the theology of the Epistles of John with the theology of the Gospel of John

Assessment methods: 

• A course quiz on Moodle
• A final assignment

Course structure:

Chapter 1 :Introduction to Johannine literature

Chapter 2 : The school of John

Chapter 3 : Introduction to 1 John

Chapter 4 : Theological themes 1 John

Chapter 5 : The theology of John and historic developments