Biblical Theology of Mission

EM403/EM603 (distance only)

Biblical Theology of Mission studies exactly what the title outlines. What is ‘biblical theology’? And how does the theme/theology of mission develop as the message of the Bible unfolds? You’ll have a chance to work through highlights of both Old and New Testaments in some detail, as we consider God’s plans for his world, and the different ways in which he invites his people to join in this.

Workload: one semester, 4 credit points
Status: elective
Prerequisites: 16 credit points of core foundational units, including 8 credit points from the foundational Bible units (OT301/501, OT302/502, NT301/501, NT302/502); Graduate Diploma students may be able to negotiate this prerequisite
When: Semester 1, 2012; available by distance only
Who: Andrew Malone

Reading

Throughout the unit you should select one or two of the following texts to accompany preparation and revision. They are listed here roughly from easier to harder:

  • Peskett, Howard, and Vinoth Ramachandra. The Message of Mission: The glory of Christ in all time and space. BST. Leicester: IVP, 2003.
  • Köstenberger, Andreas J., and Peter T. O’Brien. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission. NSBT 11. Leicester: Apollos, 2001.
  • Glasser, Arthur F., et al. Announcing the Kindgom: The Story of God’s Mission in the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
  • Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s grand narrative. Nottingham: IVP, 2006.

There are many other relevant texts you might consider consulting.

Students often like some sort of recommendation, so the following suggestions are made.

  • The ideal combination is probably Wright (heavy on the OT) and Köstenberger & O’Brien (heavy on the NT). You are unlikely to feel short-changed on the depth of scholarship contained therein.
  • For those seeking a slightly lighter or cheaper overview will find Glasser to be fairly complete.
  • The volume by Peskett & Ramachandra is much more of an introductory overview. It is suitable for students who are a little under-confident in this approach to study. It is also a useful testing ground for more-confident students to put their thinking to the test as they consider a range of applications.