Thematic Paper You Are Required To Write ✓ Solved
Thematic Paper You are required to write a thematic paper that
You are required to write a thematic paper that traces one of the biblical themes discussed in the course. The paper should be words in length and follow MLA style. Choose one of the options below:
Option A
Trace one of the biblical themes from the list below noting developments of that theme in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Show how New Testament writers reinterpreted the theme. Show the continuity in the development of the theme as well as any changes in meaning. Note any areas of disputed understanding. This paper must be accompanied by an outline. Length: words.
- Justice
- Love
- Jerusalem
- Wrath
- Christ
- Son of God
- Lord
- Priest
- Prophet
- Servant
- Son of Man
- Shepherd
- Chosen People
- Kingdom of God
- Elijah
- Righteousness
- Faith
- Obedience
- Redemption
- Salvation
- Resurrection
- Law
- Death
- Passover
- Sin
- Repentance
- Compassion
See the course Doc Sharing area for a bibliography for source material. Be sure to use some of those biblical reference books in the bibliography for your paper, especially those by Bauer, Buttrick, Freedman, Kittel and Friedrich, Leon-Dufour, McKenzie, and Sackenfeld. Avoid using other sources found on the Internet unless cleared in advance with the instructor. Publically available digital sources may not always be of high quality. The paper needs to be well documented. Be certain to distinguish between paraphrase and quotation.
Option B
Describe the intended audiences (readers) for the Gospels according to Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. Show how specific words and/or passages in each Gospel imply particular audiences. See the course Doc Sharing area for a bibliography for source material. Be sure to use some of those biblical reference books in the bibliography for your paper, especially Brown. You may find an EBSCO search using the online library resources to be helpful. Limit your search to full-text and peer-reviewed articles. You may also search GOOGLE BOOKS (not just GOOGLE) to access published books online; document the information from those books as books including author, title, publisher, date, and page numbers. The paper needs to be well documented. Be certain to distinguish between paraphrase and quotation.
Additional Information
The Thematic Paper is due by the conclusion of Module 3.
Paper For Above Instructions
The exploration of biblical themes is crucial in understanding the evolution of Christianity as described in the New Testament. This paper focuses on the theme of "Love," tracing its development from the Old Testament through to its redefinition in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the letters of Paul. The presentation of love provides a significant insight into the character of God, the nature of faith, and the ethical frameworks established in the Christian tradition.
The Old Testament Understanding of Love
In the Old Testament, the concept of love ("ahavah" in Hebrew) is often linked to loyalty and covenant faithfulness. It appears in various contexts, typically associated with the love God has for Israel and the expected reciprocal love that Israel ought to show towards God (Deuteronomy 6:5). Love is portrayed as an active commitment rather than a mere feeling, highlighted by the commandments that urge the Israelites to love their neighbors and foreigners (Leviticus 19:18, 34). This foundational understanding sets the stage for the New Testament reinterpretation of love, especially within a relational context among followers of Christ.
The New Testament Reinterpretation of Love
In the New Testament, the theme of love is central, with Jesus presenting love as the greatest commandment, urging his followers to love God wholly and their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This commandment illustrates a continuation of the Old Testament tenets but also introduces a radical shift towards selfless, sacrificial love, as demonstrated through Jesus' own actions and teachings. For instance, in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he loved them, thereby redefining love in the light of his sacrificial death. This new command emphasizes love as a defining characteristic of discipleship.
Pauline Epistles and the Expansion of Love as a Theme
Paul further expands on the theme of love, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13, where he describes love as the highest virtue, surpassing all spiritual gifts. His writings often connect love to the foundation of Christian ethics—exemplifying how love should influence behavior and relationships (Romans 13:10). Paul’s emphasis on love for both God and man reinforces the community aspect of Christian faith, addressing issues of division and conflict in the early Church. He juxtaposes the legalistic tendencies found in Judaism with the grace-centered love found in Christ, illustrating a transformation in how believers relate to both God and one another.
Continuity and Change in the Development of Love
While there is a clear continuity in the theme of love from the Old to the New Testament, with consistent calls to show love towards God and others, the meaning of love undergoes significant change. The radical self-sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus and espoused in the New Testament marks a departure from the predominantly reciprocal and loyalty-based love of the Hebrew Scriptures. This shift highlights an expansion of love beyond ethnic and religious boundaries, emphasizing inclusivity and forgiveness.
Areas of Disputed Understanding
One area of disputed understanding relates to the implications of love in terms of moral teaching. Some Christian traditions emphasize love as a permissive ethic, while others uphold a more stringent interpretation of love that aligns closely with biblical commandments. Additionally, debates arise over how love interacts with issues of justice, mercy, and truth within theological and ethical discussions. These ambiguities reflect the complexities of applying a biblical understanding of love to contemporary issues and differing cultural contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theme of love serves as a vital thread throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the transformation of societal and interpersonal ethics through the model provided by Jesus. While the Old Testament lays a critical foundation for understanding love as covenant fidelity and duty, the New Testament redefines and elevates this concept through the life and message of Christ, creating a new paradigm for Christian discipleship characterized by self-giving and transformative love. Future discussions and writings on this theme can contribute to a deeper understanding of Christian identity and ethical practice in a diverse world.
References
- Bauer, Walter. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
- Buttrick, George Arthur. The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible.
- Freedman, David Noel. The Anchor Bible Dictionary.
- Kittel, Gerhard, and Friedrich, Gerhard. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.
- Leon-Dufour, Xavier. The Biblical Message of Love.
- McKenzie, John L. Dictionary of the Bible.
- Sackenfeld, Judith M. Theology of the Old Testament.
- Scott Hahn, "The Love of God in the New Testament." Journal of Biblical Literature.
- Dale Ralph Davis, "Love in the Old Testament." Theological Studies Journal.
- Richard Bauckham, "The Call to Love in the Gospels." New Testament Studies Review.