MJ521: Paul, Judaism, and the Jewish People (4 units)
Mark Kinzer, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies
Mark Kinzer is deeply committed to the Messianic Jewish movement, with a special concern for education and theology. Mark currently serves as the executive director of Messianic Jewish Theological Institute as well the Shoresh Institute for the Study of Judaism and the New Testament. He has served as adjunct faculty at Fuller Seminary, Michigan State University, and University of Michigan. Mark also lends his expertise through board service, previously with Shema Yisrael and now as the chairman of the board of Hashivenu, Inc. Along with his work as teacher, Mark also serves as spiritual leader of Congregation Zera Avraham. He is the author of the recently published booklet, The Nature of Messianic Judaism: Judaism as Genus, Messianic as Species.
Winter 2003 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
Until the middle of the last century it was generally agreed by both Jewish and Christian scholars that the Apostle Paul had renounced Judaism and the Jewish people and had deliberately championed the cause of Christianity as a new religion. However, this perspective changed dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century. More and more 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 major letters attributed to Paul in order to understand Paul’s Judaism and his relationship to his own people. The course will also look at the impact of the canonical framework of the New Testament on the interpretation of Paul, and inquire into the role his teaching should play in 21st century Messianic Jewish theology and halakhah.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Develop a working knowledge of the recent scholarly debate concerning Paul and Judaism.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of the sociological and cultural presuppositions on the interpretation and application of Scripture.
• Learn how to read Paul as a Jewish missionary to Gentiles.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
As traditionally understood, the writings of Paul would oppose any attempt to integrate commitment to Yeshua with traditional Jewish practice and loyalty to the Jewish people. Since these are essential features of Messianic Judaism, it is necessary for Messianic Jewish leaders to understand how contemporary scholars are revising the traditional picture and presenting Paul as an innovative yet faithful Jew.
COURSE FORMAT:
One-week intensive. Lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
Donaldson, Terence L. Paul and the Gentiles. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997
Nanos, Mark D. The Mystery of Romans. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996. [387 pages]
____________. The Irony of Galatians. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2002. [331 pages]
_____________, ed.. The Galatians Debate. [Part II: 160 pages]
Sanders, E. P. Paul, the Law, and the Jewish People. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983. [210 pages]
Gager, John G. Reinventing Paul. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. [152 pages]
RECOMMENDED READING:
Boyarin, Daniel. A Radical Jew. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994.
Cosgrove, Charles H. Elusive Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997.
Davies, W. D. Paul and Rabbinic Judaism. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1980.
Dunn, James D. G. Jesus, Paul and the Law. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1990.
Gaston, Lloyd. Paul and the Torah. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1987.
Grenhold, Cristina, and Daniel Patte, eds. Reading Israel in Romans. Harrisburg: Trinity, 2000.
Hays, Richard B. Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.
Horsley, Richard A., ed. Paul and Empire. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 1997.
Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1977.
Segal, Alan F. Paul the Convert. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1990.
Stendahl, Krister. Paul Among Jews and Gentiles. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976.
Tomson, Peter J. Paul and the Jewish Law. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1990.
ASSIGNMENTS:
A two-to-three page, double spaced, typed (11 point type) book review for each required text.
PREREQUISITE:
None. Anyone who wishes to audit this course must register and pay audit fees through Messianic Jewish Theological Institute. Contact Dr. Mark Kinzer at
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Take-home exam.
Last Date Edited: September 20, 2002