Research one critical issue or theological theme that occurs in one or more of the letters of James, Peter, and Jude. Each paper should include the following: · Introduction that presents your thesis and approach. · Explanation of your topic’s primary interpretive options. · Discussion of current scholarship on the issue. · Presentation of your research/exegesis on the topic. · Application that clearly shows the relevance of your findings for Christians today. · Conclusion Suggested topics: · James’ condemnation of the rich. · The authorship of 1 and 2 Peter. Should it be considered pseudonymous? What are the implications of this for understanding the development of the Canon? · The context of James. To what degree can we reconstruct the historical/social setting of the letter? How crucial is this to understanding the letter’s key themes? · What should we make of James’ emphasis on works? Is it compatible with salvation by faith alone? · Examine Peter’s Christology – particularly in 1 Peter. How does Peter present Christ and his work on the cross? How is it similar/different from other NT writers? · Develop a theological explanation for the “already” and “not yet” tension found in 1 Peter as it relates to what the believer experiences in the present versus future glory of the Kingdom. · Discuss the relationship of 2 Peter and Jude (at least 19 of the 25 verses in Jude are represented in 2 Peter). What significance is this is for understanding authorship and ancient letter writing. · Discuss the merits for and against the common view that Jude’s letter is intended to combat an early form of Gnosticism.
