NT403S BOOK OF REVELATION Fall 2009

Mid-South Christian College Professor: Dr. Greg Waddell 3097 Knight Rd. E-mail: GregWaddell@midsouthcc.org Memphis, TN 38181 Cell: 901.581.5735 www.midsouthcc.org Office: 901.375.4400, Ext 15 Version: 2 Date: 8/6/2009 11:50:00 PM NT403S BOOK OF REVELATION Fall 2009 COURSE DESCRIPTION An exegetical study of the Book of Revelation. The course emphasizes the literary structure of the book, the nature of its language, its historical background and relationship with OT as well as extrabiblical texts. The different schools of interpretation will be introduced and an approach will be recommended that honors its nature as a combination of Apocalyptic, Prophetic and Epistolary literature. THE MISSION OF MSCC Mid-South Christian College exists to glorify God by partnering with Christian Churches in raising up individuals called by God to fulfill the global vision of Christ by facilitating their academic, practical and spiritual preparation. STUDENT CORE LEARNING THREADS (ACLTS) [Instructor chooses from the following list those ACLTs that your course will try to support. Don t list all 7. Delete the ones that do not apply to this course.] 1. Demonstrate competence as servant leaders that meet the real needs of our current world through a variety of ministry roles in local congregations as well as the mission fields of the world. (AMIN) 2. Demonstrate competence in the research, interpretation and application of the inspired Word of God, both the Old and New Testaments, at an undergraduate academic level of scholarship. (ABIB) 3. Demonstrate competence in the mental skills of thought, reasoning, reflection, analysis and discovery in seeking God s truth and application for today s cultures from a Biblical worldview. (AREA) COURSE OBJECTIVES Course Objective As a result of having completed this course, the student... Goal that it Supports This objective supports [ACLT] because... 1

1. will be able to outline the literary structure of the book of Revelation (Cognition) 2. will be able to defend his or her understanding of the structure of revelation with arguments that derive from the text itself and from sound reasoning(comprehension) 3. will be able to list and explain the differences between the main approaches to the interpretation of Revelation (Comprehension) 4. Grow in his or her appreciation of the Book of Revelation and its direct value for Christians today (Affect) 5. will demonstrate the ability to practice sound biblical exposition of the book of Revelation (Process) 6. will demonstrate familiarity with the text of the book of Revelation (Cognition) ABIB: Understanding the structure and argument of a biblical text is a key to interpreting its meaning. ABIB: To become sound interpreters of the Bible, students should be able to defend their understandings from the text itself. AREA: The student will be encouraged to offer coherent arguments for his/her positions. ABIB: An understanding of how others approach biblical interpretation helps one to sharpen and define his or her own approach to interpretation. AMIN: Students should come away from this course seeing the book of Revelation as a great tool for ministering to contemporary Christians in all their situations, whether in prosperity and power or in poverty and oppression. ABIB: This skill will help students to interpret other biblical texts. ABIB: What can I say? There's no substitute for Bible knowledge to help one interpret the Bible. COURSE TEXTBOOKS The Bible. Preferably a version that follows the principles of word-based translation as opposed to dynamic equivalence translation. Recommended translations include the following: New American Standard Bible (NASB, 1995 Update). Holman Christian Standard (HCSB). Revised English Bible (REB). English Standard Version (ESV). New King James Version (NKJV) Bauckham, Richard, The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 1993. ISBN: 0521356911 2

Hendriksen, William, More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation. 1967. Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998. PLAGIARISM. Students are expected to give proper credit when using the ideas of others. This frequently takes the form of quotation marks "" with proper footnotes or endnotes giving the source of the quotation. For examples, consult Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, & Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996. Submitting work done by another person as your own results in an F for the assignment and may result in further academic disciplinary measures including an F for the entire course. Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. If you don't understand what it is, FIND OUT before you submit work for this course. CLASS ATTENDANCE Regularity in class attendance is considered absolutely essential to the proper completion of a course. Absences caused by college sponsored activities are the only excused absences. All unexcused absences will result in the lowering of grades and may result in additional work. After absences equal to three weeks of class time the student must petition the faculty to remain in the class as a credit student. Absences in excess of 25% of the total class hours will result in failure of the course. A student is considered tardy if he arrives in class after the instructor begins to call the roll or has begun class or if he leaves before the class hour is completed. Four late arrivals are counted as one absence. Absences immediately preceding or following a school holiday will be counted as two absences. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND INCOMPLETE GRADES All class work is to be completed as assigned. No work will be accepted after the day of the final examination unless the student has filed for an extension before that time. An Incomplete Request Form is available in the Academic Dean s office upon the payment of a $10.00 fee. This form entitles the student to an extension of 30 days in which to complete all class assignments. Failure to complete the work within that extension will result in a grade of F. Announced tests and examinations should be taken when scheduled. Failure to do so will result in a late fee of $5.00 which must be paid before the test is administered. COURSE CHANGES OR WITHDRAWALS FROM COURSES Students who desire to make course changes must do so within the first two weeks of the semester. In order to withdraw from a class or change classes, a student must secure written approval from the registrar and from his instructor. Withdrawal from a class is permitted without penalty (except financial as outlined in the financial section of the catalog) during the first three weeks of the semester. After three weeks, the grade WP or WF will be given and entered on the student s transcript After 6 weeks, a student is not permitted to change a class from credit to audit. 3

After 10 weeks, a student is not permitted to withdraw passing from any course. Withdrawal from a course without written approval from both the registrar and the instructor results in an F grade. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE A student may not withdraw from the college without notifying the dean of students, academic dean or the president. The student is expected to meet all obligations involving his instructors, the business manager, librarian and registrar. Failure to notify the college of withdrawal may result in the student forfeiting any refunds due him. REFUNDS Withdrawal refunds of tuition and room rent will be as follows: During the first two weeks of the semester - 80% During the third week of the semester - 60% During the fourth week of the semester - 40% After the fourth week of the semester - No refund COURSE ASSIGNMENTS Please take note: MSCC Academic Policy states that all assignments must be turned in to pass a course. Any assignment not turned in will result in a grade of F for the semester. Description Value 1. Pop Quizzes 14 2. Complete a textual analysis of a passage from Revelation (4 pp.) 10 3. Complete an intertextual analysis of a passage from Revelation (4 pp.) 10 4. Complete a socio-cultural analysis of a passage from Revelation (4 pp.) 10 5. Complete a book report on the Hendriksen text (2-3 pp.) 8 6. Complete a book report on the Bauckman text. (2-3 pp.) 8 7. Mid-Term Exam 15 8. Final Exam 25 TOTAL: 100 ASSE SSMENT OF STUDENT WORK 1 = Inadmissible; Does not comply with the standard 2 = Minimal effort; Inferior to the standard 3 = Basic compliance with the standard 4 = Shows effort; largely complies with the standard 5 = Superior effort; Advanced compliance with the standard 4

Textual Analysis Value Assigned 1. Student demonstrates the ability to thoroughly observe the text 2 itself, derive reasonable conclusions about the text from his or her observations, and synthesize his or her observations and develop theological and/or practical conclusions. 2. The student cites at least 4 resources additional to the course 2 textbooks. 3. The analysis is written in language that is clear, focused and 2 logical. 4. The student uses correct grammar and spelling. 2 5. The student adheres to the 7th edition of Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers. 2 6. Total Possible Points: 10 Intertextual Analysis Value Assigned 1. Student demonstrates the ability to discover connections 2 between the text of Revelation and other biblical texts, synthesize his or her observations, and develop theological and/or practical conclusions. 2. Student cites at least 4 resources additional to the course of 2 textbooks. 3. The analysis is written in language that is clear, focused and 2 logical. 4. The student uses correct grammar and spelling. 2 5. The student adheres to the 7ty edition of Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers 2 6. Total Possible Points: 10 Socio-Cultural Analysis Analysis Value Assigned 1. Student demonstrates the ability to thoroughly discover 2 connections between the text of Revelation and the historical- cultural setting of the book of Revelation. Student demonstrates the ability to synthesize his or her observations and develop theological and/or practical conclusions. 2. Student cites at least 4 resources additional to the course 2 textbooks. 3. The analysis is written in language that is clear, focused and 2 logical. 4. The student uses correct grammar and spelling. 2 5. The student adheres to the 7ty edition of Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers 2 6. Total Possible Points: 10 5

Hendriksen Book Report 1. Student has given evidence of familiarity with the main theme and key arguments of the book. 2. The student has interacted with the book by tying personal experiences and class discussion with the material read. TOTAL: 10 Value Assigned 5 5 Bauckham Book Report Value Assigned 1. Student has given evidence of familiarity with the main theme 5 and key arguments of the book. 2. The student has interacted with the book by tying personal experiences and class discussion with the material read. TOTAL: 10 5 COURSE CALENDAR Class Topic/Activity Work Due SEP 3 Introduction to Revelation SEP 10 Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation Methods for the Interpretation of Revelation SEP 17 The Structure of the Book of Revelation Hendriksen Book Report SEP 24 The Historical-Social Context of the Book of Revelation OCT 1 Prologue and Introductory Vision (Chapter 1) OCT 8 The Seven Churches (Chapters 2-3) Bauckham Book Report OCT 15 Mid-Term Exam OCT 22 The Throne of God and of the Lamb (Chapters Textual Analysis Paper 4-5) OCT 29 The Seven Seals (Chapters 6-7) NOV 5 The Seven Trumpets (Chapters 8-11) NOV 12 The Wrath of the Beast (Chapters 12-14) Intertextual Analysis Paper NOV 19 The Seven Plagues and the Fall of Christ's Enemies (Chapters 15-19) NOV 26 No Classes DEC 3 The Millennium (Chapter 20) DEC 10 The New Jerusalem, New Heavens and New Earth (Chapters 21-22) Socio-Cultural Analysis Paper DEC 17 Final Exam 6

BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, Charles D., Revelation: Spiritually Understood. Trelawnyd, UK: K&M Books, 2001. Barr, David L. "Towards an Ethical Reading of the Apocalypse: Reflections on John's Use of Power, Violence, and Misogyny." Wright State University. http://www.wright.edu/~dbarr/moral.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Barr, David L. "Using Plot to Discern Structure in John's Apocalypse." Proceedings of the Eastern Great Lakes and Mid-West Biblical Societies 15 (1995): 23-33. http://www.wright.edu/~dbarr/plotrev.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Barr, David L. 1998. "Who Says? Who Hears? The Narrative Rhetoric of John's Apocalypse." Wright State University. http://www.wright.edu/~david.barr/rhet.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Barr, David L. 2000. "Transforming the Imagination: John's Apocalypse as Story." http://www.wright.edu/~david.barr/imagination.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Bauckham, Richard, The Climax of Prophecy: Studies on the Book of Revelation. T. & T. Clark: 1999. ISBN: 978-0567086259 Beale, G. K. "The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text." In New International Greek Testament Commentary, ed. I. Howard Marshall and Donald A. Hagner. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1998. Bock, Darrell L., Ed. Three Views on the Millennium. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999. Boring, Eugene M., Revelation (Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching). 1989. Reprint, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2008. Clouse, R. C. (Ed.) The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. 1977. Gregg, Steve, Revelation: Four Views, a Parallel Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997. Hanson, K. C. "Blood and Purity in Leviticus and Revelation." Listening: Journal of Religion and Culture 28 (1993): 215-230. http://www.kchanson.com/articles/blood.html (accessed August 6, 2009). Hoekema, A. A. (1979). The Bible and the Future. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans. Jauhiainen, Marko. "The Measuring of the Sanctuary Reconsidered." Biblica 83 (2002): 507-526. http://www.bsw.org/?l=71831&a=comm16.html (accessed August 6, 2009). 7

Johnson, Dennis E., Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2001. ISBN: 0875522009 Just, Felix. 2009. "Art, Images, Music and Materials Related to the Book of Revelation." http://catholic-resources.org/art/revelation-art.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Kirby, Peter. Online Resources for the Book of Revelation. Available at http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/revelation.html. Kistemaker, Simon J., New Testament Commentary: Exposition of the Book of Revelation. Baker Academic, 2001. ISBN: 0801022525 Koester, Craig. 2009. "Cities of Revelation." http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/revelation.html (accessed August 6, 2009). Kuyper, Abraham, The Revelation of St. John. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1999. Lambrecht, J. "The Opening of the Seals." Biblica 79 (1998): 198-221. http://www.bsw.org/project/biblica/bibl79/comm07.htm (accessed August 6, 2009). Lenski, R. C. H., The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1963. Mounc e, Robert H., The Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1977. Paulien, Jon. "Dreading the Whirlwind: Intertexuality & the Use of the Old Testament in Revelation." Andrews University Seminary Studies 39, no. 1 (2001): 5-22. http://www.andrews.edu/~jonp/moyisearticle2.html (accessed August 6, 2009). Poythress, Vern S., The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000. ISBN: 0875524621 Poythress, Vern S., Understanding Dispensationalism. New Jersey: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 1994. Resseguie, James L., The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary. Baker, 2009. Riddlebarger, K. (2003). A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. Summers, Ray, Worthy Is the Lamb. 1951. Reprint, B&H Academic, 1999. Taylor, R. A. 2000. "Revelation: A Reference Commentary." Available at http://www.apocalipsis.org (accessed August 6, 2009). Van Deventer, Jack. "Amillennial History." Credenda Agenda 14, no. 2, pp. 34-35. http://credenda.org/issues/14-2eschaton.php (accessed August 6, 2009). 8

Wilcock, Michael, The Message of Revelation. Inter-Varsity Press, 1991. ISBN: 0851109640 Wilson, Mark, Charts on the Book of Revelation: Literary, Historical, and Theological Perspectives. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2007. ISBN: 0825439396 9

SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM Read Carefully. Check each box [ ]. Give the signed & dated form to your instructor. [ ] I have received a copy of the syllabus for, for. Course Name Number Semester - Year [ ] I have read the syllabus in its entirety, and I fully understand the course objectives and requirements for this class. [ ] I understand that ALL assignments and course requirements must be completed in order to pass this class. Printed Name Date Signature 10