Sacred Scripture
St. Francis de Sales School for Pastoral Ministry
Fall 2012
Dr. Ruth Ohm
Email: ruthohm@yahoo.com
Description: This course examines the New Testament, with an emphasis on the covenantal
relationship and salvation history. Special attention will be given towards its visibility in the
Magisterium and its praxis in liturgy.
Goals/Outcomes: With successful completion of this course, students ought to be able to:
1. Read Scripture with deeper understanding and articulate the situation – historical,
theological, cultural, social– portrayed in some of the major books.
2. Continue the process of embodying and molding to the person of Jesus Christ, so as
to become an effective servant in pastoral ministry.
3. Appreciate how human authors contribute to our constructions of God, Christ and the
Holy Spirit, and utilize this scriptural knowledge in prayerfulness towards intimate
union with God the Father, the Author of Scripture.
4. Embrace and communicate the role of Sacred Scripture, its interpretation and active
expression in the life of the Church.
Teaching Strategies and Course Methodology: Class sessions will largely consist of lecture
with some student participation through discussion. Lectures will present much of the
substantive material for the understanding Scripture, its background and its interpretation.
Texts:
Holy Bible (OT + NT) in NAB or RSV CE translation; if possible a “Study Bible” is
preferred.
Sancta Mater Ecclesia (1964).
http://www.piercedhearts.org/scriptures/historical_truth_gospels_pont_biblical_co
m.htm
Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943). www.ewtn.com/library/encyc/p12divin.htm OR
www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_pxii_enc_30091943_divino-afflante-spiritu_en.html
Dei Verbum (1965). www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/v2revel.htm OR
www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vatii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
Sofia Cavaletti, History of the Kingdom of God: From Creation to Parousia. LTP, 2012
(the earlier edition is also acceptable: History’s Golden Thread. Chicago: Liturgy
Training Publications, 1999).
Additional Recommended Texts:
Pope Benedict XVI. Jesus of Nazareth. Vols. 1 and 2.
Dean Béchard, ed., The Scripture Documents. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2002.
If you do not have a Study Bible: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Timelines.
Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2005.
Course Outline & Reading Schedule:
Aug 11
1. The Canon
2. Johannine Corpus
Reading:
Gospel of John
Letters of John 1, 2, 3
Sept 8 1. Review of the Covenants & Salvation History
2. Messianic Fulfillment I
Reading:
Luke 1-9 (Matthew 1-10 // Mark 1-6)
3. Messianic Fulfillment II
Reading:
Luke 9-19 (Matthew 10-20 // Mark 7-10)
Oct 13
1. Messianic Fulfillment III
Reading:
Luke 19-24 (Matthew 21-28 // Mark 11-16)
2. The Church I
Reading:
Nov 10
Acts of the Apostles 1-15
1. The Church II
2. Pauline Corpus I
Reading:
1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians
Optional synchronized reading: Acts of the Apostles 16-28
Dec 8
1. Pauline Corpus II
Reading:
Ephesians, Colossians
Optional reading: Romans
2. The Parousia, the New Jerusalem & the Holy Mass
Reading:
Book of Revelation (Apocalypse)