Discussion Thread: Identifying the Central Issue in a General Epistle

Just because the General Epistles are not “occasional,” as are Paul’s letters, does not mean that they are not intended to speak to specific problems, issues, and crises in the congregations to which they are addressed. Choose one of the General Epistles studied in this course, read it through quickly (remember, it is a letter!), and then describe in your own words the issue, problem, or crisis the letter was composed to address. This is not a critical introduction to your letter (discussing such things as authorship, date, etc.); rather, you are to describe the “backstory” that precipitated the letter. Having done that, discuss briefly how the letter is still relevant to the church today. You must interact with all assigned materials, including textbooks and presentations. You must document all sources used (including textbooks and presentations) in current Turabian format. The use of Internet sources requires the instructor’s prior approval.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. The student will complete two (2) Discussions in this course. The student will post one (1) thread of at least 400 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post two (2) replies of at least 200 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. The student is required to interact with all assigned materials, including textbooks and presentations, and document all sources used (including textbooks and presentations) in current Turabian format. The use of Internet sources requires the instructor’s prior approval. Acceptable sources include the Bible (exclusive of study Bible notes), academic biblical commentaries, academic journal articles, textbooks, and course presentations.