BB002-712 - Introduction to Biblical Theology and Interpretation

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • biblical studiesUnit Discipline

Exclusions

BB501, BB503, TRB51

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of the discipline of biblical theology and its use in understanding the Scriptures

B. Be able to

1. Analyse the key events of biblical theology and their significance within the whole of biblical theology

2. Demonstrate skill in applying the principles and methods of hermeneutics to understanding biblical texts

3. Present Analytical evidence-based perspectives on the theory and application of hermeneutics

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives from ‘Introduction to Biblical Studies’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

Part A: The Content of Biblical Theology

The content of biblical theology is designed to explain the progression of events within the unfolding revelation of the Scriptures.

a. Creation, sin, and the effects of the fall (e.g. Genesis 1-11)

b. The Abrahamic covenant (e.g. Genesis 12, 15, 18)

c. The exodus event and the Sinaitic covenant (e.g. Exodus; Hebrews)

d. Conquest and settlement (e.g. Judges/Joshua)

e. Kingship (e.g. 1 and 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1-12)

f.  The division of the kingdom (e.g. 1 and 2 Kings)

g. Exile (e.g. 2 Kings 17; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Isaiah 40-55)

h. Return and restoration (e.g. Ezra; Nehemiah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi)

i. Birth and ministry of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)

j. Death and resurrection of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)

k. Gospel to the world (e.g. Acts, NT Epistles)

l. New creation (e.g. Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, Revelation 19-22)

 

Part B: Interpreting and Applying the Bible

a. Foundational issues of genre within biblical interpretation.

b. Foundational principles of a biblical interpretation methodology: e.g. textual, historical, cultural, literary features, intertextual, canonical, and biblical-theological issues.

c. Principles of contemporary application.

d. Representative examples from both the Old and New Testaments.

e. How the gospel relates to understanding and interpreting the Bible

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Bartholomew, Craig G. and Goheen, M. W., The Drama of Scripture: Finding our Place in the Biblical Story (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004).

Kaiser, W. C. Jr. and M. Silva, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. 2nd ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007.

 

Recommended:

Bartholomew, Craig G. M. Healy, K. Moller and R. Parry (eds). Out of Egypt: Biblical Theology and Biblical Interpretation. SHS 5 (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2004).

Bauckham, R., ‘Reading Scripture as a Coherent Story’ in The Art of Reading Scripture. E. F. Davis & R. B. Hays (eds) (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Corley, B. et al (eds), Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Interpreting Scripture. 2nd ed. (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002).

David, E. F., and Hays, R. B., The Art of Reading Scripture (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004).

Fee, G. and D. Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 3rd ed., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 2003.

Goldsworthy, G., Christ-Centred Biblical Theology: Hermeneutical Foundations and Principles (Nottingham: Apollos, 2012).

Hafemann, S. J., Biblical Theology: Retrospect and Prospect (Downers Grove: IVP, 2002).

Knowles, Robert, Anthony C. Thiselton and The Grammar of Hermeneutics: The Search for a Unified Theory (PBM; Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2012).

Porter, Stanley E. and Malcolm, Matthew R. (Eds), The Future of Biblical Interpretation: Responsible Plurality in Biblical Hermeneutics (Illinois: IVP, 2013).

Scobie, C. H. H. The Ways of Our God: An Approach to Biblical Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Strauss, M. L., How to Read the Bible in Changing Times: Understanding and Applying God’s Word Today (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011).

 

Classics:

Osborne, G. R., The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1991).

Vos, G., Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1943. repr. 1963).