Content

This unit provides an introduction to the discipline of biblical theology, which integrates the contents and theological themes of the Old and New Testaments as the essential foundation for Christian faith, life, and ministry. It provides an opportunity for students to listen to the text in fresh ways—not just its harmonies, but also its creative dissonances. Students will be challenged and nurtured to think theologically and pastorally about these themes (and others), and to reflect critically on the claims of Christian faith regarding the contemporary world. The unit proceeds by identifying and expounding broad and interrelated themes: our relational God, our suffering God and the atonement, our troubling God, eschatology, and God and human sexuality.

Unit code: BS3220L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the unity-in-diversity of significant theological themes and patterns discerned in the biblical text of both testaments and in Christian tradition

2.

Undertake critical analysis of selected biblical themes

3.

Use a range of hermeneutical approaches in identifying and interpreting the interplay of biblical themes and variations, harmonies and dissonances

4.

Discuss biblical themes and evaluate their contemporary relevance

5.

Reflect critically and apply insights about God and humanity to other themes in the Old and New Testaments in a theological and pastoral manner

Unit sequence

At least 30 credit points in Field B—Biblical Studies (BS) In addition, at least 15 credit points in Field C—Systematic Theology (CT) is desirable

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials, student presentations in class

Indicative Bibliography

  • The Bible, a standard and reasonably accurate translation, is recommended, such as NRSV, TNIV, NIV and ESV. Seek advice from your lecturer before purchasing a Study Bible edition. (recommended for purchase)
  • Fretheim, Terence E. 2010. Creation untamed: the Bible, God, and natural disasters. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. (Available as e-book from Löhe Memorial Library.) (recommended for purchase)

  • Birch, Bruce C., et al. 2005. A theological introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

  • Burrell, David B. 2008. Deconstructing theodicy: why Job has nothing to say to the puzzled [i.e. puzzle of] suffering. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.

  • Childs, Brevard. 1992. Biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments: theological reflection on the Christian Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

  • Edwards, Denis. 2010. How God acts: creation, redemption and special divine action. Adelaide, SA: ATF Press.

  • Ehrman, Bart D. 2008. God’s problem: how the Bible fails to answer our most important question—why we suffer. New York, NY: HarperOne.

  • Fretheim, Terence E. 2005. God and world in the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

  • Römer, Thomas. 2013. Dark God: cruelty, sex, and violence in the Old Testament. New York, NY: Paulist Press.

  • Scobie, Charles. 2003. The ways of our God: an approach to biblical theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans.

  • Stump, Eleonore. 2010. Wandering in darkness: narrative and the problem of suffering. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

  • Thomas, Heath A., et al, eds. 2013. Holy war in the Bible: Christian morality and an Old Testament problem. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

  • Via, Dan Otto, and Robert A. J. Gagnon. 2003. Homosexuality and the Bible: two views. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.

  • Warner, Megan, et al. 2011. Five uneasy pieces: essays on scripture and sexuality. Adelaide, SA: ATF Press.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay on an aspect of one topic, drawn from the unit content Level 3: 2000 words

0 40.0
Annotated Bibliography

Annotated bibliography Level 3: 1500 words equivalent

0 30.0
Essay

Essay on an aspect of one topic, drawn from the unit content Level 3: 1500 words

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Aug, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000