This unit introduces biblical studies through discussion of the literature and theologies of the Old and New Testaments. The contextual backgrounds to the formation of the Christian Scriptures will be explored as well as the historical, geographical, and socio-political, and socio-religious contexts of the ancient world. A selection of traditional and contemporary interpretative approaches and methods to the study of Old and New Testaments texts will be examined. The appropriate use of scripture in ministry contexts will be considered, including preaching, teaching, pastoral and spiritual care. The unit will consider contemporary applications of Christian Scripture within diverse ministry contexts.
Unit code: BS1321Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1
Unit discipline: Biblical Studies
Proposing College: St Barnabas College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Demonstrate an understanding of historical and cultural backgrounds to biblical worlds. |
| 2. | Identify and illustrate the different styles of literature present in Christian Scripture. |
| 3. | Investigate and compare various methods of biblical interpretation, and apply them to specific biblical texts. |
| 4. | Identify the connections between biblical texts and biblical theology and discuss their use in contemporary contexts. |
| 5. | Evaluate ethical application of Christian Scripture in ministry contexts |
| 6. | Demonstrate an effective use of biblical studies resources, including concordances, commentaries, lexicons, theological dictionaries, maps and timelines. |
Introduction unit, No prerequisites
Biblical studies for ministry introduces critical skills and analytical approaches, with an appreciation of both ancient and modern sites of contest on meaning.
Brueggemann, Walter. Finally Comes the Poet: Daring Speech for Proclamation. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1989.
Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.
Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 4th ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2009.
Esler, Philip F. Ed. Ancient Israel: The Old Testament in its Social Context. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2006.
Green, Joel B., Brown, Jeannine K., Perrin, Nicholas, eds, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, 2nd edition, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2013.
McKenzie, Steven L. and Stephen R. Haynes. To Each Its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application. Louisville, KY: Westminster, 1993.
Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 4th ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014.
Wright, Christopher J. H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. Leicester: IVP, 2004.
Wright, N. T. The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishing, 2005.
Wright, N. T, and Michael F Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. London: SPCK, 2019.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation - Oral presentation | 1000 | 30.0 | |
| Essay - Exegesis paper | 2000 | 40.0 | |
| Portfolio - Portfolio | 1000 | 20.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 8 Oct, 2024
Unit record last updated: 2024-10-08 13:42:17 +1100