Approaches to Hermeneutics: Ways of Biblical Interpretation (BS2005L)

Content

This unit incorporates key hermeneutical approaches, concepts, issues, and terms within a brief historical survey of the development of biblical hermeneutics, from early Christian and Jewish interpretation to contemporary critical approaches. Current methodologies of biblical interpretation will be evaluated, and students will explore their own ways of applying methods and elements of interpretation to passages from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, with the aid of dictionaries and commentaries.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses.

Prerequisites: 18 points in Field B.

Pedagogy

This unit combines asynchronous student engagement with unit materials and weekly one-hour tutorials. Emphasis is placed on student engagement with primary texts using a range of interpretative methods and approaches, so students learn and acquire of basic analytical skills for interpreting the bible.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bauckham, R. The Bible in the contemporary world: hermeneutical ventures, 2nd ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2015.
• Gorman, Michael. Elements of biblical exegesis: a basic guide for students and ministers. Rev. ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2009.
• Hauser, A. J. and Watson, D. F. eds. A History of Biblical Interpretation: The Ancient Period (vol. 1). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003.
• Hauser, A. J. and Watson, D. F. eds. A History of Biblical Interpretation: The Medieval through the reformation Periods (vol. 2). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.
• Keane, Niall, C. Lawn, eds. The Blackwell Companion to Hermeneutics. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2016.
• Malcolm, Matthew R. From Hermeneutics to Exegesis: The Trajectory of Biblical Interpretation. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2018.
• Porter, Stanley E, Beth M Stovell, and Craig Blomberg. Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views. Spectrum Multiview Books. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2012.
• Soulen, Richard N., R. Kendell Soulen. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Fourth edition. Louisville, KY: Westminster Knox Press, 2011.
• Thiselton, Anthony C. Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2009.
• Wengert, Timothy J. Word of life: introducing Lutheran hermeneutics. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2019.

Assessment