Content

This unit explores the key theological themes – such as God’s nature and character, creation, justice, covenant, holiness, worship, wisdom, humanity, etc. – across the Bible in their respective historical contexts. It will trace the development of scriptural theological traditions noting continuity and discontinuity as well as dialogical relationships within the biblical canon. It will also demonstrate how biblical theology could be meaningfully used for informing frontline mission, responding to current issues, and ministerial and personal formation. The unit aspires to model, inspire and develop a reflexive and imaginative practice of ministry.

Unit code: BS3307B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe in detail selected theological themes from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament within the social, cultural, historical and literary contexts in which they originate.

2.

Apply a range of hermeneutical approaches in identifying and interpreting the interplay of biblical themes, their trajectories, and dissonances.

3.

Analyse selected biblical texts.

4.

Formulate a personal response to how these themes contribute to contemporary practice and ministry.

Unit sequence

18 points BA or BN and 18 points CT

Pedagogy

Teaching and learning in the unit occur through various student-centered learning experiences. Apart from undertaking assessment-for-learning tasks, students will engage with guided readings, exegetical exercises, knowledge application exercises, reflections, video lessons, scaffolded learning, etc. Online tutorials and workshops will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and developing discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Allen, Leslie C. A Theological Approach to the Old Testament: Major Themes and New Testament Connections. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2014.

  • Beale, G. K. A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2011.

  • Birch, Bruce C., David L. Petersen, Walter Brueggemann, and Terence E. Fretheim. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. Second edition ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.

  • Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: An Introduction. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008.

  • DeSilva, David Arthur. New Testament Themes. St. Louis, Mo.: Chalice Press, 2001.

  • Emerson, Matthew Y., and Heath Thomas. The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Academic, 2017.

  • Feldmeier, Reinhard, Hermann Spieckermann, and Mark E. Biddle. God of the Living: A Biblical Theology. Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 2011.

  • Goldingay, John. Biblical Theology: The God of the Christian Scriptures. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016.

  • Klink, Edward W., III, and Darian R. Lockett. *Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2012.

  • Perdue, Leo G., Robert Morgan, and Benjamin D. Sommer. Biblical Theology: Introducing the Conversation. The Library of Biblical Theology. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Critical Review 1500 30.0
Essay 2500 50.0
Summative Reflection 1000 20.0

Variant 2

Wiki 1700 35.0
Oral Presentation 2000 40.0
Personal Reflection 1300 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 09:26:30 +1000