Content

Wise interpretation and application of Scripture are critical tasks of Christian ministry and mission. In this unit students will grapple with the field of hermeneutics in order to evaluate the nature of various of methods of interpretation and the process of relating biblical texts to contemporary contexts. Special attention will be given to recent specialized, contextual, and ideological approaches to Scripture. The unit culminates with the creation of a hermeneutically informed, exegetically grounded, and theologically enriched plan for mission/ministry within the student’s context.

Unit code: BS3740Z

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically evaluate methods of biblical interpretation from a hermeneutical perspective.

2.

Synthesise exegetical conclusions from passages across the biblical canon into a coherent theological theme.

3.

Interrogate various modes of relating the biblical text to contemporary contexts.

4.

Develop a hermeneutically informed ministry/mission plan for reconciliation and renewal based on exegetical and theological conclusions.

Unit sequence

Level 3 elective in Theology and Ministry courses. Pre-requisites: BA1741Z Interpreting the Old Testament or equivalent and BN1741Z Interpreting the New Testament or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures, readings, analysis of biblical texts, quizzes, online exercises, discussions, creative interaction and/or field trips

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bartholomew, Craig G. and Heath A. Thomas, eds. A Manifesto for Theological Interpretation. Grand Rapids: BakerAcademic, 2016. (textbook)
  • Brown, Jeanine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: BakerAcademic, 2007. (textbook)
  • Bryan, Christopher. Listening to the Bible: The Art of Faithful Biblical Interpretation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. (textbook)

Further resources will be provided to students in the Unit Guide and on ARK.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 4500 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Jan, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-01-16 10:46:21 +1100