Salvation in the Bible (BS9009W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit surveys various models of salvation in the Bible: exodus narratives, return from exile, social and ecological dimensions of eschatology and prophecy, messianism, reconciliation, atonement and resurrection. Key biblical texts will be examined in relation to their cultural and historical contexts, with attention also being given to the hermeneutical relationships between selected biblical models and systematic theology.

Unit code: BS9009W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe a range of models of salvation in the Bible
2.

Exegete rigorously a biblical text related to this theme
3.

Analyse and describe cultural and historical influences in the formation of salvation theologies
4.

Reflect critically on the relevance of these biblical models and theologies for contemporary faith
5.

Demonstrate an ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and discussion.

Unit sequence

Introductory unit in NT (BN1001W or equivalent) and in OT (BA1001W or equivalent)

Pedagogy

lectures, discussion, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Avery-Peck, Alan J and Jacob Neusner, eds. Judaism in Late antiquity Part 4: Death, life-after-death, resurrection and the world to come in the Judaism of antiquity. Leiden: Brill, 2000.
  • Colijn, B. Images of Salvation in the New Testament. Downers Grove: IVP, 2010.
  • Charlesworth, James, ed. The Messiah, Philadelphia: Fortress, 1992.
  • Finlan, S. Options on Atonement in Christian Thought. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2007.
  • Gowan, Donald. Eschatology in the Old Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 2nd ed. 2000.
  • Green, Joel B. Salvation. St Louis: Chalice, 2003.
  • Habel, Norman C. and Peter Trudinger, eds. Exploring ecological hermeneutics. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2008
  • Levenson, J.D., Resurrection and the Restoration of Israel: The Ultimate Victory of the God of Life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006.
  • Macaskill, Grant. Union with Christ in the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.
  • Ngwa, Kenneth Numfor. Let My People Live : An Africana Reading of Exodus. First edition. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2022.
  • Rillera, Andrew Remington. Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus’ Death. Eugene. Wipf & Stock, 2024.
  • van der Watt, Jan G, ed. Salvation in the New Testament: Perspectives on soteriology. Leiden: Brill, 2005.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegetical Essay

4,000 word exegetical essay

 4000 50.0
Critical Review

1,250 word critical review of readings

 1250 20.0
Seminar or Tutorial

2,500 word thematic seminar paper

 2500 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 2 May, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-05-02 15:27:29 +1000