Theologies and Practices of Love (BS9031W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will explore the biblical theologies of love, and their ethical implications, within the cultural contexts of the ancient world. The focus will be on the themes of love of neighbour and enemy, sexuality and intimacy, election and covenant. The relevance of these themes within modern and postmodern societies will also be discussed, with some reference to contemporary visual arts and music.

Unit code: BS9031W

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret selected texts from both biblical testaments in relation to their cultural context.
2.

Evaluate critically the literature on the biblical love traditions
3.

Analyse the hermeneutical and ethical relevance of biblical love traditions in relation to the student’s own cultural context
4.

Critically evaluate a range of hermeneutical models that inform loving social practices.

Unit sequence

30 points in Field B

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, discussion, written reflections

Indicative Bibliography

  • Carr, David M. The Erotic Word: Sexuality, Spirituality and the Bible. Oxford University Press, 2003.
  • Bird, Jennifer. Marriage in the Bible: What Do the Texts Say?. Rowman & Littlefield, 2023.
  • Exum, J. Cheryl. Song of Songs: The Bible's Only Love Poem. T & T Clark, 2022.
  • Giddens, Anthony. The Transformation of Intimacy: Sexuality, Love and Eroticism in Modern Societies. Polity, 1992.
  • Glanville, Mark R. and Luke Glanville. Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics. IVP, 2021.
  • Gupta, Nijah K. The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology. IVP, 2025.
  • Hayes, Richard B. and Christopher B. Hays. The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story. Yale University Press, 2024.
  • Horrell, David. Solidarity and Difference: A Contemporary Reading of Paul’s Ethics. T&T Clark, 2005.
  • Sakenfeld, Katharine D. Faithfulness in Action: Loyalty in Biblical Perspective. Fortress, 1985.
  • Jeanrond, Werner. A Theology of Love. T&T Clark, 2010.
  • Wischmeyer, Oda. Love as Agape: The Early Christian Concept and Modern Discourse. Baylor University Press, 2021 [2015].

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4,000 word Essay

 4000 50.0
Essay

2,000 word paper

 2000 25.0
Critical Review

Critical reviews totalling 2,000 words

 2000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 9 Feb, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-02-09 16:50:19 +1100