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: BS9740Z

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

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 theme in dialogue with systematic theology.

3.

Interrogate various modes of relating the biblical text to contemporary contexts in dialogue with contemporary ideological interpreters.

4.

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

Unit sequence

A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry awards. Prerequisites: BA1741 Exploring the Old Testament and BN1741 Exploring the New Testament (or equivalents)

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: Baker Academic, 2016. (textbook)
  • Brown, Jeanine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 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 6000 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 10:46:30 +1100