Courses

This course is a study of the most important principles and methodologies used in interpreting and applying the meaning of the biblical text. We will survey a wide variety of methods and approaches (both classical criticisms and newer postmodern and emerging reading strategies) to interpreting scripture and examine relevant theological and historical issues arising from biblical interpretation. Standard tools of biblical research will be learned and practiced. Chosen methods and approaches will be applied to a project in a student’s area of specialization which will clearly outline the hermeneutical framework employed. Learning experiences will cover the various genres of biblical texts, understanding historical context of texts, defining the meaning of words, the role of the church’s history of interpretation, and hermeneutical principles of interpretation.

Knowing…

• To know key principles for biblical interpretation
• To know the variety of genres within biblical literature and how to approach interpreting different types of literature
• To know the variety of methods used to interpret the Bible
• To gain familiarity with the assumptions, methods and conclusions of modern critical scholarship

Being…

• To embrace the contemporary relevance of the whole Bible for the Church and society today
• To become a faithful and informed interpreter of scripture
• To grow closer to God through study of the Bible

Doing…

• To be able to employ various methods of biblical interpretation
• To identify common fallacies in popular biblical interpretation
• To complete in-depth study relevant to a student’s chosen project