Course Description
A study of the methods and tools of biblical interpretation and their application to various literary types found in Scripture.
Students will learn to make careful observations, interpret the historical and literary contexts, and come to understand the key themes of a passage. Students will be able to list points of similarity and difference between the biblical situation and the contemporary situations of their local congregation or cultural context. They will be equipped to teach others to use the same methods. Tools and methods will be emphasized that are effective in contexts that have limited access to study materials in a local language.
Course Rational
One of the significant challenges we face today is taking the message of the Bible and making it relevant and understandable to contemporary cultures and contexts far removed from the cultures of the Bible. The message of the Bible is transforming but it must be interpreted accurately. Students at all levels can learn basic skills to help them make more accurate interpretations without imposing their own ideas. Culture sometimes can be a major influence on this process. All of ministry hinges upon reading God’s word.
This course will guide the students in developing sound interpretive techniques. It will expose the students to the awareness of the nature of the Bible and the history of the transmission of the biblical texts, both OT and NT. Basic exegetical procedures will be presented and students will have the opportunity to follow a step by step process of exegesis leading to a paper, sermon, or Bible study.
Resources
- B102 Wesleyan Interpretation of Scripture Syllabus & Handbook
- Student Handouts
- Lecture Slides
- Session 1
- Session 2
- Session 3
- Session 4
- Session 5
- Session 6
- Session 7
- Session 8
- Session 9
- Session 10
- Session 11
- Session 12
- Session 13
- Session 14
- Session 15
- Session 16
- Session 17
- Session 18
- Session 19
- Session 20
Recommended Reading
- Callen, Barry, & Thompson. Reading the Bible in Wesleyan Ways: Some Constructive Proposals.
- Fee, Gordon. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.
- Fringer. Engaging the Story of God.
- Interpreting Scripture. RIIE Course Module.
- Paper: “Report of the Scripture Study Committee to the 28thGeneral Assembly.”
[David Ack1]Note: We can drop the course book if it is not available. I think it is only in English at this point. We can certainly get the ideas of the textbook and turn them into notes for the students that can be translated as needed. The textbook contains “basic” exegetical information that is just about universally taught.
[David Ack2]I have a lot of “written” type work in this course. This can be adjusted as needed. If this course is taught to more oral type contexts, some of these assignments could be modified as needed.