DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the development of modern "biblical theology," current models of engaging in the task of "biblical theology," obstacles to a "biblical theology," and the contemporary recovery of a theological hermeneutics in relation to the biblical theology movement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, participants should be able (1) to summarize critical issues related to the "biblical theology" project; (2) to articulate the significance of an ecclesial context for biblical interpretation; (3) to compare and critically assess varied approaches to theological hermeneutics; and (4) to propose and/or defend (an) approach(es) to the task of "biblical theology" and/or theological interpretation of Christian Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The unity of the Christian Bible, Old and New Testaments, is one of the church's central theological claims, and performance of the Bible within the church is typically based on a de facto biblical theology. This course explores the problematic of Scripture's theological unity along with the central place of the Bible in the life and faith of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This seminar meets weekly for presentations on and discussion of significant reading on biblical theology and theological hermeneutics.

REQUIRED READING:

Adam, A. K. M. Faithful Interpretation. Fortress, 2006.

Adam, A.K.M., et al. Reading Scripture with the Church. Baker, 2006.

Bockmuehl, Markus, and Alan J. Torrance, eds. Scripture's Doctrine and Theology's Bible. Baker, 2008.

Burnett, Richard E. Karl Barth's Theological Exegesis. Eerdmans, 2004.

Collins, John J. Encounters with Biblical Theology. Fortress, 2005.

Green, Joel B., and Max Turner, eds. Between Two Horizons. Eerdmans, 2000.

Levering, Matthew. Participatory Biblical Exegesis. University of Notre Dame Press, 2008.

Paddison, Angus. Theological Hermeneutics and 1 Thessalonians. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Räisänen, Heikki. Beyond New Testament Theology. 2nd ed. SCM, 2000.

Seitz, Christopher R. Word without End. Eerdmans, 1998.

Watson, Francis. Text, Church, and World. Eerdmans, 1994.

Selections from the following:

Arnold, Bill T., and David W. Baker, eds. The Face of Old Testament Studies. Baker, 1999.

Barr, James. The Concept of Biblical Theology. Fortress, 1999.

Bartholomew, Craig, et al., eds. Out of Egypt. Zondervan, 2004.

Brueggemann, Walter. Theology of the Old Testament. Fortress, 1997.

Caird G. B., and L. D. Hurst. New Testament Theology. Clarendon, 1994.

Goldingay, John. Old Testament Theology. Vol. 1. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Marshall, I. Howard. New Testament Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Scobie, Charles H. H. The Ways of Our God. Eerdmans, 2003.

Stuhlmacher, P. Biblische Theologie des Neuen Testaments. Band 1. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2005.

Selected published journal articles; see the course syllabus.