DESCRIPTION:

This course is a basic introduction to biblical interpretation, with a focus on the New Testament, designed to enable counselors to use the Bible with responsibility, integrity, and effectiveness in their professional vocations. Attention is given to a wide range of interpretive methods and issues. Numerous case studies focus on applying interpretive procedures to issues of special concern to professional counselors.

Professional counselors who are Christians need to be responsible and knowledgeable in their use of the Bible in counseling situations. This course is designed to assist in preparing such counselors for the effective and appropriate use of the Bible in a broad range of human situations and problems.

This course will consist of lectures and vigorous discussion.

Fee, G. D. and D. Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.

Johnson, L. T. Scripture & Discernment: Decision Making in the Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

Muphy-O'Connor, J. Becoming Human Together: The Pastoral Anthropology of St. Paul. (Good News Studies 2.) Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1982.

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. 3rd ed. Incomplete and working draft (December 1996). Available from the FTS Bookstore.

Braaten, C. E. and Jenson, R. W. Reclaiming the Bible for the Church. Grand Rapids/
Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Swartley, W. M. Slavery, Sabbath, War & Women: Case Issues in Biblical Interpretation. Scottdale, PA/Waterloo, Ontario: Herald Press, 1983.

1. Preparation of four sets of one page questions on four of the many case studies discussed in class [20%].

2. Preparation of a 7-10 page paper on one of the case studies discussed in class [30%].

3. Preparation of a 10-15 page paper expressing one's own conclusions about the nature and purpose of the Bible (especially the New Testament) as it relates to the human condition and the gospel's answers/relevance to persons and their life situations [50%].

This course is open only to SOP students.

Meets core requirement in Biblical Studies for M.A.C.L. (Integrative Studies) for SOP students.

None.