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 discussion. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

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.

Malina, Bruce J. The New Testament World: Insights from Cultural Anthropology. Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. 3rd ed. Incomplete and working draft (December 1997). Available from the FTS Bookstore.

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

1. Preparation of four sets of one page questions on four of the many case studies discussed in class [25%].

2. Preparation of a 5-7 page review of Bruce Malina's book [30%].

3. Preparation of a 10 page paper combining exegetical study and hermeneutical reflection on a specific biblical text [45%].

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.