DESCRIPTION:

This course surveys the practice of interpretation from the first century to the present, examines the methods of interpretation for the different genres of the Old Testament and the New Testament, and applies the results of interpretation to worship, theology, teaching, and spiritual formation.

All who desire to use the Bible in worship, teaching, preaching, and pastoral care will gain experience in the practice of biblical interpretation from this course so that there will be confidence and accuracy in the application of the Bible to the needs of people today.

Each session will include a presentation of methods of interpretation and discussion of the application of various methods to biblical texts.

Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Dallas: Word, 1993.

Tate, W. R. Biblical Interpretation. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1991.

Goldingay, John. Models for Interpretation of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

McKenzie, Steven L. and Stephen R. Haynes, eds. To Each its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticism and Their Application. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Osborne, G. W. The Hermeneutical Spiral. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1991.

Students will be required to read assigned chapters in the textbooks and to write five 3-page papers on selected biblical texts.

None.

M.Div. elective. Meets requirement for hermeneutics in M.A.C.L and is required in some M.A.T. concentrations. Fulfills New Testament requirement for M.A. programs.

Yes. 50% of the grade will depend on an exam covering the assigned chapters in the textbook and the material covered in class sessions.