Summer 2016/Pasadena

MR569

Accad

MR569: BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS IN THE MUSLIM CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). Martin Accad.

DESCRIPTION: This course sees in the Islamic exegesis of the Bible through history the emergence of a veritable “hermeneutical context” with important implications for those wishing to do ministry among Muslims today. The course will examine the way that Muslims read the Christian Gospels today, as it extends from their reading of them between the 9th and 14th centuries. Through a modern hermeneutical framework, as well as through classical Qur’ānic exegesis, the principal theological themes of the Muslim exegetical endeavor will be examined, particularly as they affected Muslim-Christian dialogue historically. Strategies and skills will be developed to approach these interpretations through objective – non-aggressive and non-apologetic – glasses. Students will be asked to look at the implications of this framework for their particular ministry interest, and to interact with it in a creative and context-relevant manner.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will (1) overcome prejudices and fears associated with prospective dialogue and interaction with Muslims for the purpose of witness, (2) acquire a thoroughly informed and constructive style and approach to the discussion of biblical and doctrinal issues with Muslims, characterized by an intentional avoidance of apologetics and polemics, (3) be able to express a comprehensive grasp of Gospel-related Muslim doctrinal and exegetical thinking, through a thorough familiarization with texts written by Muslims in their history of interaction with Christians.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets daily for eight-hour sessions as a one-week intensive for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: Select portions from the following list, totaling approximately 1400 pages.

Accad, Martin. DPhil dissertation, University of Oxford (Chapter 4 only; will be available through e-Reserves) [160 pp.]

Karkkainen, Veli-Matti. Christ and Reconciliation: A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World, Vol. 1. Eerdmans, 2013. ISBN: 978-0802868534, Pub. Price $40.00 [467 pp.]

Karkkainen, Veli-Matti. Trinity and Revelation: A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World, Vol. 2. Eerdmans, 2014. ISBN: 978-0802868541, Pub. Price $40.00 [448 pp.].

Michel, Thomas (S.J.). “The D’Arcy Lectures” (will be available through e-Reserves) [75 pp.]

Shenk, David. A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue. Herald Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0836196191, Pub. Price $14.99 [220 pp.].

Course Reader (will be available through e-Reserves) [240 pp.].

For Reference: Kaskas, Safi (translator). The Qur’an: A Contemporary Understanding. Bridges of Reconciliation, 2015. ISBN: 978-0986449406, Pub. Price $20.00 [500 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1400 pages of reading [70 hours].

  2. Active participation in group activities in the classroom, consisting in the development of exegetical narratives based on the Qur’ān, and on dialogical role-playing on theological themes. (20%). [This learning activity is related to learning outcomes #1 and #2] [10 hours of class time].

  3. Complete 4 short Essays related each day to the day’s class theme (God, Christ, the Bible, and Islam in the Judeo-Christian Tradition). These will be based both on specific readings and on the class session material, and students will be able to choose a topic each day from 2-3 themes. Each essay will be about 500 words in length, and one will be due in the morning of each day from Tuesday to Friday. Students will be encouraged to start reading for these assignments in advance of the beginning of the course. (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [12 hours].

  4. Final Assignment (3,750 words): Choose one of the theological issues that emerged from the Islamic “hermeneutical context” and develop around it a tool that will be useful for your ministry. For example, if you are involved in discipleship in a Muslim context, you may choose to develop a Bible study series that approaches the theme in a context-relevant manner (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2 and #3] [38 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet a requirement in the Islamic Studies emphasis. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.