NE505
Scholer
NE505: BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS AND COUNSELING. David M. Scholer.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will consist of lectures and vigorous
discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation of four sets of one page questions on four of the many case
studies discussed in class [20%].
- Preparation of a 7-10 page paper on one of the case studies discussed in
class [30%].
- 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%].
PREREQUISITES:
- This course is open only to SOP students.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets core requirement in Biblical Studies for M.A.C.L.
(Integrative Studies) for SOP students.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.