NE502
Scholer
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION:
- The course is an introduction to exegetical methodology and
hermeneutical reflection for the study of the New Testament, involving both
principles and practice. Topics covered include reference tools, text
criticism, lexicography and grammar, Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts,
exegetical considerations for the different genres within the New Testament,
hermeneutical issues and perspectives, and English translations.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The ability to do careful exegesis of the Greek New Testament and
to engage in responsible hermeneutical reflection are essential skills and
understandings for good and faithful preaching and teaching in and for the
Church.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will be a combination of lectures, discussion of
exegetical and hermeneutical practice and issues, and involvement in several
directed, short exegetical assignments. Class will meet twice weekly for
two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Braaten, C. E. and Jenson, R. W. Reclaiming the Bible for the
Church. Grand Rapids/Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.
- Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Rev. ed.
Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.
- Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for
Interpretation. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.
- Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament
Exegesis. Third edition in process, 1996. Available at the Fuller Seminary
Bookstore.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- [It is assumed that students will already have Bauer's
Lexicon2English (1979) and either GNT4
(1993) or N-A27 (1993).]
- Bray, G. Biblical Interpretation: Past & Present.
Downers Grove/Leicester: InterVarsity, 1996.
- Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and
Pastors. Rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.
- Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1993.
- Metzger, B. M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd
ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.
- Zerwick, M. and Grosvenor, M. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New
Testament. 4th ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1993.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Four brief written assignments on specific New Testament texts dealing with
text criticism, word studies, historical-cultural context, and
exegetical-hermeneutical reflection.
- An exegesis paper on a New Testament passage meant to bring together the
whole range of exegetical and hermeneutical issues.
PREREQUISITES:
- LG512.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.