Details for The Story of Scripture

This unit introduces students to the biblical story as developed in the Old and New Testaments. It provides a historical, literary, theological and thematic introduction to the bible. The discussion includes the development of the biblical canon and the origins of its literature. It will also help students to confidently read and exegete scripture as part of their ministry and devotional life. 

The unit The Story of Scripture is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• exhibit a broad understanding of the meta-narrative of Scripture, including a thorough knowledge of the key events and ideas of the Bible;
• critically evaluate the historical, geographical, social, and religious background to the Old Testament and the New Testament;
• understand how the Old Testament and New Testament relate, and evaluate the significance of the canonical placement of the books of the Christian bible;
• identify the various genres of biblical texts and apply appropriate reading strategies to these genres;
• demonstrate solid skills in the selection and critical exegesis of the biblical text;
apply the biblical text to contemporary Christianity, demonstrating an understanding of issues pertaining to the content, theological contribution and significance of the Bible. 

Subject Content

1. Introduction to the Bible and Canons.
2. Identification of literary genres in the biblical text
3. Overview of the story of Scripture
4. Cultural context of ancient Israel and the ancient Near East.
5. Covenant and Law in ancient Israel.
6. Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom Literature.
7. The Synoptic problem & the Quest(s) for the historical Jesus.
8. The Pauline literature & other Epistles.
9. The Johannine Literature.
Luke-Acts and application to ministry in the Christian context. 

Assessment Methods

OT Exegesis, NT Textual analysis, exam.  

Prescribed Text

• Grey, J. Them, Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today. APS Supplement Series 2, Sydney: SCD/ APS, 2008.

Representative References

Barton, John (ed.), The Biblical World, 2 vols. New York: Routledge, 2002.

Brueggemann, W. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Westminster: John Knox, 2003.

Collins, J.R. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004.

DeSilva, D.A.  An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2004.

Fee, G. and D. Stuart.  How to Read the Bible for all its Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible, 3rd Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

Kaiser, Jr., W.C. The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008.

Stuart, D.K. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, 3^rd Edition. Minneapolis: Westminster: John Knox Press, 2001.

van Seters, J. “The Origins of the Hebrew Bible: Some New Answers to Old Questions.” Journal of Ancient Near Eastern Religions 7, no. 1 (September 2007): 87-108.

Wegner, P.D. The Journey from Texts to Translations: The Origin and development of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004.