Details for Interpreting Scripture Today

This unit provides develops the students knowledge and skills in the various methods in reading biblical texts. Through a study of the historical and philosophical development of critical interpretation, it provides a theoretical framework to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods discussed.  

The unit Interpreting Scripture Today 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:
  1. identify critical and methodological approaches to the study of the biblical text and canon;
  2. understand the historical and philosophical development of the interpretation of Scriptures within the Christian tradition;
  3. demonstrate a basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek, appreciating the significant differences of the original biblical texts to contemporary translations and how this impacts the interpretation of texts;
  4. analyse and critique selected methods and their contribution to the solution of particular exegetical or theological problems;
  5. apply reading methods to interpret passages of Scriptures in the light of their historical and literary context;
  6. demonstrate critical engagement with both the primary biblical materials and secondary literaturefrom a range of perspectives 

Subject Content

1. The history of biblical interpretation
2. Key issues in reading the biblical text
3. Introducing biblical Hebrew and Greek
4. Evaluating reading methods
5. Historical-critical methods, including textual, form and redaction criticisms
6. Literary approaches: literary, rhetorical, and structuralist criticisms
7. Ideological criticisms: feminist criticism, liberationist and ecological readings
8. Sociological approaches: using social-scientific theories to read the biblical text
9. Principles in selecting appropriate reading methods to the genre of the text;
Implications of reading methods to Christian discipleship and ministry issues  

Assessment Methods

Minor essay, Major essay, Exam

Prescribed Text

• Reading package provided

Representative References

Klein, W.W., G.L. Blomberg, and R.L. Hubbard. Introduction To Biblical Interpretation: Revised and Expanded. Nelson, 2004.

Nogalski, J. “Reading the Book of the twelve theologically: the twelve as corpus: interpreting unity and discord.” Interpretation 61, no. 2, (April 2007): 115-122.

Osbourne, G.R. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, Rev. Edition. IVP Academic, 2006.

Patte, D., et al. Global Bible Commentary. Nashville: Abingdon, 2004.

Soulen, R.N. Handbook of Biblical Criticism, 3rd Edition. Minneapolis: John Knox, 2001.

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

Sugiatharajah, R.S. (ed.). Postcolonial Reconfigurations: An Alternative Way of Reading the Bible and Doing Theology.  Atlanta, GA:  Chalice Press, 2003.

Wilson, T.A. “The law of Christ and the law of Moses: reflections on a recent trend in interpretation.” Currents in Biblical Research 5, no. 1 (October 2006): 123-144.