New Orleans Theological Seminary; Leavell College

Biblical Ministry Certificate Program

Biblical Interpretation BIUS1160

WCM School of Ministry

Spring 2013 – Term 3

Kristi Miller, PhD

Seminary Mission Statement: New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary exists to prepare God-called men and women for vocational service in Baptist churches and in other Christian ministries throughout the world through programs of spiritual development, theological studies, and practical preparation for ministry. The purpose of Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is to fulfill the purpose of the seminary in the area of undergraduate studies, both on the New Orleans campus and in the undergraduate extension centers.

Course Description: This course is designed to provide a survey of Christian biblical interpretation with an emphasis upon sound principles of exegesis and interpretation. The study consists of an examination of hermeneutics in general, Bible translations, biblical genres, tools of study and interpretation, with an emphasis on practical application from a lay person’s perspective.

Student Objectives: By the end of this term the student will:

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the study called “hermeneutics”.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the main English translations of the Bible.
  3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the main genres of biblical literature.
  4. The student will acquire and demonstrate basic knowledge of exegesis and exegetical procedure.
  5. The student will acquire and demonstrate a basic understanding of principles of biblical interpretation.
  6. The student will present a basic exegesis and interpretation of a biblical text.

Textbooks: Duvall & Hayes,Grasping God’s Word. Grand Rapids: Zonderan, 2005.

Holy Bible, non-paraphrase translation of choice.

Course Requirements:

  1. Students will complete weekly exercises assigned from the textbook.
  2. Students will participate in “in class” group exercises.
  3. Students will complete a final exam in which they will apply the interpretive skills acquired through the course on an OT narrative passage.

Schedule:

Jan 21 Introduction (presuppositions, role of the Holy Spirit, Bible translations); Basic Tools- Interpretive Journey, sentences Assignment 1: 2-2 (p 41) and 2-3 (p 42)

Jan 28 Review exercises; Interpretive Journey- paragraphs and discourses Assignment 2: 3-4 (p 62) and 4-1 (p 79)

Feb 4 Review exercises; Context-, historical-cultural context, literary context Assignment 3: choose either 6-1 and 6-2 (p 117)

Feb 11 Review exercises; Word Studies,Levels of Meaning and Application, using resources Assignment 4: 8-2 (p 154)

Feb 18 New Testament- Letters and GospelsAssignment 5: 14-2 (p 243)

Feb 25 New Testament- Acts and RevelationAssignment 6: 16-1 (p 281)

Mar 4 Old Testament- Narrative and LawAssignment 19-2 (p 344)

Mar 11 Old Testament- Poetry, Prophets and Wisdom –Final Exam Assignment: 18-1 (p 327)

Selected Biography:

Adler, Mortimer J., and Charles van Doren.How to Read a Book. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1972.

Brown, Jeannine. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007.

Dockery, David S. Biblical Interpretation: Then and Now. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.

Doriani, Daniel M. Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2001.

Fee, Gordan D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Third Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

Goldingay, John. Models for Interpretation of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Goldsworthy, Graeme. Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006.

Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.

Hendricks, Howard G., and William D. Hendricks. Living by the Book. Chicago: Moody, 1991.

Johnson, Elliot E. Expository Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990.

Kaiser, Walter C., and Moisés Silva. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Klein, William W., Craig Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Revised Edition. Dallas: Word, 2004.

Köstenberger, Andreas J., and Richard D. Patterson.Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of history, Literature, and Theology. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2011.

Kuhatschek, Jack. Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Lundin, Roger, Clarence Walhout, and Anthony C. Thiselton. The Promise of Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids and Cambridge: Eerdmans and Paternoster, 1999.

Mickelsen, A. Berkeley, and Alvera M. Mickelsen. Understanding Scripture. Revised Edition. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, 1992.

Morgan, Robert, and John Barton. Biblical Interpretation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity, 1991.

Porter, Stanley E., and Jason C. Robinson. Hermeneutics: An Introduction to Interpretive Theory. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.

Ramm, Bernard. Protestant Biblical Interpretation. GrandRapids: Baker, 1970.

Strauss, Mark L. How to Read the Bible in Changing Times: Understanding and Applying God’s Word Today. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.

Tate, W. Randolf. BiblicalInterpretation. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, 1991.

Terry, Milton. Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985.

Thiselton, Anthony C. Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.

Traina, Robert A. Methodical Bible Study. Wilmore, Kentucky: Robert Traina, 1952.

Virkler, Henry A., and KarelynneAyayo. Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007.

Wald, Oletta. The Joy of Discovery in Bible Study. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1975.