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Module 201: Book of Deuteronomy
This module seeks to provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the book of Deuteronomy, with a special focus on the text of the book, giving students the opportunity to explore critically and evaluate a range of different approaches to the book of Deuteronomy, and demonstrating how Deuteronomic theology represents an important benchmark in Old Testament thought, thereby providing useful background material for further exegetical study of the Bible, for example, helping the student to recognise the role Deuteronomy plays in the Law-Grace dichotomy faced by the apostle Paul.
Module 202: Interpreting 1 and 2 Samuel
This course will include a survey of the contents of the books of 1 & 2 Samuel, which portray the transformation of Israel from a group of tribes to a centralized monarchic state. An introduction will be given to the historical background, the canonical context, the possible sources, and the state of the text of the books. Various approaches will be explored as ways of understanding and interpreting the text of the books of Samuel, though the module will focus on the exegesis of the text with an emphasis on theological interpretation and the ethical issues raised by it. Attention will also be given to the portrayal of some of the main characters, especially King Saul and King David.
Module 203: Letter to the Hebrews
This module will provide students with a thorough introduction to the genre, text, themes and theological aspects of the letter to the Hebrews. It focuses especially on the exegetical treatment of the text, together with a consideration of the theology of the epistle and its wider theological relation to the Old and New Testaments. The list of topics covered in the lectures is as follows:
An Introductory Exegetical Exercise on Hebrews (1:1-1:14)
Christology of the Letter to the Hebrews
Mankind’s Authority Restored in Christ (2:4-2:18)
Divine Faithfulness and Human Failure (3:1-4:16)
Priesthood and Promise (5:1-6:20)
Melchizedek and Mediation (7:1-7:28)
The Christ and the New Covenant (8:1-10:18)
Representation and Responsibility (10:19-12:13)
Appeal to the Fainthearted (12:14-13:17)
Module 229: Lands of the Bible
The aims of this module are as follows:
1. To explore the Holy Land, permitting students to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of its geography and topography.
2. To use this knowledge and understanding to enhance students’ interpretation of the Bible.
3. To introduce students to the subject of Middle East archaeology and demonstrate how it aids the exegete.
4. To enhance knowledge and understanding of the ancient history, politics and culture of the Holy Land.
5. To gain some insight into aspects of modern society, culture and religion of the Holy Land.
This module is delivered primarily through a field trip to Israel. However, it may also be taken as a distance-learning option via a study pack containing various media, including maps, photographs, video footage, webpages, and notes. There is also a comprehensive reading list.
Module 231: Case Studies in Hermeneutics
The module is divided into four Protestant case studies, grouped into two interrelated pairs (one geographical, the other historical), which demonstrate widely differing hermeneutical approaches to the interpretation of the Bible within a Christian setting.
1. Reformers, Puritans and the Right of Private Judgment
A. Introducing the Sixteenth Century Reformation Approach to Scripture. B. Examples of Reformed Hermeneutics. C. Differences Among the Reformers. D. The Rise of Puritans and Their Various Approaches.
2. Existentialism and Neo-Orthodoxy: A Second Reformation?
A. Overview of the Birth & Consequences of Existentialist Philosophy. B. Kierkegaard and the Birth of Existentialism. C. Karl Barth and Neoorthodoxy (with special reference to Barth’s commentary on Romans).
D. Other Developments and their Impact on Biblical Interpretation.
3. African Protestant Approaches to the Bible
A. Introduction & Background. B. History of the Bible in Africa. C. Modes of Interpreting the Bible in African Theology. D. Reshaping and Recasting of Biblical Hermeneutics in a Contextual Paradigm in African Theology.
4. Politics and Central American Pentecostalism
A. The Explosion of Pentecostalism in Latin America. B. How Classical Pentecostalism’s Hermeneutics and Worldview Precludes Political Participation. C. Revolution vs Revival: Protestant Liberation Theology and Pentecostalism as Rival Hermeneutical Visions for the Poor in Revolutionary Nicaragua. D. A Comparison: Indigenous, Non-Classical Pentecostal Responses to the Military Regime in 1980s Guatemala.
Module 232: Applying 1 Corinthians in Church Ministry Today
This module will give a thorough introduction to the historical, cultural and religious situation in first century Corinth. It will look at Paul’s relationship with the church and his ongoing correspondence with them. It will then focus in turn on the different sections of the book, looking at the issues that Paul addresses and how his teaching can be applied to the modern church. The list of topics covered in the lectures is as follows:
1. History and geography of Corinth and the establishment of the church.
2. The influence of Greek thinking in the Corinthian church and today.
3. Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth. Overview of the book.
4. Attitudes to Christian leaders and lessons for modern Christian leadership (ch 1-4).
5. Sexual immorality, then and now (ch 5-6).
6. Marriage, divorce and remarriage (ch 7).
7. Christian freedom and personal responsibility (ch 8-10).
8. Head coverings and the role of women, the Lord’s Supper (ch 11).
9. The use of spiritual gifts (ch 12-14).
10. Living in the light of the future (ch 15).
For many of these topics, differing viewpoints will be presented and critiqued. Students will be encouraged to develop their own opinion as a result of engaging with the text.
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