Biblical Interpretation - Alliance Theological Seminary, Fall 2001

ALLIANCE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Biblical Interpretation
Fall 2001
Dr. James F. McGrath, PhD

COURSE OBJECTIVES
To provide students with the primary tools and methods of biblical interpretation, with a basic understanding of the uses of each and what each method or approach can and cannot do, and with practical opportunities to gain an initial experience of their application.

REQUIRED BOOKS
Fee, Gordon and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Zondervan 1993 (second edition).

Plus at least ONE of the following:

Aageson, James W., In the Beginning: Critical Concepts for the Study of the Bible, Boulder: Westview (Perseus), 2000.

Barton, John (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation, Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Green, Joel B. (ed.), Hearing the New Testament. Strategies for Interpretation, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Marshall, I. Howard, New Testament Interpretation. Essays on Principles and Methods, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

McKenzie, Steven L. and Stephen R. Haynes, To Each Its Own Meaning: Biblical Criticisms and their Application (revised and expanded edition), Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1999.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Carson, D. A., Exegetical Fallacies, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984.

Dyck, Elmer (ed.), The Act of Bible Reading, Downers Grove: IVP, 1996.

Fee, Gordon D., New Testament Exegesis, Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Gillingham, Susan E., One Bible, Many Voices. Different Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Sanders, E. P. and Margaret Davies, Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Trinity Press International, 1989.

Stein, Robert H., Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Baker, 2001. [Second edition - originally published under the title The Synoptic Problem]

USEFUL WEB SITES:
http://www.oocities.org/jamesfrankmcgrath/alliance_biblical_interpretation/
This will be the home page for the course, where course and bibliographical information, useful web links etc. will be regularly updated. It should be available as of early August.

http://www.ntgateway.com/
Links to many resources for NT studies (Page created by Marc Goodacre, University of Birmingham)

http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gerald_larue/otll/
OT Life and literature (an online textbook)

http://www.religion-online.org
A collection of articles legally available to be read or downloaded on the internet. Includes among others the famous volume Kerygma and Myth in which Bultmann's demythologizing program is discussed and debated.

http://www.oocities.org/Athens/5948/hermeneutics.htm
A collection of links relating to Biblical Interpretation

http://www.bible-history.com/
Speaks for itself: links to a number of resources relating to the Bible and its historical context.

http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Lit/theory.html
Links to pages relating to literary theory.

http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/religion/essays.htm
A guide to writing an academic essay

(see also the links to New Testament resources on my main page at:

http://www.oocities.org/jamesfrankmcgrath/ )

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Given the intensive nature of the Saturday fast-track, attendance is considered a course requirement, and while absences may be excused, attendance and participation will make up a percentage of the final grade.
2. Again, in view of the distinctive requirements of the fast-track program, students will be expected to come having covered preliminary reading relating to several topics (required reading with pages and dates will be communicated to students prior to the start of term). In order to maximize the knowledge base for class discussion, participation and projects, all students will familiarize themselves with the basic introductory information in Fee and Stuart. Beyond that, students will choose ONE of several second books which they will read over the course of the semester. Rather than quizzes, students will have interpretative group projects which will involve the application of this knowledge-base to specific problems. The results of these in-class projects will be graded, and the input of information and insights from the required reading will be taken into account for grading purposes. Students will form study-cells, a group of other students with whom they will participate in classroom projects and with whom they will share the required reading, so that as many different additional books are being read by at least one student in a given group.
3. A final paper, of around 10 pages, in which the student will explain one methodological approach to the Bible, and will demonstrate his or her understanding of it by showing how it can usefully be applied to a Biblical text of his or her choice.
4. A final exam, checking knowledge of the basic principles in Fee and Stuart plus the more in-depth discussions in class and in further reading.
5. Needless to say, academic honesty is also a course requirement.

GRADING:
Attendance and participation in classroom group projects: 30%
Final paper: 40%
Final exam: 30%

COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Prelude to Biblical Interpretation: What is the Bible?
A. The Canon
B. Inspiration and authority
i) What we do and do not mean by inspiration (contrast with Muslim view; importance of human author and thus of context)
ii) If we all accept it is authoritative, why don't we all agree? (The need for and difficulties involved in interpretation; exegetical fallacies; the role of presuppositions; exegetical and thematic approaches to reading and interpreting the Bible)
2. Interpreting an ancient, inspired text: some general points to be aware of
A. Cultural and historical context
B. Literary context
C. Contemporary context
D. Bible translations - choosing and using them
E. Presuppositions and exegesis
F. Methodology - Choose your bait wisely, as it affects what fish you catch!
3. Interpreting Old Testament Narratives
Topics to be covered: Narrative and historical approaches; introduction to source criticism
4. Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels
Topics: The Synoptic Problem and redaction criticism, history and
theology, historical and narrative approaches
5. Interpreting the Parables
Topics: Problem of allegorical interpretation; cultural context and
background
6. Interpreting the Epistles
Topics: Letters as ongoing conversations, contextual theology, mirror-reading
7. Interpreting the Gospel of John
Topics: Why is John so different? Unique context, unique author, unique
perspective ; christological focus, apologetic focus
8. Interpreting the Poetic Writings 1: Psalms
Topics: Parallelism, poetry; form criticism; worship & theology as inseparable
9. Interpreting the Poetic Writings 2: Wisdom writings (Proverbs, Job)
Topics: Links with wisdom traditions of other nations, problem of evil,
philosophy and wisdom; literary vs. historical approaches
10. Interpreting the Prophets
11. Interpreting Apocalyptic
Topics: Apocalyptic - worldview and genre.
12. Review of methods: The different forms of 'higher criticism' and
methods of approaching biblical texts - what they can do and what they cannot.
13. Practical Postlude: Some difficult passages and their application today
14. Overview and Conclusion
15. Final Exam

FINAL NOTE: Students may contact the professor via e-mail at:
jamesfrankmcgrath@yahoo.com