Spring, 2016
April 17 858-208-8363
Sunday Mornings, 9:00-10:00AM
Hermeneutics
Course Description:
An introduction to the relationship of writer, text, and reader in the interpretation process (hermeneutics) and to methods for studying the Bible (exegesis). Students will gain practical skill in interpreting the primary literary genres of Scripture.
Relevance for ministry:
This course introduces issues related to biblical interpretation and provides guidance for interpreting biblical texts in light of their literary and historical contexts and genre. As such, it prepares students for responsible interpretation of the Bible in ministry contexts.
Required Textbooks:
Duvall, J. Scott and Hays, J. Daniel. Journey Into God’s Word. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-310-27513-8
Recommended Textbook [not required]:
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 3d ed. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-24604-0
Fee, Gordon D. and Mark L. Strauss. How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth: A Guide to
Understanding and Using Bible Versions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010). 0-310-27876-7
Brown, Jeannine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand
Rapids: Baker Academic 2007. ISBN: 0-8010-2788-8
Class Assignments:
1. Three Exegetical Worksheets
--Narrative Worksheet, Poetry Worksheet, Epistle Worksheet:
2. Pop Quizzes
3. Mini-Exam
Course Interaction Guidelines: It is expected that, in this course, we will all work to create a spirit of respect, curiosity, and dialogue. This will be done, in part, by following these guidelines:
v Presume welcome and extend welcome – in informal interaction, in small group discussion, and in large group interaction.
v Refrain from fixing, saving, or setting straight others in class.
v When the interaction gets tricky, turn to inquiry rather than advocacy (wonder about something instead of defending something). Pay attention to the distinction between dialogue (which begins with a question) and debate (which begins with an answer).
v Make sure your questions are real questions, not ones intended to make a point, demonstrate prior knowledge, or communicate a hidden agenda
Course Schedule
April 17 - Introduction to Exegesis and Hermeneutics
April 24 - Group Reading: Chapters 1 (Interpretive Journey) and 7 (Bible Translations)
May 1 - Lecture & Discussion: Interpretive Journey & Bible Translations
May 8 - Group Reading: Chapters 2 & 3 (Reading Carefully)
May 15 - Lecture & Discussion: Reading Carefully
May 22 - Group Reading: Chapters 5 (Historical-Cultural Context) and 6 (Literary Context)
May 29 - Lecture & Discussion: Historical-Cultural & Literary Context
June 5 - Group Reading: Chapters 4 (Pre-understanding) and 8 (Meaning and Application)
June 12 - Lecture & Discussion: Pre-understanding & Meaning and Application
June 19 - Group Reading: Chapters 9 (Letters) and 12 (Revelation)
June 26 - Lecture & Discussion: Letters & Revelation
July 3 - Group Reading: Chapters 10 (Gospels) and 11 (Acts)
July 10 - Lecture & Discussion: Gospels & Acts
July 17 ----- Church Anniversary (No Class) -----
July 24 - Group Reading: Chapters 13 (Law) and 14 (Prophets)
July 31 - Lecture & Discussion: Law & Prophets
August 7 - Group Reading: (Psalms)
August 14 - Lecture & Discussion: Psalms & Conclusions