OTST/NTST 512 Biblical Hermeneutics (3 Credits)

About the Course

A survey of the methods of biblical interpretation up to the present. An examination of hermeneutical presuppositions and the formulation of sound principles of biblical interpretation, with application to selected texts.

Who Needs This Course?

• • Graduate students:
    • MMin (elective)
    • MDiv (elective)
    • MACM (elective)
  • This course may also be taken by
    • Pastors for continuing education
    • Pastors as a non-degree course for professional development
    • DMiss/DIS students as mission prerequisites
    • Graduate students of other schools as transfer credit 

Time Investment

A minimum of 18 hours/week for approximately two months

Course Outcomes

Upon the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with basic terminology in the field of biblical hermeneutics.
2. Understand the hermeneutical principles inherent in Scripture that were utilized by biblical writers themselves and be equipped to apply it in the text.
3. Understand better the historical development of Jewish and Christian interpretative approaches to biblical texts and be able to identify the underlying presuppositions.
4. Analyze various historical attempts at devising a hermeneutical method.
5. Gain an increased awareness of the various genres found in biblical literature and the special interpretative principles appropriate to a given genre.
   
6. Gain an increased appreciation of the challenges facing the contemporary interpreter of biblical literature as well as of the responsibility and rewards of successfully interpreting Scripture for the benefit of the church and society.
   
7. Understand better the principles of the historical-biblical method and apply them effectively to selected passages from Scripture.
   

Topics to Cover

Unit 1: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

        History of Biblical Interpretation

Unit 2: Foundational Principles and Guidelines for Biblical Interpretation

Unit 3: Grammar, Syntax, Lexical Analysis, Intertextuality, Theology & Application

Unit 4: Biblical Interpretation in Adventism

        Revelation & Interpretation

        The Authority of Scripture

Unit 5: Old Testament Genres

        Narrative Text

        Poetic & Wisdom Literature

Unit 6: New Testament Genres

        Gospel & Epistle, Biblical

        Types, Allegories & Parables

        Apocalyptic Literature

Unit 7: Hermeneutics & Culture

        Cultural Criticism

Unit 8: GC Document on Biblical Hermeneutics

Unit 9: Submission of final Exegesis Paper