Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Apply biblical interpretation to the formation of your (proposed) vocational or professional life

• Describe the Bible’s overview story (metanarrative) identifying themes, events, and major historical figures

• Discuss challenges relating to the authority and reliability of the Bible

• Use principles of interpretation to interpret the Biblical text

Unit Description

The Bible is a remarkable collection of ancient writings that Christians believe to be God’s special revelation to humanity. It can be described as a library of various types of literature all bound together in an authorised canon. It recounts the story of God’s relationship with the masterpiece of creation – people. It is the world’s most published book having a profound influence on human societies and cultures. These writings are connected by a central united and unique narrative in which God reveals Himself to the Israelite people entering into covenantal relationship with them. This revelation comes to its apex when God becomes a human being in Jesus Christ who teaches, heals, dies and rises from the dead, enabling God’s life of love to be fully shared with the whole of humanity and creation. Study of the Bible is therefore critical, not only for understanding Christian perspectives, but to experience a life of meaning, satisfying purpose and destiny and to contribute to the betterment of humanity and creation.

This unit (subject) explores the Bible’s overall story - it’s metanarrative. The main themes of creation, fall, redemption, restoration and consummation are explained. The basic historical chronology is traced identifying key events and figures. Challenges to the authority and authenticity of the text are discussed and responses from evidence discovered in both internal and external sources to the Scriptures is explored. Responses are suggested to common claims of errors and contradictions in the biblical text. The nature and structure of the Bible and foundational principles for the interpretation of the biblical text are presented exploring the key factors of presuppositions, linguistics, and the hermeneutical gap. Emphasis is placed upon the need for recognition of genre, historical context, literary context and literary content. A number of interpretative exercises are undertaken by students using these principles. The importance of biblical living involving the necessary step of life application of the interpreted text is explored. Students are required to consider effective application in today’s world particularly within their own vocational or professional life settings.

Topics

• Major themes of the Bible
• Chronology of Bible history
• Authority and authenticity of the Bible
• The Nature and structure of the Bible
• Hermeneutical (interpretative) principles
  • Basic Tools
  • How to Read the Bible - Then and Now
  • Meaning
• The challenges of application
• Reading the New Testament
• Reading the Old Testament
• Understanding basic exegetical processes
• Contemporary vocational or professional applications

Assessment and Indicative Load

Assessment types include Creative Presentation, Project, Minor Essay, and Major Essay. Indicative study load is 160 hours.

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Unit offerings

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.