THEO8102 Interpreting the Old Testament GE

2015

4.5

1 x 3-hour seminar weekly

1 Admission into GCTHS-Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
1a Admission into GDPTHS-Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
1b Admission into MTHS-Master of Theological Studies
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b))

1 of THEO1101, THEO8101 has been successfully completed

This topic will introduce the fundamentals of Old Testament study, including an introduction to contemporary interpretation of the Old Testament by reading it as a collection of different kinds of literature and by exploring the historical, cultural and social backgrounds of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Students will develop skills in the exegesis of biblical texts and explore some of the issues surrounding the application of the ancient writings to contemporary contexts. A series of incremental themes will be covered during the semester, presenting both an overview of the literature and specific study of representative sections of biblical material.

This topic aims to:

• develop foundational knowledge and understanding of the content, historical and geographical setting, literary forms and the leading theological themes of the Old Testament

• develop skills in the critical study of the scriptures

• investigate the significance of the Old Testament writings in ancient and contemporary contexts.

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• identify and analyse critically the historical, social and cultural context of the Old Testament writings and their communities

• evaluate the Old Testament as literature and the appropriateness of using various interpretive methodologies

• demonstrate the application of the critical analysis of scriptures and the ability to prepare an exegesis

• communicate the relevance of Old Testament texts, both verbally and in writing, for a range of audiences