Biblical Interpretation and Holy Scripture Course Catalog

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (OT/HB-101)
This course will offer an introduction to the Pentateuch (the Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), with attention paid to its historical context, theological themes, and its place in the Revised Common Lectionary, as well as the interpretation of Hebrew Bible prose literature. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation. This course is a prerequisite for OT/HB-201.

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Former Prophets (OT/HB-102)
An introduction to the Former Prophets (the Books of Joshua, Judges, 1–2 Samuel, and 1–2 Kings), with attention to their historical context, theological themes, and their place in the Revised Common Lectionary, as well as attention to the interpretation of Hebrew Bible prose literature. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation. This course is a prerequisite for OT/HB-201.

History of the Holy Land: From Ancient Origins to the Present (OT/HB-103)
This course will introduce students to the history of the Holy Land, from the origins of Judaism, to the rise of Christianity and Islam, through the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire. Special focus will be placed on the intersections of archaeology, history, scripture, and religious practice. While some of the biblical names and narratives will be familiar, less familiar are the ways in which modern research, both from archaeology and other ancient sources, sometimes modifies the biblical story historically. Better understanding, however, enables us to appreciate crucial changes in the story of the Holy Land, such as how and why Judaism developed in the way that it did from the earliest sovereign states of Israel and Judah, and the historical circumstances in which Christianity emerged from its Jewish origins.

Hebrew Bible II (OT/HB-201)
An introduction to select Latter Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom texts, with attention paid to their historical context, theological themes, and place in the Revised Common Lectionary, as well as to the interpretation of Hebrew poetry. Prerequisite: OT/HB-101 or OT/HB-102, or equivalent coursework (documentation required).

The Hebrew Bible and its Ancient Milieu (OT/HB-204)
The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) comprises a remarkable collection of narrative texts, laws, poetry, and wisdom literature, that evolved into a foundational document for Judaism, and upon which Christianity and Islam also build. It offers a unique, time-specific account of the religious, political, literary, and cultural history of the ancient Israelites. As with many ancient documents, the subject matter, plots, and antics of the characters can be puzzling, if not often confusing and at times even contradictory. By studying the texts of the Hebrew Bible, as well as investigating the culture, historic events, religion and literature of the contemporaneous peoples, geography and more, this course will seek to illuminate the ancient world in which the texts of the Hebrew Bible were written. By bringing to life the ancient milieu in which these scriptures were composed, their message will shine anew. To facilitate a deeper understanding of the Hebrew scriptures we will consult the outcomes from several fields of research: archaeology, anthropology, history, and text criticism. Questions to be addressed will include: What is the Hebrew Bible and why should we study it? How did historical events, contemporaneous religious, cultural and literary traditions, and geography inform and influence the ancient Israelites? How may we apply these ancient documents and their message to our own situation today and to the future?

Introduction to the New Testament: “The Word made flesh” — Paul, Jesus, and the New Testament (NT-101)
Paul and the Gospel writers preserved and interpreted Jesus’ words in letters and gospels of the New Testament. Join us as we read and interpret these texts in their historical, social, and religious contexts. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation. This course is a prerequisite for NT-201. Required text: The New Oxford Annotated Bible (New Revised Standard Version).

New Testament II (NT-201)
An introduction to the practice and theory of interpreting the New Testament, which emphasizes the development of exegetical skills through the writing of short papers, the reading of secondary literature, and engagement with diverse hermeneutical approaches. Required for those in the process for diaconal formation. Prerequisite: NT-101 or equivalent coursework (documentation required).

Introduction to Scripture and Biblical Interpretation for Homilists (HOM-205)
This course introduces students in the Lay Preaching program to the practice of theological exegesis – a mode of biblical interpretation that attends closely to how the various theological expressions and genres in the Bible can relate to and inform Christian discipleship and the various ministries of the church today. This course also examines the lessons of the common lectionary for the major liturgical seasons. It addresses issues of exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching within the context of the church year. Prerequisite: either NT-101 or OT-101 or equivalent coursework (documentation required).

Special Topics in Biblical Studies (NT-301, -302, -303)
These courses explore specific topics of interest and importance and are offered periodically as electives. Examples may include but are not limited to: Gender, Sexuality, and the New Testament; The New Testament and Healing; and The Parables of Jesus.