Content

This unit engages students with the discipline of biblical theology, which integrates the contents and theological themes of the Old and New Testaments as the essential foundation for Christian faith, life, and ministry. It provides an opportunity for students to listen to the text in fresh ways—not just its harmonies, but also its creative dissonances. Students will be challenged and nurtured to think theologically and pastorally about these themes (and others), and to reflect critically on the claims of Christian faith regarding the contemporary world and an educational context. The unit proceeds by identifying and expounding five broad and interrelated themes: our relational God, our suffering God and the atonement, ecology, eschatology, and human sexuality.

Unit code: BS9120L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the unity-in-diversity of significant theological themes and patterns discerned in the biblical text of both testaments and in Christian tradition

2.

Undertake critical analysis of selected biblical themes

3.

Use a range of hermeneutical approaches in identifying and interpreting the interplay of biblical themes and variations, harmonies and dissonances

4.

Engage in the processes of theological reflection on the contemporary relevance of biblical themes

5.

Demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication

Pedagogy

Engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion with lecturer.

Indicative Bibliography

  • The Bible, a standard and reasonably accurate translation, is recommended, such as NRSV, TNIV, NIV and ESV. Seek advice from your lecturer before purchasing a Study Bible edition. (recommended for purchase)
  • Fretheim, Terence E. 2010. Creation untamed: the Bible, God, and natural disasters. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. (Available as e-book from Löhe Memorial Library.) (recommended for purchase)

  • Birch, Bruce C., et al. 2005. A theological introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

  • Braaten, Carl E. 2002. The last things: biblical and theological perspectives on eschatology. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B Eerdmans.

  • Burrell, David B. 2008. Deconstructing theodicy: why Job has nothing to say to the puzzled [i.e. puzzle of] suffering. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.

  • Childs, Brevard. 1992. Biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments: theological reflection on the Christian Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

  • Edwards, Denis. 2006. Ecology at the heart of faith. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.

  • Edwards, Denis. 2010. How God acts: creation, redemption and special divine action. Adelaide, SA: ATF Press.

  • Fretheim, Terence E. 1984. The suffering of God: an Old Testament perspective. Overtures to Biblical Theology. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.

  • Fretheim, Terence E. 2005. God and world in the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

  • Horrell, David G., Cherryl Hunt, Christopher Southgate, and Francesca Stavrakopoulou, editors. 2010. Ecological hermeneutics: biblical, historical and theological perspectives. London: T&T Clark. (Löhe Memorial Library also holds an eBook of this text)

  • Lewis, Scott M. 2004. *What are they saying about New Testament apocalyptic? New York, NY: Paulist Press.

  • Loader, William. 2012. The New Testament on sexuality*. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

  • Maier, Harry O. 2002. Apocalypse recalled: the book of Revelation after Christendom. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

  • Peters, Ted. 2015. God—the world’s future [electronic resource]: systematic theology for a new era. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.

  • The Earth Bible Team. 2000. ‘Guiding eco-justice principles’, in Norman C Habel, editor, Readings from the perspective of Earth (The Earth Bible, vol 1). Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press.

  • Via, Dan Otto, and Robert A. J. Gagnon. 2003. Homosexuality and the Bible: two views. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.

  • Warner, Megan, et al. 2011. Five uneasy pieces: essays on scripture and sexuality. Adelaide, SA: ATF Press.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay on an aspect of one topic, drawn from the unit content 2700 words

0 45.0
Critical Review

Critical review 1800 words equivalent

0 30.0
Wiki

Collaborative wiki 1500 words equivalent

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000