Content

This unit will explore the biblical theologies of love and their ethical implications, within the cultural contexts of the ancient world. The focus will be on the themes of love of neighbour and enemy, sexuality and intimacy, election and covenant. The relevance of these themes within modern and postmodern societies will also be discussed, with some reference to contemporary visual arts and music.

Unit code: BS9731W

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret selected texts from both biblical testaments in relation to their cultural context.

2.

Evaluate critically the literature on the biblical love traditions

3.

Analyse the hermeneutical and ethical relevance of biblical love traditions in relation to the student’s own cultural context

4.

Critically evaluate a range of hermeneutical models that inform loving social practices.

Unit sequence

30 points in Field B

Pedagogy

Interaction with online resources, including peer discussion forums, lecture MP3s, PPTs, readings.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brawley, Robert L (ed.). Biblical ethics and homosexuality. Louisville: WJKP, 1996
  • Brenner, Athalya. The intercourse of knowledge: On gendering desire and sexuality in the Hebrew Bible. Leiden: E J Brill, 1997
  • Carr, David M. The erotic word: Sexuality, spirituality and the Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003
  • Furnish, Victor. The love command in the New Testament. London: SCM, 1973
  • Giddens, Anthony. The transformation of intimacy: Sexuality, love and eroticism in modern societies. Oxford: Polity, 1992
  • Horrell, David. Solidarity and difference: A contemporary reading of Paul’s ethics. London/NY: T&T Clark, 2005
  • Jackson, Timothy P. The priority of love: Christian charity and social justice. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2003
  • Jeanrond, Werner. A theology of love. London: T&T Clark, 2010
  • Marks, John H and Robert M Good (eds). Love and death in the ancient Near East. Guilford: Four Quarters, 1987
  • Nygren, Anders. Agape and Eros: A study of the Christian idea of love. London: SPCK,1 1932
  • Ogletree, Thomas. Hospitality to the stranger. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985
  • Sakenfeld, Katharine. Faithfulness in action: Loyalty in biblical perspective. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985
  • Spohn, William C. What are they saying about scripture and ethics? New York: Paulist, 1995
  • Watson, Francis. Agape, Eros, gender: Towards a Pauline sexual ethic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

3,000 word essay

3000 50.0
Essay

1,500 word paper

1500 25.0
Critical Review

Critical reviews totalling 1,500 words

1500 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 Jul, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-09 14:09:24 +1100