Biblical Theology (BS3020L)

Content

This unit provides an introduction to 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. The unit proceeds by identifying and expounding broad and interrelated themes: our relational God, our suffering God and the atonement, our troubling God, eschatology, and God and human sexuality.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

A level 3 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 36 points in the discipline of Biblical Studies (BS); 18 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology (CT)

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies (e.g. engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and synchronous and asynchronous discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

• Anderson, Cheryl. Ancient laws and contemporary controversies: the need for inclusive interpretation. Oxford University Press, 2009.
• Barber, Bruce, David J Neville, and Australian Theological Forum. Theodicy and Eschatology. Task of Theology Today, [4]. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2005.
• Birch, Bruce C., et al. A theological introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2005.
• Cornwall, Susannah. Intersex, theology, and the Bible: troubling bodies in church, text, and society. New York: Palgrave, Macmillan, 2015.
• Fretheim, Terence E.. What Kind of God? : Collected Essays of Terence E. Fretheim. University Park: Penn State University Press, 2015.
• Kilby, Karen, and Rachel Davies, eds. Suffering and the Christian Life. London, UK: T & T Clark, 2020.
• Mead, James K. Biblical Theology : Issues, Methods, and Themes. 1st ed. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
• Seibert, Eric A. The violence of scripture: overcoming the Old Testament’s troubling legacy. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2012.
• Stuhlmacher, Peter, and Ådna Jostein. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. Translated by Daniel P Bailey. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018.
• Walsh, Carey, and Elliott, Mark W., eds. Biblical Theology : Past, Present, and Future. Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.

Assessment