Content

This unit explores the key theological themes – such as God’s nature and character, creation, justice, covenant, holiness, worship, wisdom, humanity, etc. – across the Bible in their respective historical contexts. It will trace the development of scriptural theological traditions noting continuity and discontinuity as well as dialogical relationships within the biblical canon. It will also demonstrate how biblical theology could be meaningfully used for informing frontline mission, responding to current issues, and ministerial and personal formation. The unit aspires to model, inspire and develop a reflexive and imaginative practice of ministry.

Unit code: BS9307B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine selected theological themes from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament cognisant of the social, cultural, historical, and literary contexts in which they originate.

2.

Critically apply a range of hermeneutical approaches in identifying and interpreting the interplay of biblical themes, their trajectories, and dissonances.

3.

Interpret selected biblical texts.

4.

Articulate a personal response to how these themes contribute to contemporary practice and ministry.

5.

Develop a critical theological framework for the integration of biblical-theological themes.

Unit sequence

24 points BA or BN and 24 points CT

Pedagogy

Teaching and learning in the unit occur through various student-centered learning experiences. Apart from undertaking assessment-for-learning tasks, students will engage with guided readings, exegetical exercises, knowledge application exercises, reflections, video lessons, scaffolded learning, etc. Online tutorials and workshops will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and developing discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Allen, Leslie C. A Theological Approach to the Old Testament: Major Themes and New Testament Connections. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2014.

  • Beale, G. K. A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2011.

  • Brueggemann, Walter, and Brevard S. Childs. Old Testament Theology: Canon or Testimony. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2023.

  • Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: An Introduction. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008.

  • DeSilva, David Arthur. New Testament Themes. St. Louis, Mo.: Chalice Press, 2001.

  • Emerson, Matthew Y., and Heath Thomas. The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Academic, 2017.

  • Feldmeier, Reinhard, Hermann Spieckermann, and Mark E. Biddle. God of the Living: A Biblical Theology. Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 2011.

  • Goldingay, John. Biblical Theology: The God of the Christian Scriptures. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016.

  • Klink, Edward W., III, and Darian R. Lockett. *Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2012.

  • Perdue, Leo G., Robert Morgan, and Benjamin D. Sommer. Biblical Theology: Introducing the Conversation. The Library of Biblical Theology. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Critical Review 2200 30.0
Essay 3300 50.0
Summative Reflection 1500 20.0

Variant 2

Audio recording or Podcast 2000 30.0
Learning Resource 3500 50.0
Personal Reflection 1500 20.0

Variant 3

Project Report or Project Journal 3000 40.0
Portfolio 4000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 09:27:22 +1000