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.
Unit code: CT3220L
Unit status: Archived (Major revision)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College
Show when this unit is running1. | 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. | Discuss biblical themes and evaluate their contemporary relevance |
5. | Reflect critically and apply insights about God and humanity to other themes in the Old and New Testaments in a theological and pastoral manner |
At least 30 credit points in Field B—Biblical Studies (BS) In addition, at least 15 credit points in Field C—Systematic Theology (CT) is desirable
Lectures, tutorials, student presentations in class
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.
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. 2010. How God acts: creation, redemption and special divine action. Adelaide, SA: ATF Press.
Ehrman, Bart D. 2008. God’s problem: how the Bible fails to answer our most important question—why we suffer. New York, NY: HarperOne.
Fretheim, Terence E. 2005. God and world in the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.
Römer, Thomas. 2013. Dark God: cruelty, sex and violence in the Old Testament. New York, NY: Paulist Press.
Scobie, Charles. 2003. The ways of our God: an approach to biblical theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans.
Stump, Eleonore. 2010. Wandering in darkness: narrative and the problem of suffering. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Thomas, Heath A., et al, eds. 2013. Holy war in the Bible: Christian morality and an Old Testament problem. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
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.
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Essay | Essay on an aspect of one topic, drawn from the unit content 2000 words |
0 | 40.0 |
Annotated Bibliography | Annotated bibliography 1500 words equivalent |
0 | 30.0 |
Essay | Essay on an aspect of one topic, drawn from the unit content 1500 words |
0 | 30.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Aug, 2017
Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000