BB003-812 - Principles of Hermeneutics

  • 3,162 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Biblical Studies Unit Discipline

Exclusions

BB008

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

  1. Demonstrate Specialised knowledge and understanding of the discipline of hermeneutics and its uses

B. Be able to

  1. Analyse the aims and discipline of hermeneutics
  2. Assess a range of skills in applying the principles and methods of hermeneutics to understanding biblical texts
  3. Evaluate evidence-based perspectives on the theory and application of hermeneutics

C. Be in a position to

  1. Apply appropriate perspectives from ‘Principles of Hermeneutics’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

1. Introduction to the discipline of hermeneutics.

2. Introduction to the relationship between the nature of Scripture and biblical interpretation.

3. Introduction to hermeneutical theory, such as the relationship between the reader and the text, and where meaning is found.

4. Foundational issues of genre within biblical interpretation.

5. Foundational principles of a biblical interpretation methodology: e.g. textual, historical, cultural, literary features, intertextual, canonical, and biblical-theological issues.

6. Principles of contemporary application.

7. Representative examples from both the Old and New Testaments.

Further Information

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code BB503.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Suggested prescribed texts:

Kaiser, W. C. Jr. and M. Silva, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. 2nd ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007.

OR

Osborne, G. R., The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1991).

 

Recommended:

Adler, M. J. and C. Van Doren, How to Read a Book: A Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1972).

Bartholomew, C. G., C. Greene and K. Möller, Renewing Biblical Interpretation (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2000).

Barton, J. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation (New York: CUP, 1998).

Corley, B. et al (eds), Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Interpreting Scripture. 2nd ed. (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002).

David, E. F., and Hays, R. B., The Art of Reading Scripture (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004).

Fee, G. and D. Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 3rd ed., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 2003.

Fee, G. and D. Stuart, How to Read the Book by Book: A Guided Tour (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002).  

Hayes, J. H. (ed.), Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation, 2 Vol., (Nashville: Abingdon, 1999).

Lundin, R. et al, The Promise of Hermeneutics (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999).

Knowles, Robert, Anthony C. Thiselton and The Grammar of Hermeneutics: The Search for a Unified Theory (PBM; Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2012).

Porter, Stanley E. and Malcolm, Matthew R. (Eds), The Future of Biblical Intepretation: Responsible Plurality in Biblical Hermeneutics (Illinois: IVP, 2013).

Strauss, M. L., How to Read the Bible in Changing Times: Understanding and Applying God’s Word Today (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011).

Tate, W., Interpreting the Bible (Peabody: Hendrickson, 2006).

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