MODULE CODE: TITLE: DATED:

NCTR6004 Themes in Biblical Theology 30/06/2015

LEVEL: CREDITS:

6 20

JACS CODE:

V610

AIMS 

To explore the Biblical Theology field including its methodological and thematic contributions and potential for contemporary Adventist systematic theology



To undertake an examination of central biblical themes and motifs considered vital for Christian and Adventist faith, beliefs and practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon the successful completion of this module, the student should be able to demonstrate the ability to: 1. critically understand key aspects of Biblical Theology and its methodological potential for systematic theology with reference to knowledge at the forefront of the field of study; 2. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline of Biblical Theology; 3. synthesise a large body of canonical data; 4. critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution, or a range of solutions, to a problem. INDICATIVE CONTENT 

The question of method in Biblical Theology (e.g., historical options, Bible as grandstory, a seven-stage theistic-narrative hermeneutic, the relationship of exegesis, Biblical theology and Systematic theology, the Adventist stance on the Bible as the only creed)



The first principles and the central theme of the Biblical narrative (e.g., the role of Genesis 1-3, the Creator, creation and dependency principles, the fall and human evil central theme and the double response of God in blessing and curse, the function of the promise and the plotline)



The narrative stages and their key motifs (e.g., the creation, the fall, the promise and the people of God, the fulfilment in Jesus, the fulfilment and the people of God, the day of the Lord, and new creation)

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY Lectures will introduce the students to the concepts, principles, and practices of the topics studied for the module. Case studies may be used to provide examples and will be used to develop further understanding of what has been learned. Tutorials and seminars are used to support the discussion and critical evaluation of what has been learned, normally in a smaller group size than a lecture. Guided independent study allows students to further their independent learning skills with appropriate support provided by the module tutor(s) (e.g. preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, background reading, revision, completion of assessment tasks). Activity type Scheduled learning Independent learning Placement learning TOTAL

Hours 50 150

Percentage 25 75

[20 x10]

100%

ASSESSMENT Description of each assessment component and its weighting, together with an example for new forms of assessment: Assessment Component 1 – 25% Book critique (1,250-words). Exemplar Students will choose a book on Biblical Theology in consultation with the lecturer. They will be encouraged to move beyond describing the contents, instead focusing on strengths and weaknesses of the book in question. Assessment Component 2 – 75% 2.5-hour exam. Exemplar 1. How might the motif of human evil function as a central theme within the plotline of the biblical narrative? 2. Assess how first principles might be used to understand the biblical worldview. 3. Explore the biblical-theological relationship between the Abrahamic (Gen 15; 17), Israelite (Ex 19) and Davidic (2 Sam 7) covenants. 4. How was Psalm 110 used by New Testament writers to portray the Messiah as priest and king? Assessment Summary

Activity type Written exam Coursework Practical TOTAL

Percentage 25 75 100%

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD) Yes X Does the module contribute to ESD?

No

If yes please provide brief details (no more than 100 words): The module contributes to the sustainability agenda in its broadest sense by encouraging students to think about the skills they require to solve their academic problems. These are transferrable skills and assist in nurturing critical and creative thinking. As such the module is focused on meeting the immediate needs of the students while also equipping them to think critically and solve problems in an unknown future.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Essential Alexander, T.D., From Eden to the New Jerusalem: Exploring God's Plan for Life on Earth (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2008) Bartholomew, C., and Goheen, M.W., The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story (London: SPCK, 2nd edn, 2014) Recommended Bartholomew, C., M. Healy, K., Moller and R. Parry, eds., Out of Egypt: Biblical Theology and Biblical Interpretation. Scripture and Hermeneutics Series, Vol. 5 (Milton Keynes: Paternoster Press, 2004) Kaiser, W., Recovering the Unity of the Bible: One Continuous Story, Plan, and Purpose (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009) Wright, N.T., What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997) ________, Justification: God's Plan & Paul's Vision (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009) Background

Alexander T.D., ed., New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2000) Kaiser, W., The Messiah in the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995) ________, The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008) ________, Towards an Old Testament Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991) Vanhoozer, K.J., gen. ed., C.G. Bartholomew, D.J. Treier and N.T. Wright, eds., Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005) Williamson, P.R., Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God's Unfolding Purpose (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007) Journals Andrews University Seminary Studies Biblical Theology Bulletin Catholic Biblical Quarterly Journal of Biblical Literature Journal for the Study of the New Testament Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Journal of the Adventist Theological Society Journal of Theological Studies Ministry Semeia Review and Herald Tyndale Bulletin Websites www.aarweb.org www.adventistarchives.org www.egwwritings.org www.whiteestate.org