Interpreting the Bible

Description. Introduces the student to the principles and practice of sound exegesis and hermeneutics, and introduces the grammatical-historical approach to Bible interpretation. Gives students a basic glimpse at the history of Bible interpretation. Presents the use of specialized Bible study tools. Covers the history of the Bible, including very basic textual criticism, and the problems of translation. Considers controversial issues, such as the nature of Biblical authority, The King James only debate, gender-neutral translations, and the nature of inspiration–contradictory, infallible, or inerrant.

Objectives. By combining both theoretical grounding and hands-on practice, the student will be able to perform academic exegesis at a beginner’s level, and be able to make better use of the scriptures for congregational teaching, preaching and counseling.

Requirements.

L Class week. Lectures, guided discussion and library work.

L Text Exam. The students will read R.C. Sproul’s Knowing Scripture and take an exam on the content of the book.

L Exegesis project. The student will take a passage of scripture and perform a thorough exegesis using the knowledge gained and the tools discussed in class. This project should be roughly five pages long, depending on the passage. The student will cite sources and provide a works cited page.

L Book report. The student will read a book about the Bible and write a book report that will focus on what the student has learned. This project should be roughly five pages long. The student will cite passages from the book chosen. See the suggested titles below.

L Editorial exercise. The student will write a well-reasoned three-page essay taking a position with regard to one of the controversial issues mentioned in class. This paper does not require cited sources, but does express your viewpoint in such a way as to win over opponents through persuasive reasoning.

Bibliography for your Book Report. (All in the RBC Library).

Exegetical Fallacies D.A. Carson.

How to Read the Bible for all its Worth Fee & Stuart

The Bible in Translation Bruce Metzger

The Text of the New Testament, Bruce Metzger

Historical Criticism of the Bible Eta Linnaman.

Protestant Bible Interpretation Bernard Ramm

Evangelical Interpretation Millard Erickson

The Canon of Scripture FF Bruce

The Word of God in English Leland Ryken

Early Manuscripts & Modern Translations Philip Comfort

Biblical Authority John Woodbridge

The Last Word N.T. Wright

Evangelical Hermeneutics Robert Thomas

These books range across topics about the Bible. They are scholarly books, and will require some patience and discipline on the student’s part. Do not expect to understand everything the author is saying. Your instructor does not necessarily endorse everything that can be found in this list of books. Most, but not all, of them reflect a conservative, evangelical viewpoint.