Unit information: Issues in Biblical Theology (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2012/13

Unit name	Issues in Biblical Theology (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code	THRSM0041
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Bimson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	THRS11039 Getting into the Old Testament; B11002 Getting into the New Testament; THRS20115 The Interpretation of the Bible (i); THRS20116 The Interpretation of the Bible (ii)
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit begins with a brief methodological and historical introduction. The course then relates the Old and New Testament witnesses to several key biblical themes. These may include the themes of:

• the presence of God,
• the people of God,
• the biblical portrayal of God himself.

This thematic approach will be complemented by a survey of a few key biblical theologians who have influenced theological reflection on the Bible over the last half-century.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to

1. acquaint students with what the Bible has to say about some key theological issues;
2. enable students to be aware of the range of ways in which the Bible can speak on an issue;
3. introduce students to some key theological thinkers who have sought to do justice to the unity and diversity of the Bible.

On completion of the unit students should:

1. recognise and be able to give a coherent account of the distinctive witnesses of the two testaments;
2. be able to employ a range of strategies in relating the Old Testament to the New Testament;
3. synthesise biblical material to give a nuanced, sophisticated and critical analysis of a theme in a way that enhances contemporary application;
4. draw on a close and critical study of some key issues and theologians in a way that will enrich biblical study and broaden theological reflection.

Teaching Information

The unit will consist mainly of lectures and some seminars. Approximately equal time will be devoted to the Old and New Testaments, but there will be a consistent concern to relate the witnesses of the two Testaments. The discussion will build upon the approaches and insights introduced in B21004 The Interpretation of the Bible (ii). Individual lectures on a particular aspect of the theme will model what is expected in the assignment.

The unit will consist of 20 contact hours, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 10 weeks.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through preparation for classes and participation in class discussions and seminars.

Summative assessment will be through one essay of 6,000 words that treats a theme with reference to both Old and New Testaments.

Reading and References

1. Brueggemann, W., Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1997)
2. Childs, B.S., Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible (SCM, 1992)
3. Fretheim, T. E., God and World in the Old Testament: a relational theology of creation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005)
4. Goldingay, J. E., Theological Diversity and the Authority of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987)
5. Scobie, C. H. H., The Ways of Our God: an approach to biblical theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003)
6. Wright, N.T., The New Testament and the People of God (London: SPCK, 1992)