JB217 MAJOR THEMES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
This sample unit outline is provided by CHC for prospective and current students to assist with unit selection. Elements of this outline which may change with subsequent offerings of the unit include Content, Required Texts, Recommended Readings and details of the Assessment Tasks. Students who are currently enrolled in this unit should obtain the outline for the relevant semester from the unit lecturer.
Unit Name
Major Themes of the Old Testament
Unit Code
JB217
Award
Bachelor of Ministry
Core/Elective
Elective
Co-requisite Pre-requisite
JB101 Biblical Interpretation and Application JB102 Biblical Studies in the Old Testament
Modes
Internal and External
Delivery/Contact hrs Nominal 10 hours per week x 14 weeks = 140 hours (10 credit points) Contact - 42 hours; Engagement with unit materials readings - 50 hours; Assignment preparation - 48 hours
Ps Sam Hey
Teaching Staff
Ps Sam Hey
Unit Rationale
The Old Testament provides many biblical and theological themes on which Christian beliefs and practices are founded. Hence it is important to identify and interpret these themes and critically reflect on their contribution to ministry. This unit will guide students in their study of major Old Testament themes and how they have been applied to contemporary ministry practice.
PL E
Unit Coordinator
M
Old Testament texts and themes are examined within their original literary, cultural and historical contexts. Findings are then evaluated and examined with the purpose of communicating and applying them to contemporary audiences and ministry practice. Contribution to Course Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
SA
A study of the major themes in the Old Testament provides a greater understanding of the role of the text and its theology. It also develops the student’s ability to interpret and apply biblical and theological knowledge to life, ministry and wider society.
On completion of this unit, students will have provided evidence that they have: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Outlined major themes of the Old Testament and their meanings; Examined the major theological developments in selected Old Testament themes; Traced major Old Testament themes within the cultural, historical and literary contexts in which they originated; Described the methods used by Old Testament scholars in the study of Old Testament themes; Evaluated scholarly interpretations of Old Testament themes; Critically evaluated the significance of Old Testament themes for contemporary Christian theology, thought and practice; 7. Written at an appropriate tertiary standard (with special attention to correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, usage, sentence structure, logical relations, style, referencing and presentation). Content: Week
Topics
1
Introduction to the study and interpretation of the Old Testament themes
2
Old Testament study and research skills
3
Creation, promises and curses
4
Covenant
5
The people of God - nationhood, tabernacle and sacrifices
6
Kingdom restoration
7
Law and wisdom
8
Servanthood
9
Repentance and restoration
10
Prophecy and hope
11
Justice
12
Mission
13
Future hope in restoration and the coming Messiah
14
Application of the Old Testament to contemporary contexts
PL E
Set Text Requirements: Birch, BC, Brueggemann, W, Fretheim, TE & Petersen, DL 2005, A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, Abingdon, Nashville, TN. Bruce, FF 2004, New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes, Wipf & Stock, Eugene, OR. Recommended Readings:
M
Alexander, TD & Baker, DW 2003, Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.
SA
Broyles, C (ed.) 2001, Interpreting the Old Testament, A Guide for Exegesis, Baker, Grand Rapids, MI. Brueggemann, W 2005, Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy, Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Ellens, D & Kim, W 2000, Reading the Hebrew Bible for a New Millennium: Form, Concept, and Theological Perspective, Continuum, New York, NY. Goldingay, J 2006, Old Testament Theology: Israel’s Gospel, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. Keyser, BD & Ballard, HW 2002, From Jerusalem to Gaza: An Old Testament Theology, Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Macon, GA. Matthews, VH 2000, Old Testament Themes, Chalice, Atlanta, GA. Ollenburger, BC 2004, Old Testament Theology: Flowering and Future, 2
nd
edn, Eisenbrauns, Grand Rapids, MI.
Waltke, BK 2007, An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. Walton, JH & Hill, AE 2004, Old Testament Today: A Journey from Original Meaning to Contemporary Significance, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. Wright, JH 2004, Old Testament Ethics for the People of God, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. Assessment: Topic/s
Learning Outcomes assessed
Week Due
Weighting
Literature Review (1500 words)
1, 2
1-4
4
30%
Passage Exegesis (1500 words)
3-9
1-5
9
30%
Thematic Study (2000 words)
3-14
4-6
14
40%
Assessment Item
NB:
Students must complete all assessment tasks and parts thereof successfully to achieve a passing grade for this unit.
