This is a two semester course in Biblical Interpretation, covering the origin of the Bible as well as principles and techniques for observation, interpretation, and application. The course is designed to help you get more out of your personal Bible study, as well as equip you for ministry.
Course pre-requisites
- You must have completed Personal Spiritual Growth. Concurrent enrollment is allowed with the approval of the instructor (those outside of CFC English Ministry may contact Pastor Ken for approval)
- Normally, baptism is required for acceptance into the MIT program
Course Topics
The Origin of the Bible
- Inspiration of Scripture
- The formation of the canon (why were certain books included and others omitted?)
- The transmissions (copying) of the text of Scripture
- Translation issues
How to Study the Bible
- Observation skills (discovering background, themes, structure, and genre)
- Principles of Biblical interpretation (including both theological and literary principles)
- Determining the meaning of words (including the use of original language tools)
- Study of how grammar and literary devices influence meaning
- Principles for proper application
- Guidelines for studying biblical genre types:
- Narrative
- Gospels (and parables)
- Epistles (and commands)
- Biblical poetry
- Wisdom and law
- Prophecy
Grading
Those taking the course will receive a grade of Pass or Fail. In order to pass the course, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Class participation: you must attend at least 80% class sessions. Anyone missing more than 10 minutes of class will be marked absent.
- Homework: you must satisfactorily complete at least 80% of the homework assignments. Assignments will be weighted based on difficulty.
- Quizzes
Textbook
Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible, 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
Recommended Reading
Arthur, Kay. How to Study Your Bible. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1994.
Fee, Gordan D. and Stuart, Douglas. How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982.
Hendricks, Howard G., and William D. Hendricks. Living by the Book. Chicago: Moody, 1991.
Klein, William W., Craig Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Dallas: Word, 1993.
Zuck, Roy B. Basic Bible Interpretation. Victor Books, 1991.
[Other books will be recommended in class]