BS 103D: Hermeneutics & Bible Study Methods (3 hrs)

Instructor: Nathan Boeker, M.A.

(402) 449-2904

Course Description

This course introduces and develops the literal-grammatical-historical approach to interpreting Scripture. Various interpretive schemes are examined to familiarize the student with different views. Through this, the student is guided into a proper handling of the Word of God, interpretive principles are explained, proper exegesis is instituted, and biblical applications are drawn as the basis for a life-long study, practice, and ministry of the Scriptures. Various interpretive methods are developed so that the student will have more breadth of skills.

Textbooks

A significant amount of course content is based on the required textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase from the university bookstore (www.graceu.edu/bookstore).

· Grasping God's Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible 2^nd Edition (Duvall – Zondervan, 2001 – ISBN 0310259665)

· The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance (Goodrick – Zondervan, 1990 – ISBN 0310262852)

Technology Requirements

This course requires the latest versions of the software plug-ins or programs listed below. Run a system scan at the Microsoft system requirements site: https://www.microsoftelearning.com/help/systemRequirements.aspx

Software	Use	Download
Internet Explorer	Accessing course	http://www.microsoft.com/ie
Flash Player (SWF)	Viewing media	http://www.adobe.com/downloads
Adobe Reader (PDF)	Reading documents	http://www.adobe.com/downloads
Windows Media Player (WMV)	Viewing media	http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia
Microsoft Office Word (DOC)	Viewing, creating and editing documents (all files are sent in .doc format)	http://www.microsoft.com/office/word

Course Objectives

Students critique two methods of Bible interpretation.
Students contrast theories of inerrancy to their own beliefs.
Given a passage of scripture, students make initial observations on the passage.
Students state and defend their view of presuppositions in light of Bible interpretation.
Students identify four presuppositions which are required by the biblical text.
Students conclude their discussion of inerrancy by writing a letter defending their position.
Students compare two interpretive systems by making an interpretive systems matrix.
Students contrast theology and hermeneutics and explain their relationship.
Given a passage of scripture and a list of observable items, students make in-depth observations from the passage.
Students justify the study of historical and cultural backgrounds for use in Bible interpretation.
Given a biblical passage, the student describes the geographical influences on the story.
Given a passage of Scripture, students outline the passage by referencing its literary context.
Students evaluate the literary context of a selected passage.
Students discuss how the Old Testament is used by believers today.
Students compare the textbook’s 4-(or 5-)step program with an alternative method.
Students interpret select passages using various interpretive methodologies.
Students discuss the use of the law to believers today.
Given a selected book of the Bible, students develop a synthetic chart.
Students analyze the formulaic wording of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament.
Given a word from a selected biblical text, students develop a word study.
Students discuss the need for harmonization between Gospel accounts.
Given an allegorical parable, students interpret the parable using the method applied by Jesus.
Students compare several genres contained in Revelation.

Class Schedule

Lesson	Topic	Learning Activities
1	Our Bible	· Discussion · Learning Paper
2	The Reader	· Discussion · Learning Paper
3	Historical Context	· Discussion · Matrix · Learning Paper
4	Literary Context	· Discussion · Learning Paper
5	Word Study	· Discussion · Outline
6	Old Testament - Narrative	· Discussion · Learning Paper
7	Old Testament – Law	· Discussion · Learning Paper
8	Old Testament – Poetry	· Discussion · Learning Paper
9	Old Testament – Wisdom	· Discussion · Learning Paper
10	Old Testament – Prophets	· Discussion · Learning Paper
11	New Testament - Gospels	· Discussion · Word Study
12	New Testament – Acts	· Discussion · Learning Paper
13	New Testament – Letters	· Discussion · Learning Paper
14	New Testament – Revelation	· Exegetical Paper
15	Final Exam	· Exegetical Paper · Final Exam