Navigators: Principles of Biblical Interpretation
— Rules of Engagement
Course Description
While Navigator's is an elective course that builds on the material covered in the Bibliology & Hermeneutics course of study in The Theology Program. While taking B&H would be helpful for those who plan to take Developing an Evangelical Hermeneutic, it is not a prerequisite.
This course integrates both general and specific principles of biblical interpretation and the inductive method of Bible study, with the primary emphasis being on the grammatical-historical-literary method of interpretation. The course will provide the student with a complete methodology that can be used to study any book of the Bible.
Prerequisite: None
Course Outline
Session One: The Search For Meaning; Study Tools and Their Use
Session Two: Exegetical Fallacies (Using and Abusing Language)
Session Three: Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres—Part 1 (Narrative, Poetry & Wisdom)
Session Four: Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres—Part 2 (Gospel & Epistles)
Session Five: Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres—Part 3 (Prophecy)
Session Six: Responding to the Text: Meaning and Application
Session Seven: Survey of the History of Interpretation/ Contemporary Influences on and Approaches to Biblical Interpretation
Session Eight: Further Challenges/Tying it All Together
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Define hermeneutics, exegesis, theology, and historical and literary criticism methods.
- Determine the presuppositions and prerequisites of biblical interpreters.
- Describe briefly the major historical and modern approaches to biblical interpretation.
- Discern common exegetical, hermeneutical, and logical fallacies in order to improve hermeneutical skill and avoid mistakes often made by interpreters.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary, warranted and unwarranted, and general principle versus situation-specific applications of a given text to real-life situations.
- Dialogue with other interpreters and other interpretations of specific texts.
- Demonstrate interpretive strategies (commonly referred to as “rules of interpretation”), which will assist you in dealing with various genres of biblical literature.
- Develop a passion for the careful study of the Word of God, which has as its end a life transformed by the wisdom of God through proper interpretation and consistent application.
Course Textbooks
Kaiser, Walter C. and Moisés Silva. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning: Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation (NET) Bible
Assignment Description
1. Reading: Various reading assignments will be given during the eight-week period. Each student will be expected to read the material according to the eight-week-session schedule provided in the syllabus. Completing the reading assignments will help you to effectively participate in the online discussions and assist you in grasping the concepts being taught in the lesson.
2. Class Discussion: A portion of each class session involves discussion by all participants. It is an essential part of the learning process as well as a substantial aid in developing the counseling skills of each student.
3. Practicum: There is one practicum for this course, which is due one week after the last class session. This practicum provides you, the student, with the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the course and to demonstrate your grasp of the information. This project is designed to assist you in applying hermeneutical strategies to a specific passage that various Bible interpreters have understood differently. The aim of this project is to integrate various hermeneutical concepts and exegetical methods to help you become a skilled Bible interpreter.
At the first session, each student will be assigned a separate passage of Scripture that Bible interpreters have historically interpreted differently. Your task will be to:
• Interpret the passage utilizing what they have learned and avoiding the exegetical fallacies covered in the course;
• Summarize the major views from commentaries, journals, and dictionary articles;
• Synthesize the hermeneutical principles that lead you to your interpretation;
• Support your conclusion by explicitly naming the hermeneutical strategies that lead you to your conclusion. You must use at least three (3) strategies/rules.
• Show why your view is to be preferred over other views. Use logic, not just masses of material from people who already agree with you.
4. Vocabulary Quizzes: Two closed-book theological vocabulary quizzes will be given during the course of the semester. See schedule for due dates. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word."
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17