Assignment (1): A 2500 word exegesis of a text plus proposal for use and critical reflection. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)

This module begins with an introduction to the nature and contents of the Bible and the range of situations in which it is used today. Four key principles for interpreting the Bible in a faithful and relevant manner - historical, literary, theological and communicative - are introduced, and this is linked to a discussion of the principles behind different popular Bible translations. There is an introduction to the five books often seen as being at the heart of Scripture, the four Gospels and Acts. This entails an assessment of the `characteristic Jesus' to whom the Gospels bear witness as well as the work of the Holy Spirit as seen in Acts. The problems and methods associated with the study of the Gospels are introduced and a picture is painted of the ancient cultural world within which they make sense and come to life. There is a particular focus on the stories of Jesus' parables and miracles, those of his death and resurrection, and the aims and themes of one Gospel, that of Luke. Study of the Gospels leads into the question of what early and subsequent Christians have made of Jesus, and the topic of Christology is therefore introduced; this also functions as an illustration of the need to make a theological application of the text of Scripture. The popular use
of Scripture in devotion, worship and evangelism is explored and critiqued in the light of the principles of interpretation studied. Students give a
short presentation analysing and critiquing an example of such use of their choice. This will be informally assessed by peers and the tutor but is
not part of the formal module assessment.

150 hours, of which 30 will be active lectures and learning groups, 67 fieldwork hours, and the rest independent study.

Burridge, R. (2005), Four Gospels, One Jesus, London: SPCK.
Fee, G., & Stuart, D. (2003), How to Read the Bible for All its Worth, Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Hurtado, L. (2005), How on earth did Jesus become a God? Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
Pattison, S., Cooling, M. and Cooling, T., Using the Bible in Christian Ministry: A Workbook (2007), London: Darton, Longman & Todd, units 1-3, 12-13.
Wenham, D. and Walton, S. (2001), Exploring the New Testament, Vol. 1: The Gospels and Acts, London: SPCK.
Wright, N.T. (2000), The Challenge of Jesus, London: SPCK.

On-site library and internet access to Staffordshire University Library
PCs with standard suite of University software providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work