Bibliology and Hermeneutics

This course focuses on the authority, nature, and interpretation (hermeneutics) of the Scriptures. It is designed to help students work through issues that concern the trust they place in the Bible and its interpretation. We will compare the various Christian traditions’ views of authority, examining the Reformation principle of Sola Scriptura. The Scripture will be studied as an ancient text focusing on its transmission and canonization. We will also ask tough questions concerning the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. We will then look at how the Church has interpreted the Scriptures throughout history, ending our time by looking at current trends in Evangelical hermeneutics.

Course Outline

Session 1 - Introduction and Authority
Session 2 - Sola Scriptura
Session 3 - Transmission of Scripture
Session 4 - Canonization of Scripture (OT)
Session 5 - Canonization of Scripture (NT)
Session 6 - Inspiration of Scripture
Session 7 - Proving Inspiration
Session 8 - Inerrancy
Session 9 - History of Interpretation
Session 10 - Toward an Evangelical Hermeneutic

Course Objectives

• The student will understand the vital difference between the Protestant and Roman Catholic views of authority.
• The student will learn why we believe the Bible today essentially is the same as when it was originally written.
• The student will learn why we believe that the Bible today has the right books.
• The student will learn the different view of inspiration and inerrancy.
• The student will understand why we believe the Scriptures alone are the inspired word of God.
• The student will learn the method of historical-grammatical-literary hermeneutics.
• The student will struggle through issues involved in justifying his or her belief in the Bible.
• The student will place greater confidence in the integrity of Scripture.

Course Textbooks

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation)

Grading

This course will follow a contract grading system. You will receive a grade according to how many assignments below were successfully accomplished. If you complete 2 of 4, you get a “C.” If you complete 3 of 4, you get a “B.” If you complete 4 of 4, you get an “A.” You can also receive an “A with Honors” if you complete your honors reading listed in the syllabus.

Assignment Description

1. Reading: There will be various reading assignments during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read and be prepared to discuss on the forum the material according to the schedule found in the syllabus.

2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided on the Scripture memorization sheet. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion by signing the Scripture memorization sheet (included in The Student Notebook). The Scriptures should be memorized in one of the following translations:

• New American Standard
• New English Translation - NET Bible
• English Standard Version
• New International Version (though not preferred)

3. Case Studies: There will be two case studies that must be completed. These will be handed out by the teacher. Online/DVD students are to post their case studies online on the RMM forum.

4. Vocabulary Quizzes: There are two closed book theological vocabulary quizzes. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz and then study the terms.

Honors reading: You can take this course for honors. Honors students are required to make an “A” plus read one or more of the honors readings marked with an “*” or “**” in your bibliography in the syllabus. Please contact me to make an alternative honors reading request.

*All online students are required to acquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished on Paltalk, here, or in the forums discussing issues relevant to the course.