Bible Survey
This unit explores major highlights of the Biblical story from beginning to end. There are detailed probes of important OT legal, prophetic and wisdom materials and of the earliest gospels and letters in the NT. The unit places a high value on reading and getting to know the Biblical text, focusing especially on its central plot and themes, and on its literary character and purpose. It gives particular emphasis to learning the skills and art of interpreting the Bible for today.
This unit is one of the two 100-level foundation units in the MCSI program. Its purpose is to enable students to have a good working knowledge of the biblical story so as to be able to engage with the broader issues of society and vocation from a biblical perspective.
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When & Where Offered
This subject will be offered in the following semesters and locations in 2008:
Semester 1, Face to Face Classes, Macquarie University
Semester 2: Available as an online unit. In online mode all course material is presented online. Students are expected to participate in regular online forums. There are no required face to face sessions.
Lecturers
Dr. W. Dumbrell
B.A., M.A., B.D. (Hons), M.Th., Th.D.
After completing his doctoral studies at Harvard University, and earning the Frederick Sheldon Travelling Fellowship from Harvard for study at Heidelberg, West Germany, Bill lectured at Moore College, the University at Sydney, and Regent College, where he was subsequently appointed Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies. Bill is the author of numerous books and articles including two recently published commentaries: Romans - A New Covenant Commentary and John - Gospel of the New Creation.
Conrad Hor-Kwong
Conrad has wide experience in management and business. He has strong skills in finance, IT, systems analysis, and change management.
Born and raised in Sydney of Eurasian background, he has developed a bi-vocational career path. This has featured formal qualifications and experience in Accounting, Management and ordained Christian Ministry. He is currently minister of Gladesville Hunters Hill Presbyterian Church.
Unit Code & Details
IN 302 (MCSI 101) Bible Survey: Genesis to RevelationThis unit is equivalent to a standard semester unit at foundational level. For example it is worth:
3 credit points at 100* level towards Maccquarie University undergraduate degrees
4 credit points at 300 level towards Australian College of Theology undergraduate degrees.
For advice on how to credit this subject to other institutions please contact our advisor.
Prerequisites: None
Unit Content /Lecture Topics
1. The Biblical World View: Creation, Sin, Covenant (Genesis 1-11)
2. Origins and Hopes for a National Israel (Exodus - Deuteronomy)
3. Leadership in Israel and its Failure (Judges, 2 Kings)
4. Israel True Leadership: Israel's Prophets and their Message
5. Personal Relationships in Israel (Wisdom and Psalms)
6. Apocalyptic Literature (Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel)
7. The Aims of Jesus (the Gospels)
8. The Results of Jesus
9. Acts and Mission
10. Paul: Call and Presuppositions
11. Paul's Theology (Romans and Galatians)
12. Hebrews
13. Revelation of St John as a Biblical Summary
Assessment:
1. Participation in online tutorials (20%)Participation is a significant element of learning and therefore the online tutorials and teleconferences are a compulsory part of this unit, worth 20% of the final mark. A passing grade in participation requires a weekly contribution of 100 words to the online tutorials and active participation in teleconferences. Greater educational benefit and higher marks will be the reward for more involvement. Failure in this part of the unit will result in failure of the unit overall.
2. 1000 word essay on Luke 16:1-13 (15%)
3. 1000 word essay on the theme of Covenant (15%)
4. 1000 word essay on the theme of New Creation (15%)
5. 2000 word essay on a chosen chapter of the Bible (35%)
Texts and Readings
Required Text:
Alexander, Pat and Alexander, David, The New Lion Handbook to the Bible, 3rd Ed., Lion Book, Oxford, 1999, (3rd Ed, p/b 2002)
Suggested Additional Reading:
Dumbrell, W.J., Romans - A New Covenant Commentary, 2005
Dumbrell, W.J., John - Gospel of the New Creation, 2006
Fee, Gordon D, and Stuart, Douglas, How to Read the Bible for All its Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.
Wright N.T., The Challenge of Jesus, London/Downer's Grove: SPCK/IVF, 2000/1999
Wright, N.T., What St.Paul Really Said, Oxford, Lion, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997