Biblical Hermeneutics – MIN020X315A

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Biblical Hermeneutics – MIN020X315A
The assessment of this module will be in two parts:
(i) Exegetical exercise [60%] (2500 words) [deadline 18/12/2015]
(ii) Analysis and evaluation of hermeneutical practices in your ministry context [40%] (1500 equivalent)
[deadline 08/01/2016]
Assignment (1)
With a view to an audience within a stated contemporary ministry setting, provide an exposition of
ONE of the following:
(i) Mk 5:21-42 (ii) Phil 2:1-13 (iii) Neh 8:1-12 (iv) Amos 5
Guidance
The first job is to establish an “original meaning” for your text. This will involve various background
issues of a historical, theological or literary nature, as well as stylistic or compositional features of
the text and individual exegetical judgements. You should, however, major on critical issues that
are most relevant to your text, not just a general “list”. Use appropriately technical commentaries,
Bible dictionaries etc. for this (see guidance below).
Next you need to connect or apply the text to your chosen audience, taking care to think about
what would count as an authentic or meaningful application of the actual concerns of the text.
You should start with an introduction outlining the main contexts and characteristics of the
passage (say 20-25% of the total) before dealing with the content and possible applications in a
more detailed manner. You can organise this in whatever way you like. You should note how
aspects of your interpretation fit with the “behind”, “within” and “in front of” perspectives used
within this course, as appropriate.
Commentaries
For Level 6 work on Biblical texts, you could get a general overview from volumes in the Tyndale,
Abingdon or Cambridge commentary series. For tricky matters of literary structure or exegetical
detail, you might wish to consult something more advanced, like volumes from the Word, Anchor
or Hermeneia series. Two new projects that lie some way in between, and which are excellent for
social and/or rhetorical issues are the Socio–Rhetorical and the Paideia series.