MIN301: Bible Interpretation

Instructor & Contact Information

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Course Description

This course equips students with the intellectual framework and tools necessary to interpret the Scripture and apply it appropriately to their own context. It covers four major subjects: the nature of Biblical inspiration, the technique of Biblical hermeneutics, the genres of Biblical literature, and the tools that are used to interpret Scripture.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand the discipline of hermeneutics and its role in interpretation of the Biblical text
2. Understand the nature of the Bible as both a divine and human book and be able to articulate the orthodox doctrine of inspiration
3. Practice the Three-Step Model of Biblical interpretation
4. Apply considerations of cultural context and genre in the study of Scripture, and define the primary genres of Scripture
5. Understand how systematic theology is shaped by the broader Biblical narrative
6. Make use of common study tools for Bible study such as multiple translations, a Bible atlas and handbook, a topical Bible, a concordance, a lexicon, a dictionary, and theological commentaries

Degree Program Outcomes

Degree outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a degree program at City Vision University.

This course is offered by the Christian Ministry & Leadership program at City Vision University. After completing the degree, you will be able to do the following in each of the domains listed below. This course supports the outcomes marked with an asterisk (*).

Bible/Theology

1. Bible. Use sound principles of Biblical interpretation to analyze the structure, themes and content of the Bible and apply that to local contexts. *
2. Theology. Apply the foundational truths of Christian theology grounded in Scripture to local contexts.

Spiritual Formation

3. Calling. Create a synthesis of a reflective life vision and plan to enable 24/7 ministry based on God’s purposes for work and their own unique calling.
4. Leadership. Develop a personal philosophy and plan for leadership based on principles of leadership and effective ministry management.
5. Life Balance. Develop plan for him/herself and others to establish life balance in a society saturated with technology and addiction.

Ministry & Missions

1. 6. Cross-Cultural Ministry. Develop strategy for effective cross-cultural management and ministry and apply that to their own organizational or ministry context.
   7. Specialization. Develop skills and apply learning and concepts in one area of specialty ministry.

Required Texts

Students are required to purchase these texts before the first day of classes. 

• Davis, D. Bible Interpretation. Wichita, KS: TUMI/World Impact, 2016. 298pp. ISBN: 978-1629320052.

The Kindle edition is cheapest. If paperback version is preferred, it is available here. This is a student workbook. It contains outlines for the lectures we will be watching each week, as well as required questions and activities.

• Geisler, N. To Understand the Bible Look for Jesus. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2002. ISBN: 978-1-59244-045-0

Also in Kindle edition. (retitled for e-version): Christ: The Theme of the Bible: To Understand the Bible Look for Jesus

• Fee, G & Stuart, D. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014. ISBN: 978-0310517825

Also in Kindle edition
Also in audio book

• Ward, O. The New Joy of Discovery in Bible Study, Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2002. ISBN: 978-0-80664-429-5

Also in Kindle edition

Recommended Texts

• A NIV (Kindle version) or ESV (Kindle version) Study Bible. A hard copy is also fine and may be preferable if you plan to use the Bible for personal study after this course.

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

• Grading Scale 

• Deadlines to Drop Courses

• Attendance, Late Policy and Extensions

• Technology Requirements for Courses

• Standards of Academic Integrity & Plagiarism Policy

• What plagiarism is and how to avoid it 

• Credit Hour Policy, Grading Policy and Other Academic Policies

• ADA Policy, Learning Accommodations & Disabilities Services
• Student Code of Conduct 

• Library Services

Additional Policies:

• Privacy Policy

• Consumer Disclosures
• Additional policies are listed in our catalog

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: April 22, 2024