A foundational course on biblical interpretation which will provide students with the basic exegetical tools required to interpret and appropriate the biblical text. The student will learn to recognize and work with the different literary genres of the Bible and will gain an overview of various hermeneutical approaches to Scripture. In the process, the student will be introduced to various research tools, methods, resources and practical skills for interpretation in order to appropriate the Bible well in our contemporary context.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

A study tour that combines travel with lectures and readings to provide students with a rich, on-site learning experience. Students will spend three full weeks in Israel visiting sites throughout the country that formed the stage on which so many biblical events were played out. The tour will move region by region, spending time in Jerusalem and Judea, Benjamin, the Coastal Plain, the Negeb, the Dead Sea area, the Jordan Valley, the Galilee and the Golan Heights. In each area, students will learn about its geography and archaeology, exploring how the features of each area shaped the history of its people. Attention will also be given to the imagery and symbolism connected with each region in both the Old and New Testaments. Within the Seminary this may count as NEWT or OLDT elective.

Examination of specific topics in biblical studies.

A focused examination of a specific issue, theme, or topic in Biblical Studies. Seminar format. Topic and instructor vary annually. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501, NEWT 0522, OLDT 0511.

Explores biblical interpretation beyond the foundational skills of historical, literary, and grammatical approaches. In addition to reflecting upon our situatedness and bias as interpreters (both individually and communally), we will explore such things as textual and canonical matters, historical-critical approaches, perspectival and ideological readings (e.g. postcolonial readings), and cross-cultural engagement. We will consider how these diverse approaches enhance our engagement with the biblical text in relation to its meaning and significance within the community of faith. Exclusion: INTD 0851, INTD 0900. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501, NEWT 0522, OLDT 0511, THEO 0531.

See the Thesis Handbook for details.

A study of central methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use the standard tools of advanced biblical research. Offered in Mandarin.

Examines the methods, principles and practices of interpreting the biblical texts. In addition to deepening one’s understanding and use of standard tools of biblical research, the course will contrast Indigenous epistemologies used in hermeneutics with those of Western traditions.

Explores how the body and soul dualism, out of which much Christian mission operated in the past (i.e. saving souls only), has proved inadequate and damaging to many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples in Canada. In this course, participants will explore and participate in developments in Christian missiology, in order to provide a more robust understanding of the nature of the gospel.