DSSM 1A: Becoming A Modern Berean: Introduction to Studying the Bible Course Syllabus Dunamis School of Supernatural Ministry 5310 Prosperity Lane San Diego, CA 92115 Course design and content, © 2013, Mary DeNora, MA, EdD Candidate Policy and Program Content Property of DSSM All Rights Reserved Introduction to Studying the Bible: Becoming A Modern Berean Course Description and Introduction: This course explores various approaches to studying the Bible, which includes Word studies, examination of Hebrew (Hebrew Roots, culture, and practices), Aramaic, and Greek, Inductive and Deductive approaches, hermeneutics (archetypal studies, metaphor and analogy, parables, progressive revelation), and other various approaches. The expectation of this course is that as a Berean, the study will accomplish three major outcomes: (1) develop a greater appreciate for and intimacy with God’s Word; (2) be primed to approach the Bible analytically and comprehensively through active reading and investigation; and ultimately (3) become a modern Berean. Course content and additional resources are accessible at: http://www.jesus24-7.org/training_and_courses.html 3 Credits This course is not accredited with the State of California or any other State accreditation board; however, this course will count towards 3 credits of coursework for the Dunamis School of Supernatural Ministry. Required Texts and Materials: 1. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – NASB Version 2. Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern 3. Hebrew Word Pictures: How Does the Hebrew Alphabet Reveal Prophetic Truths? (Phoenix: Living Word Pictures) by Frank T. Seekins (Make sure when you are ordering this book that it comes with the CD. Even if the book indicates there is a cd, be sure to check with the vendor. If they are try to sell it to you without the CD, don’t buy from that vendor.) 4. Knowing Scripture by RC Sproul, 2010 print 5. Course Binder & (access to) Course Teachings by Mary DeNora Required If You Don’t Have Access to On-line Resources: (Can supplement with access to the internet. I have provided direct links below): 1. Concordance (Preferably Strong’s Concordance for the NASB version) http://www.biblegateway.com/ 2. Bible Dictionary – (Preferably Vine’s Bible Dictionary) http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewEntries.cfm 3. Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament...by H. W. F. Gesenius http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/lexica/gesenius/#about Additional Recommended Texts: (The texts are required for other courses in the series) 1. Jewish New Testament Commentary: A Companion Volume to the Jewish New Testament Paperback, by David H. Stern 2. New Spirit-Filled Life Bible NKJV by Jack Hayford 3. The Hayford Bible Handbook (2004) by Jack Hayford 4. Parallel Bible: Amplified and NKJV The Berean Tool Box: Resource Links Bible Search Tools (contains: commentaries, dictionaries, word and passage search tools): Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/ Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/ Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/ Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm http://www.blueletterbible.org/ Olive Tree.com http://www.olivetree.com/bible/ Charts & Outlines: Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/resources/charts.cfm Interlinear Bible Resources: Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/interlinear/genesis/1.htm Q Bible (Old Testament) http://www.qbible.com/hebrew-old-testament/ Key Word Search: Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/ Lexicons: Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/ Blue Letter http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm (Hebrew/Strong’s Search) Blue Letter http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=1&t=KJV (Greek/Strong’s Search) Symbols & Numbers: Bible Believers http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/number01.htm (Numbers) Temcat www.temcat.com/L-2.../Bible%20Symbols%20and%20Numbers.pdf Study Light http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T4649 Versions & Translations: Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-versions/ Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/compare-translations/ Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/matthew/1-1.htm (Alphabetical Listing) Learning Objectives: Becoming a Berean - In this course, you have the opportunity to engage the process of becoming a Berean. You are expected to: · Set personal goals for participation which evaluates your own progress; · Prepare for class in order to teach others and to ask informed questions; · Engage in respectful and collaborative discussion, taking responsibility for the classroom dynamic; · Expand your ability to approach the Bible in different ways, and to transfer knowledge gleaned from various approaches; · Research a topic of interest, as well as engage in inductive Bible analysis of a passage of text; and finally · Read and prepare to explain (in the context of course learning) a passage of Scripture. Learning Objectives: Content - At the end of this course, you will be able to: · Demonstrate Biblical literacy · Maintain a working alphabetical vocabulary list of terms and concepts (e.g. Archetype: A statement, or pattern of behavior, a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated. can refer to a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting or mythology. Archetypal literary criticism argues that archetypes determine the form and function of literary works, that a text's meaning is shaped by cultural and psychological myths. Archetypes are the unknowable basic forms personified or concretized in recurring images, symbols, or patterns which may include motifs such as the quest or the heavenly ascent, recognizable character types such as the trickster or the hero, symbols such as the apple or snake, or images such as crucifixion are all laden with meaning already when employed in a particular work.); · Identify structural features of the Bible (e.g., Old Testament, New Testament, Pentateuch, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Letters, etc.); · Provide an reason for why you like a particular Bible translation over another; · Explain features of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek text, as well as some key features and differences between the two languages; · Have a cursory understanding of Hebrew word interpretation; · Conduct a comprehensive and reflective word study; · Conduct an inductive Bible study of a passage; · Describe some key Biblical genres and provide examples; · Identify factors that influence reading strategies of the Bible; · Find resources that will help you to extend your study of the Bible; · Explore presuppositions of our culture; · Work collaboratively with others on Bible interpretation and presentation; and · Collaboratively and individually present a study in front of a group. Assignments Reading: Students will read the assigned portions of Introducing the Bible Course Reader. The reading for the day appears on the class schedule below. Come to class prepared to discuss the material in the chapter, including what you do not understand or found problematic. The reading assignments will sometimes include readings from the text of the Bible. These readings should also be done before you arrive in class. Collaborative Group Work: You will be expected to prepare for various group assignments, which includes collaborative work outside the classroom setting. Directions will be presented in class for each collaborative assignment in order to avoid confusion. Papers: The purpose of these assignments is two-fold: to develop your ability to write short arguments and give oral presentations, and to identify principles of interpretation. Each paper assignment will be categorized as either: (1) A-level; or (2) B-level. A-Level: A-Level research and writing are based only on the biblical text (primary sources). Do NOT consult secondary sources. 1) Gather evidence: Read the assigned biblical passage(s) carefully. Keep a list of key words or themes as you read, noting chapter and verse references. Do not assume that you know what the text says; make sure it is really there! A concordance should be used to identify word repetition. 2) Analyze the evidence: What themes seem to be the most important and well- developed? Pick two and write a paragraph on each. Structure your paragraphs this way: introduce your theme with a topic sentence, give at least three pieces of properly-cited evidence to support the theme, and conclude (restate topic sentence and lead to the next paragraph). 3) Evaluate the evidence within its context: Make a clear connection between your two topic sentences and write a thesis sentence. Write an introduction for your paper that states your thesis and how you will prove it (preview your topic sentences). Write a conclusion that reviews your topic sentences and restates your thesis. Possible questions to consider: How does this text present the relationship between God and humans? Is this relationship direct or mediated? What main image or language is used to describe God? How are the people presented? Are specific people or groups valued over others (e.g., priests, kings, Israelites, Canaanites)? What type of punishment or salvation is described? 4) Extend your thesis to a new context: Briefly compare this text with other texts of Scripture. Consider any one of the following questions: How does this text fit into or advance the metanarrative? Why does the author tell this story or present this material in this particular way (genre)? What historical situation or event might have provoked this kind of message or understanding of God? What