Coming  Summer 2008

Grace School of Theology—Tomball Extension Site
First Baptist Church, Rosehill

Course Syllabus—Summer, 2008

THEO 508 – Bible Study Methods

Wednesday nights: 7:00-8:30 PM

Professor : J. B. Hixson, Ph.D.

Office Phone : 281-989-9813 Email :  jb@notbyworks.org

Website : http://www.notbyworks.org

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

A directed study of the principles of the literal-grammatical-historical (L-G-H) system of biblical interpretation, with guided practice

in using those principles in interpreting representative passages.

II. PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

The purpose of the course is to provide students with the basic skills they will need for accurate interpretation

of biblical passages for their lifelong personal and professional ministries.

III. MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS

TEXTBOOKS

Basic Theology (1999, Charles C. Ryrie)

Basic Bible Interpretation (1991, Roy Zuck)

Living By the Book (1991, Howard Hendricks)

RESOURCES

Course Notes

Selected articles from the instructor’s web site: www.notbyworks.org

Holy Bible, New King James Version

Schedule of Classes

6/4/2008         Welcome, introductions, review of syllabus; What is the Bible?

6/11/2008      Bible Study and Worldview: Why do you believe what you believe? (LBB 18–25; BT 71–106)

6/18/2008      Overview of the Literal Method of Bible study (BT 125–134; BBI 7–58)

6/25/2008      Postmodernism and Biblical Interpretation (BBI 59–122)

7/2/2008         Seven Cardinal Sins of Interpretation (LBB 193–207)

7/9/2008         NO CLASS

7/16/2008      Which translation should I use? (supplemental reading—handouts)

7/23/2008      Figures of Speech & Biblical Literary Genre (LBB 209–267; BBI 123–168; 194–278)

7/30/2008      The Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpretation (supplemental reading—handouts)

8/6/2008         Application and Life Change (LBB 281–330; BBI 279–292)

8/13/2008      Case Studies