MT525: Non-Western Approaches to Biblical Interpretation (4 units)

Jehu J Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Fall 2003 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the student to basic hermeneutic principles and the multiple approaches to interpreting Scripture evident in different cultural/world settings. The aim is, among other things, to examine the dynamic of translation and interpretation whereby the “Word becomes flesh” in different “neighborhoods,” explore Scripture’s inexhaustible potential to respond to the peculiar needs, questions and spiritual quest of the world’s peoples. Efforts will also be made to evaluate different hermeneutic models--primarily those reflective of non-dominant voices – from the point of view that no single approach to the Bible can do justice to its complex narrative and inexhaustible insights. Liberationist, Pluralist, Womanist, and Primalist perspectives are among those that will receive attention.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students should expect to 1) gain a working knowledge of hermeneutic task; 2) acquire familiarity with the interpretative tools and perspectives crucial for effective intercultural ministry (including an ability to engage various interpretative voices); 3) develop some understanding of how to cultivate and apply culturally appropriate hermeneutic models within the context of ministry.

COURSE FORMAT:

Class meets twice per week for a period of three hours. At least forty-five minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of recommended readings, hermeneutic exercises and/or student presentations.

REQUIRED READING

De la Torre, Minguel A., Reading the Bible from the Margins. Orbis Books, 2002.
Kuster, Volker, The Many Faces of Jesus Christ: Intercultural Christology. Orbis Books. 2001.
Sugirtharajah, R S. (ed) Vernacular Hermeneutics. Sheffield Academic Press, 1999.
Tate, W Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. Hendrickson Publishers, 2000.
Wright, Chris. “Christ and the Mosaic of Pluralisms’ in William Taylor (ed), Global Missiology for the 21^st Century. Baker Academic, 2000. (Chapter 6)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Hayes, J. H. & Holladay, C. R.. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. John Knox Press, 1987 (pages 5-29)
King, Ursula (ed.), Feminist Theology from the Third World: A Reader. Orbis Books, 1994.
Phan, Peter C., Christianity with an Asian Face: Asian American Theology in the Making. Orbis, 2003.
Sanneh, L. Translating the Message: The Missionary Impact on Culture. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1989.
Schreiter, Robert J., The New Catholicity: Theology Between the Global and Local. Orbis Books, 1998.
Walls, Andrew F., The Missionary Movement in Christian History. Orbis Books, 1996.
West, Gerald O. & Dube, Musa W. (eds.), The Bible in Africa. Brill Academic Publishers, 2002.
Yeo Khiok-Khung, What has Jerusalem to do with Beijing? Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1998.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Write and submit three (1000 word) reflection papers by stipulated deadlines. 1450 pages of reading expected. Research and write a 4,000-word paper (maximum 20 pages, excluding bibliography) that treats one of the following: a) a critical evaluation of the challenges facing the hermeneutic task in a particular context; or b) highlight a particular hermeneutic model and examine significant insights it affords on a major biblical theme(s) or passage(s).

Th.M students will be required to submit a book review and write a 5,000-word paper demonstrating greater intellectual critique and analytical depth.

PREREQUISITES: None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: September 3, 2003