Reading the Bible: Together in the Text
This course is delivered by Dr Samuel Hildebrandt, lecturer in Biblical Studies at NTC.
Description
The Bible is central to our life of faith but it can be a rather overwhelming book: there is the historical and social world that differs so vastly from ours, there is the odd mix of stories, poems, and letters, and, of course, there is the question of how any of this applies to us today. These questions pour forth from the text and collide with our own personal background, our interests, our struggles.
This short course paves the road for you to engage with confidence and curiosity with this quest of interpretation. It is not a series of lectures about the Bible, but rather it is about learning to read the Bible, on your own, with others, and with Christ. The format of this course is personal and practical, makes space for reflection, and opens up a whole new world of discovery both for long-term Bible readers and for those who have just started.
This course is being delivered entirely asynchronous, that means that you can start it whenever you want and complete it in your own time (though we recommend that you schedule 7-10 weeks from start to finish). Each of the learning units includes a guided reading exercise where you can share some of your own insights and read and respond to the posts of other course members.
What You Will Learn!
- Read the Bible with confidence and insight
- Learn how to ask the appropriate questions about different texts within the Bible
- Have an understanding of the complexity of Christianity and how it shaped and was shaped by the wider society and culture
- Develop independent thought and critical self-awareness about your own beliefs
Who Should Attend!
- Bible readers wanting to improve their understanding of the Bible
- Individuals who want to learn more about the Bible and how to read it
- Individuals who want to look at the Biblical text critically