Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Bib Interp and MTSers

Because I felt it would be ridiculous to earn a degree called "Master's in Theological Studies" without ever having taken a class in Biblical interpretation, I registered for it as an elective this semester.

Now that I'm halfway through it, I can't believe it isn't required for us. Taking the intro courses to Hebrew Bible and New Testament do help to provide some socio-historical context for understanding the original meaning of a text (yep, it's just like interpreting the Constitution, only more difficult), but bringing it to today really is a whole different thing.

As a youth director I would look at the assigned lectionary text, or the text up for this day (or a certain issue) in the Serendipity New Testament for Groups and pray for an hour over (A) what is the message, (B) what activity will echo this theme, (C) what questions will get the kids talking about the theme, and (D) what closing prayer will really reach them? If a student brought up an idea outside the theme I discerned, I would helpfully try to get them back on topic.

I feel like I manipulated 20 kids into buying my agenda, without my even knowing I had one.

Although this class provides structure for interpreting the Bible, I really find it liberating. While the Spirit certainly moves, a more systematic approach than "read and pray" has really opened my eyes to subtleties about what authors are really saying, and how I need to look beyond the plains of "what speaks to me" and into the horizon of "what was the author's message?"

And in so doing, it's as though the Spirit has more room to work within me. Until last week I had seen Paul as a blowhard. His rhetoric has always turned me off, although I understand his style of writing was an accepted norm at the time. But reading Phil 4:1-9, knowing to look at the passage's plot structure and interpreting it in conversation with sources like Wesley's commentary, I believe this man had the rhetorical talents of MLK!

Anyway, to fellow MTSers, I highly recommend the Biblical Interpretation class. Some days are still wastes of time, but this is one class wherein the tools and skills I am learning I will be able to use long after when I graduate from this school. Rank it with Systematic Theology in "courses I wish I would have taken before my last year." It would have augmented so many of the others.

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