OT429/D Genesis (English Text) -...

Bachelor of Ministry, Bachelor of Theology and Related Programs

OT429/D

Genesis (English Text)

Semester 1, 2018

Malyon College

is an approved institution of the Australian College of Theology

OT429/D is offered by Malyon College as part of the Bachelor of Ministry, Bachelor of Theology

and Related Programs authorized for distance and contact delivery by the college, which is an accredited award of the Australian College of Theology (ACT).

OT429, Genesis (English Text)

MALYON COLLEGE

At Malyon we recognise that the world is changing. These are times of great challenge and opportunity. Our commitment is to raising up a generation of influential Christians who have a strong biblical base, skills in leadership and ministry, and a heart for God. We have been training Christian leaders for over 100 years, and we’ve learnt a few things about theological training. Our graduates are serving all over the world as pastors, cross-cultural workers, workplace leaders, chaplains, church leaders and theological faculty. Malyon offers full-time and part-time study options through lecture, intensive and distance modes. We have excellent resources for students including a large library, wireless internet and 24-hour access to the campus. All our awards are accredited through the Australian College of Theology.

The Australian College of Theology

The ACT was established under the auspices of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in 1891. The ACT is a company limited by guarantee governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. The Anglican Primate of Australia presides as the chairman of meetings of the company which consists of 54 persons (in 2010). The ACT is an Australasian provider of state accredited higher education courses leading to awards in theology and other disciplines related to Christian ministry. The ACT operates as an ecumenical consortium of some 2,500 students enrolled in 19 Bible and theological colleges approved to teach the awards of the ACT. These awards range from two-year diplomas, three-year undergraduate and coursework master’s degrees to masters and doctoral research degrees. The ACT has a centrally devised and managed curriculum and a quality assurance process that are applied across the whole network of affiliated colleges. The day-to-day educational system is managed by the Dean from the ACT office in Sydney. Academic governance is the responsibility of the Academic Board which oversees all academic activities of the College. The standing committees of the Academic Board share this responsibility by monitoring the quality of delivery and resourcing, developing policy, and reviewing the course structure for research, coursework and diploma courses. The membership of the Academic Board and its committees is comprised mostly of faculty members of affiliated colleges. A number of senior university academics are represented to help ensure that ACT practice (especially in the outcome of the consideration of research examiner’s reports and general academic policy) remains comparable with the standards of and best practice in the university sector. As a HEP under the Higher Education Support Act, the College was required to undergo a quality audit conducted by the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). The AUQA Audit Report was publicly released on the AUQA website in February 2007. In 2010 the company consists of 54 members composed in the following way: (1) the Anglican Primate of Australian and the Dean of the ACT, (2) the principals of 10 Anglican Theological Colleges, (3) 21 persons elected by the House of Bishops of the General Synod, (4) the principals of 11 affiliated colleges approved to deliver the research degrees of the ACT, (5) 5 graduates holding an ACT research degree, (6) 5 graduates holding any other degree of the ACT.


UNIT DETAILS

Unit Description

Creation, the Fall, the call of Abraham and the life of the patriarchs – the book of Genesis presents momentous events and addresses critical theological issues. The aim of this unit is to study the story and theological themes of Genesis by means of an intentional study of the text of Genesis. Attention will be given to a deeper interpretation of selected passages from Genesis 1-11, allowing students to dig more deeply into the first book of the Pentateuch.

Credit Points

This unit is valued at 4.

Co- and Pre-Requisites

OT301/D or OT501D, Old Testament Foundations.

Exclusions

OT420/D and OT620/D, The Pentateuch (English Text); OT430/D and OT630/D, The Pentateuch (Hebrew Text); OT439/D and OT639/D, Genesis (Hebrew Text).

Unit Content

The unit is made up of the following sections and sub-sections:

1. A consideration of the key background and introductory issues as they relate to the interpretation of Genesis.

2. Exegesis of eighteen chapters of Genesis, appropriately spread across the two main divisions of Genesis 1-11 and 12-50.

3. The derivation and discussion of key theological themes from Genesis. 4. The application of the findings of the studies to contemporary ministry.


Unit Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, student should: Knowledge and understanding: Know and understand:

1. The contents and structure of Genesis. 2. The themes and theological teaching of Genesis. 3. The major issues in contemporary study of the book of Genesis. 4. The nature and methods of Old Testament exegesis. 5. Selected chapters of Genesis. 6. The relevance of Genesis to contemporary ministry.

Skills: Be able to:

1. Use sources such as biblical and theological dictionaries, commentaries and on-line resources.

2. Recognise literary form, genre and structure. 3. Compare and contrast translations. 4. Evaluate matters relating to authorship, date and purpose. 5. Utilise the historical, religious, social and cultural contexts. 6. Relate passages to their literary context. 7. Establish the meaning of significant words and phrases. 8. Trace inter-textual references and allusions. 9. Discuss the main themes, arguments and theological teachings. 10. Exegete a selection of chapters from Genesis.

Application: Be in a position to:

1. Exegete the text of Genesis for personal understanding and for use in ministry contexts.

2. Integrate perspectives from Genesis into biblical interpretation and Christian thinking.

3. Apply the teaching of Genesis to situations and issues in contemporary Christianity and society.

Workload Requirement

A unit will generally require about 10 hours per week for lectures for contact students or home study for distance students, preparation and revision, and assignment work over thirteen weeks. In addition, two study weeks are worked into each semester. Excluding the study weeks, this generally averages out as follows:


1. Contact students: a. Lectures – 3 hours per week; b. Preparation – 2 hours per week; c. Assessments – 5 hours per week.

2. Distance students: a. Home study; including forums and revision – 5 hours per week; b. Assessments – 5 hours per week.

Learning Guides

Students should access the Learning Guides on the unit Moodle page for guidance through their studies for the semester.

Assessment Requirements

The student shall complete the following assessment requirements:

1. Module forum posts. 2. Theological assignment. 3. Exegetical assignment.

Students must keep in mind that the primary focus of this unit is the exegesis of the biblical text. As such, it is imperative that all requirements completed are based on the biblical text, with all other sources serving to enhance and enrich the exegetical study. Contact students will be expected to attend all lectures; while the forum posts are the distance student’s equivalent of classroom interaction. Just as class attendance is compulsory for on-campus students, forum participation is compulsory for distance students.

Students who fail to attend lectures or complete forum posts satisfactorily may be failed.

Required Resources

In order to complete the unit, the student will be required to have access to the following resource: Walton, John H. 2001. Genesis, NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Additionally, further learning resources will be made available on Moodle, our Online Learning Centre. These resources may include articles, extracts, contact lecture notes and other learning activities.


Lecture Schedule

Mod Date Preparation Topic/s

1 14 Feb Unit introduction

Introducing Genesis; Genesis 1-11

2 21 Feb JW Gen 1:1-2:25 Genesis 1:1-2:25

[Module forum #1]

3 28 Feb JW Gen 3:1-24 Genesis 3:1-24

[Module forum #2]

4 7 Mar JW Gen 4:1-5:32 Genesis 4:1-5:32

[Module forum #3]


[Module forum #4]


[Module forum #5]


[Module forum #6]

S/W 4 Apr STUDY WEEK

S/W 11 Apr STUDY WEEK

8 18 Apr KBH325-341 GO185-199

Interpreting Old Testament narrative

9 25 Apr Genesis 12-50 ANZAC DAY – SELF-STUDY

Genesis 12-50

10 2 May Genesis 11:27-25:11 The Abraham Narratives (Genesis 11:27-25:11)

[Module forum #7]

11 9 May Genesis 25:19-35:29 The Jacob Narratives (Genesis 25:19-35:29)

[Module forum #8]

12 16 May Genesis 37:2-50:26 The Joseph Narratives (Genesis 37:2-50:26)

[Module forum #9]

13 23 May Genesis 1-50 Reflecting on Genesis

[Module forum #10] Preparation references: JW: Walton, John H. 2001. Genesis, NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. KBH: Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg and Robert L. Hubbard. 2004. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

(Revised). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. GO: Osborne, Grant R. 2006. The Hermeneutical Spiral – A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical

Interpretation (Revised). Downers Grove: IVP Academic.


UNIT LECTURER

After working as an Air Traffic Controller in the South African Air Force, Charles de Jongh commenced his ministry experience working with children, teenagers and young adults while completing his initial theological studies at the Baptist Theological College in Cape Town, South Africa, where he graduated with a Licentiate in Theology. He continued to focus on young adults’ ministry while completing a BA at the University of Stellenbosch with majors in Biblical Studies and Psychology. In 1991, he commenced ministry in a church plant as the solo pastor at the Hilton Baptist Church, South Africa; during his ministry, the

church grew from 6-10 attendants to over sixty. At the same time, he completed an MA at Stellenbosch University, researching ‘contemporary developments in Christology in Africa.’ After five years of ministry, he took up a lecturing position at the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa with a focus on Biblical Studies and Practical Theology. While lecturing, he carried out doctoral research at the Rand Afrikaans University into the ‘significance of hermeneutical method in recent biblical scholarship.’ Other ministry involvement included serving on the Executive of Baptist Youth of Southern Africa and chairing the Board of Mission Aviation Fellowship South Africa. Charles has been a lecturer at Malyon College since July 2007, with his main teaching areas being Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. He has since completed a doctorate at the University of Johannesburg in Higher Education, examining ‘theories of multiple intelligences and learning assessment for deep learning in higher education.’ Contact details: Office number +61 7 3354 5656 E-mail [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


UNIT ASSESSMENT

Assessment Instructions

In completing assessments, students should note that:

1. The College requirements for the writing and submission of assignments are to be adhered to at all times, as marks will be deducted for incorrect and poor presentation. Of particular importance is that the official College title page is to be used, and that the word length be indicated.

2. The current Students Assignment Guides are available to all students on the Moodle

site; it should be studied, both when starting out and at the beginning of each academic year as adjustments or changes may be made from time-to-time.

3. With respect to length, students are permitted to write at a length of 10% either side

of the stated length; for example, a 1000-word assignment should be within a 900-1100 word length. Students will be penalized 10% over the word limit and may be required to resubmit the assignment in terms of the stipulated word length.

4. With respect to the List of References, a specific number of references will not be

set; however, students should note the guidelines indicated for the specific assessment requirement. However, students should note that: a. Bibles (including study Bibles), basic dictionaries and devotional guides are not

regarded as academic references. b. Electronic sources should generally not number more than half the required

number of references, and should be used with caution.

5. The failure to adhere to the stipulated assessment format requirements will be penalized as follows: a. Body of assignment:

i. 1st level – 1% ii. 2nd and subsequent levels – 2%

b. List of References and referencing: i. 1st level – 1% ii. 2nd and subsequent levels – 2%


Grade Criteria

Bachelor’s students at the advanced undergraduate degree 400-level should note that grades are awarded on the following criteria: Units at advanced level build upon foundational studies. Critical issues raised by a broad range of contemporary scholars are introduced and evaluated; primary sources are analysed at depth; and the critical and evaluative faculties of the students are developed in dialogue of scholarly literature. Pass

✓ Demonstrates an engagement with primary sources. ✓ Has begun to grasp the foundational features of the discipline. ✓ Is beginning to engage with a range of scholarly viewpoints.

Credit

✓ Demonstrates ability in engaging primary sources. ✓ Evidences a grasp of the foundational features of the discipline. ✓ Demonstrates emerging skills in the task of critically evaluating a range of

scholarly viewpoints. Distinction

✓ Demonstrates a pronounced ability to engage primary sources and understands their setting and historical context.

✓ Evidences a sound grasp of the foundational features of the discipline. ✓ Shows an ability to evaluate critically a range of scholarly viewpoints with

empathy. High Distinction

✓ Demonstrates a pronounced ability in the analysis of primary sources and understands their setting and historical context.

✓ Evidences a confident grasp of the foundational features of the discipline. ✓ Exhibits an ability to evaluate and assess empathetically a range of scholarly

viewpoints that suggests the emergence of independent thinking and research skills required at early postgraduate level.


ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

Requirement 1: Module Forum Posts

Students will be required to post ten 150-word responses to ten of the modules on the related forum on Moodle. The relevant modules are indicated on the Lecture Schedule earlier in the Guide. The intention of the responses is for students to deliberately interact with the material studied in the given module; for example, by considering the implications of the material, reflecting on the impact of background and introductory matters, and the like. While each response will only be 150 words in length, it is important that students understand that the responses are to be well argued and appropriately referenced when necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. In terms of ACT policy, any student who fails to complete at least five forum

posts will automatically fail the requirement and the unit. 2. The word length will be strictly enforced; in this case, all posts may only be

135-165 words; posts that exceed this length will be penalised as per ACT policy.

3. As the automatic word count on Moodle is a little higher than the words in the forum, students must indicate the word length of the post in brackets at the end of the post. For example, ‘(162 words).’

The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:

1. Direct response to the questions and topics as set. 2. Clear and focused responses. 3. Demonstrated grasp of the relevant material/s. 4. Indicators of independent thinking. 5. Appropriate referencing when necessary.

Length: 10x150 = 1500 words

References: as required Due: each forum closes two weeks after related module date,

late submission will not be possible Mark allocation: 25%


Requirement 2: Theological Assignment

Students are to submit an essay that address ONE of the following topics, and based on Primeval History (Genesis 1-11) alone:

1. A theology of creation. 2. A theology of human relationships (divine-human, and human-human).

In writing the essay, students should note the following:

a. Ensure that reference is made to the entire scope of Genesis 1-11. b. Include deliberate references to the text, but do not quote long passages. c. No references to any other part of the Old or New Testaments at all. d. Focus on what is said/taught about ‘creation’ OR ‘human relationships.’ e. It may be best to identify and discuss 3-5 key things that are said/taught.

It is strongly recommended that students commence their research with a thorough reading of Genesis 1-11, noting all aspects of the text that relates to ‘creation’ or ‘relationships.’

The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows:

1. A clear understanding of the definition and meaning of the theme. 2. An overall appreciation for and understanding of the theme. 3. Appropriate and reliable utilization of Genesis 1-11. 4. An awareness of the key passages and sections addressing the theme. 5. An appreciation of the literary form, genre and structure of Genesis 1-11. 6. Utilization of the historical, religious, social and cultural contexts.

Length: 2000 words

References: specialist references indicative of detailed research Due: Wednesday 18 April by electronic submission on Moodle

Mark allocation: 35%


Requirement 3: Exegetical Assignment

Students are to present a technical exegesis of ONE of the following passages:

1. Genesis 22:1-19. 2. Genesis 27:1-40. 3. Genesis 38:1-30.

The exegesis is to be critical in that, inter alia, it shows an awareness of background and contextual issues, as well as options of interpretation. The key assessment criteria for this requirement are as follows: Primary criteria

1. *Utilized references as per the set requirement. Students will be penalized 2% per reference short

2. Exegetes the entire passage. 3. Focuses on key aspects and sections of the biblical text. 4. Demonstrates an awareness of options of interpretation. 5. Draws reasonable and deliberate exegetical conclusions.

Secondary criteria

6. Meaningfully utilizes relevant background and cultural insights. 7. Locates the text in its historical, religious, social and cultural context. 8. Locates the passage in the context of the entire book.

Length: 2000 words

References: * specialist references indicative of detailed research Due: Wednesday 6 June by electronic submission on Moodle

Mark allocation: 40%

* With respect to the sources, students will be required to reference the following sources as a minimum:

➢ Two female commentators. ➢ Two majority world commentators (Africa, Asia, South America). ➢ Three quality single-volume commentaries.

* To assist in the identification of the sources, students must ensure that they record the full first name/s of all references. * All sources are to be quoted or referred to, at least once, in the actual essay; in other words, if you do not reference a source, do not include it in the List of References.


UNIT CONTRIBUTION TO GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

Developing Christians of Influence

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”

(Jeremiah 3:15)

1. 2. 3. 4.

Graduate Attribute 1: Personal Formation – ‘Shepherds with God’s heart’

a. Is secure in God, living in the truth and freedom of the gospel

✓

b. Pursues intimacy with God and Christ-likeness, particularly through spiritual disciplines

✓

c. Intentionally plans for growth, being aware of personal strengths and weaknesses

✓

d. Grows spiritual, personal and relational health, especially through accountability

✓

e. Is committed to influencing and serving others in the church and the world

✓

Graduate Attribute 2: Theological Formation – ‘Knowledge and understanding of God’s heart’

a. Understands the ‘big story’ of the Bible and the gospel

✓

b. Is personally able to interpret and apply the Bible

✓

c. Is formulating a biblical, historical and contemporary theology

✓

d. Reflects biblically and theologically on life and practice

✓

d. Is committed to communicating and demonstrating the gospel

✓

Graduate Attribute 3: Ministry Formation – ‘Knowledgeable and wise shepherds’

a. Has a godly influence on others

✓

b. Possesses the knowledge and skills needed for chosen ministry path

✓

c. Ministers and communicates the gospel with clarity in a range of contexts

✓

d. Works well in a team and intentionally does so

✓

e. Is committed to servant leadership and the mentoring of others

✓

1. A major thrust of this unit 2. A contribution that this unit should make 3. A possible function of this unit, but not targeted 4. An unlikely product of this unit

Note: Graduates who have not completed the curricular and non-curricular ministry aspects of Malyon’s courses will tend to be most developed in Graduate Attribute 2.


RECOMMENDED READINGS

The list below provides the learner with references that relate to the unit material and topics under consideration.

Recommended Commentaries

Arnold, B. T. 1998. Encountering Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker. Baldwin, Joyce. 1986. The Message of Genesis 12-50. Grand Rapids: IVP. Brueggemann, W. 2001. Genesis. Nashville: Abingdon. Collins, C. John. 2005. Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary and Theological Commentary.

Phillipsburg: P&R. De La Torre, Miguel A. 2011. Genesis. Belief: A Theological Commentary. Louisville: WJK. Hamilton, V. 1990. The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-17, NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Hamilton V. 1995. The Book of Genesis Chapters 18-50, NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Kidner, D. 2008. Genesis, Tyndale OT Commentaries. Downers Grove: IVP. Matthews, Kenneth. 1996. Genesis 1-11:26, New American Commentary. Nashville: Holman. Matthews, Kenneth. 2005. Genesis 11:27-50:26, New American Commentary. Nashville:

Holman. McKeown, J. 2008. Genesis, Two Horizons OT Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Reno, R. R. 2010. Genesis, Brazos Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids: Brazos. Schroeder, Joy A. ed. 2015. The Book of Genesis. The Bible in Medieval Tradition. Grand

Rapids: Eerdmans. Von Rad, G. 1972. Genesis. Old Testament Library. London: SCM. Waltke, B. K. 2001. Genesis: A Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Walton, John H. 2001. Genesis, NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Wenham, Gordon J. 1987. Genesis 1-15. Waco: Word. Wenham, Gordon J. 1994. Genesis 16-50. Waco: Word. Westermann, C. 1984-1986. Genesis (3 Volumes). Minneapolis: Augsburg.

Jewish References

Frankel, Ellen. 1997. The Five Books of Miriam. San Francisco: HarperOne. Salkin, Jeffrey K. 2017. JPS B’Nai Mitzvah Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: JPS. Sarna, Nahum M. 1966. Understanding Genesis. New York: Pantheon. Sarna, Nahum M. 1989. Genesis, The JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish

Publication Society.

Feminist and Majority World Resources

Adeyemo, Tokunboh, ed. 2006. Africa Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Baldwin, Joyce G. The Message of Genesis 12-50. Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove: IVP. Newsom, Carol A., Sharon H. Ringe and Jacqueline E. Lapsley, eds. 2014. The Women’s Bible

Commentary (Revised and Expanded). London: SPCK.


Page, Hugh R., ed. 2010. The Africana Bible: Reading Israel’s Scriptures from Africa and the African Diaspora. Minneapolis: Fortress.

Schottroff, Luise and Marie-Theres Wacker, eds. 2012. Feminist Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Wintle, Brian, ed. 2015. South Asia Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Related Topics

Alexander, T. D. and D. W. Baker, eds. 2003. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove: IVP.

Alexander, T. D. 2002. From Paradise to Promised Land (2nd Edition). Grand Rapids: Baker. Balentine, S. E. 1999. The Torah’s Vision of Worship. Minneapolis: Fortress. Clines, D. 1997. The Theme of the Pentateuch (2nd Edition). Sheffield: Academic. Garrett, D. 1991. Rethinking Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker. Gundry, Stanley, ed. Three Views on Creation and Evolution. Counterpoints. Grand Rapids:

Zondervan. Halton, Charles, ed. 2015. Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? Three Views on the Bible’s

Earliest Chapters. Counterpoints. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Hamilton, V. 2005. Handbook on the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. Hess, R., G. Wenham and P. E. Satterthwaite. 1994. He Swore an Oath: Biblical Themes from

Genesis 12-50. Carlisle: Paternoster. Longman, Temper III. 2005. How to Read Genesis. Downers Grove: IVP. May, Gerhard. 1994. Creatio Ex Nihilo: The Doctrine of ‘Creation out of Nothing’ in Early

Christian Thought. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. Moberly, R. W. L. 2009. Theology of the Book of Genesis. Cambridge: University. Ross, A. P. 1988. Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis.

Grand Rapids: Baker. Sailhamer, J. H. 2009. The Meaning of the Pentateuch. Downers Grove: IVP Academic. Ska, J.-L. 2006. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns. Walton, John. 2009. The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins

Debate. Downers Grove: IVP. Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews and Mark W. Chavalas. 2000. The IVP Bible Background

Commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove: IVP. Wenham, Gordon J. 2003. Exploring the Old Testament – Volume 1: The Pentateuch.

London: SPCK. Wenham, Gordon J. 2015. Rethinking Genesis 1-11. Eugene: Cascade. Wolf, H. 2007. An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch. Chicago: Moody.


ACT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Key Policies

Students should take note of the following ACT policies:

1. Unit Moderation Policy. 2. Academic Misconduct Policy. 3. Academic Appeals Policy.

Accessing Documents

These and other policy documents are publicly available in the following handbooks, through links on ACT’s home page (www.actheology.edu.au):

1. Undergraduate Handbook. 2. Postgraduate Handbook. 3. Student Policy Handbook. 4. International Student Handbook. 5. Distance Education Handbook.

These should be read in conjunction with the ‘Recent Updates’ link found on the ACT website.

http://www.actheology.edu.au/

OT429/D Genesis (English Text) -...

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