How do we “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” Scripture? The Bible says…” Biblical interpretation through the ages, is a course designed for parishes to help us hear God speaking to us through the Bible, and to live out our lives as “one in Christ” with others to whom God is also speaking.

Designed by Celia Brewer Sinclair at UNC-Charlotte, this course consists of six modules.

• Module 1: Patriarchs and Matriarchs, looks at Genesis 12-50 with particular attention to Genesis 22 (the binding of Isaac), using the method of rabbinic midrash.
• Module 2: Exodus, Conquest, Early Monarchy, focuses on Hebrew history from c.1290-1000 BCE, with particular attention to Moses and Joshua, using the method of patristic typology.
• Module 3: Prophetic Voices, focuses on the 8th century prophets (e.g. Amos, Hosea) and exilic prophets (e.g. Jeremiah, Second Isaiah), with particular attention to Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, using the lens of liberation theology.
• Module 4: Primeval History, looks at Genesis 1-11, with particular attention to Eve and feminist criticism.
• Module 5: “This is my body,” looks at the four gospels with particular attention to the Last Supper, using the method of redaction criticism.
• Module 6: “They have turned the world upside down:” The Early Church, focuses on the early churches in the Roman Empire, and the way "church" has been understood historically by various denominations.

Each module consists of

• The Scope of the Texts, a description of the key themes and developments within the text
• A Method of Biblical Interpretation, examining a particular interpretive approach used in Judaeo-Christian history, such as midrash or typology
• Putting the Method under the Microscope, applying the method to a particular passage
• Online Readings, readings about this Scripture and about this method, available through the internet
• Questions for Roundtable Discussions, a stimulus to group discussion in your parish.

This course seeks to provide experiences that are participatory, encouraging both deeper understanding and transformative reflection among a broad adult audience. Through a positive respectful conversation, we hope this study will contribute to strengthening the sense of community; affirming the biblical foundations of our faith; assisting in developing practices to live into the new humanity offered to us through Christ; and challenging participants to relate study and reflection to action in the name of Christ. The format is based on the model for covenanted conversations used at the diocesan convention in 2005.

Guidance for facilitators for this specific study is available, as is a general reflection on "The Art of Facilitation."

If you have questions or comments about this course, you may contact the School or Celia Sinclair.