HOMI/NBST 697HERMENEUTICS AND HOMILETICS: BALANCING EXEGESIS AND APPLICATIONDR. R. SCOTT PACERSPACE@LIBERTY.EDU

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to further students’ understanding of the principles and method of biblical preaching, specifically within the context of pastoral ministry. Students will be challenged to develop and utilize proper hermeneutical and homiletical tools related to various New Testament genres, doctrines, and passages with special attention given to the application and contemporary relevance.

RATIONALEThe purpose of this course is to equip students to develop and maintain an effective and faithful preaching ministry within the context of the local church. Specific emphasis will focus on providing the necessary tools for developing and preaching sermons from various New Testament genres by considering the related homiletical and hermeneutical nuances. Additional attention will be given to preparing sermons for doctrinally challenging texts, developing textual application for relevance, and the unique considerations required by a pastor.

I. PREREQUISITE

None.

II. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES

Doriani, Daniel M. Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application. Phillipsburg: P & R, 2001. ISBN: 0875521703.

McQuilkin, Robertson. Understanding and Applying the Bible. Chicago: Moody, 2009. ISBN: 0802490921.

Strauss, Mark L. How to Read the Bible in Changing Times: Understanding and Applying God’s Word Today. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011. ISBN: 0875522386.

Webb, William J. Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001. ISBN: 0830815619.

Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources.

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III. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Microsoft Word(Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.)

IV. MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Determine timeless principles from culturally specific biblical texts.

B. Justify interpretations of doctrinally difficult biblical passages.

C. Develop and deliver persuasive sermons on controversial biblical texts.

D. Explain the significance of hermeneutical and homiletical contextualization.

E. Identify textually-faithful application for contemporary listeners.

V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A. Textbook readings and lecture presentations

B. Book Reviews (2)

Each student will read the Doriani and Webb texts and submit a well-written, 4–6-page critique in current Turabian format for each text.

C. Sermon Manuscripts (2)

Each student will develop two full sermon manuscripts for approximately 30-35 minutes sermons. Complete manuscripts will include all aspects of the sermon from the introduction to the invitation and will utilize the appropriate formatting to demonstrate the various elements of the sermon. Both sermons will be based on assigned passages, one doctrinally difficult text and one controversial biblical passage.

D. Sermon Presentation(s)

Each student will preach at least one sermon in class based on one of their submitted manuscripts.

E. Research Paper/Project

Each student will write a 8-10 page research paper on the necessity and nature of application in the hermeneutical process and homiletical development.

VI. COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES

A. Points

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Masters Students

Book Reviews (100 pts each) 200 Sermon Manuscripts (175 pts each) 350 Sermon Presentation 150Research Paper 300

Total 1000

B. Scale

A = 940–1010 A- = 920–939 B+ = 900–919 B = 860–899 B- = 840–859C+ = 820–839 C = 780–819 C- = 760–779 D+ = 740–759 D = 700–739D- = 680–699 F = 0–679

C. Late Assignment Policy

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the class will not be accepted.

4. Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted.

Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.

D. Style Guidelines

All assignments for this course are to be formatted in accordance with the LBTS Writing Guide and the latest edition of the Turabian style manual (A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations). Discussion assignments and essay examinations may use the parenthetical citation style. All other written assignments should use the footnote citation style. Supplemental writing aids are available via the Online Writing Center.

E. Extra Credit

No additional “for credit” assignments will be permitted beyond those given in the course requirements stated above.

F. Course Changes

Course requirements are subject to change by the administration of the University at any time with appropriate notice.

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G. Disability Assistance

Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online’s Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) located in Green Hall 2668 at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.

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