The Biblical Theology 1

Course Description

In modern times it is the development of computing and information technology that has given a huge contribution and a new impulse to the ancient and proven biblical exegesis as in reading, translating and interpreting biblical texts. Therefore, the Biblical theology is an excellent opportunity on FER to provide intellectually mature and responsible approach to the spiritual treasure which is to a great extent present in the foundations of European civilization and science. The task of Biblical theology at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering is on one hand to allow young professionals who have advanced in technical, mathematical and information sciences an access to the Bible that does not stay just on knowledge from childhood and school age, and also to give them freedom from fundamentalist attitudes. On the other hand, Biblical theology offers tried and tested spirituality plantations and values that can be fruitfully applied in their personal lives as well as in professional and social ethics. The methodology of Biblical Theology is well-established: a systematic and precise analysis of the structure, content and the message of biblical texts, questioning their origin and effects on listeners. Classes are defined in the way that educates students to: manage the entire canonical collection of biblical books, find and read biblical texts with comprehension, find the necessary literature and present a responsible interpretation. Classes should provide a basic insight into the original language of the Bible and also in contemporary exegetical methods.

General Competencies

Being familiar with the whole collection of the biblical books and main theological terms. Ability to find necessary literature for responsible interpretations. Willingness to apply insights into personal life. Improved spiritual life and engagement for social and professional ethics. Open and competent approach to the inter-religious dialogue.

Learning Outcomes

identify exegetical abbreviations
evaluate adequate literature for biblical interpretation
analyze biblical texts, taking in account contemporary methods
interpret biblical texts
identify basic theological thoughts of OT and NT
apply teaching of the Scriptures in personal life and social ethics
reproduce selected biblical themes considering modern world
summarize and reflect upon individual books of the Bible

Forms of Teaching

Lectures

In the planned time the lecturer will present introduction and analysis of the subject matter. Every lesson provides elaboration of chosen biblical texts - that is why all the participants are strongly encouraged to have their own edition of the Bible. The regular lessons encompass discussion and interpretation of the biblical texts.

Exams

In accordance with the actual rule of FER this course will have one mid-term exam and the ﬁnal exam. They have the form of written tests with multiple choice answers, all very precise and taken from the lessons and biblical text. This course also foresees optional short tests in Moodle system.

Exercises

Students will be asked to read publicly texts passages and to give arguments for topics in question. The aim is to achieve ability for responsible interpretation and correct application of the biblical texts.

Consultations

Regular consultations are held between and after the lectures and in chosen time that will be announced in advance. Regular contact with the professors is by e-mail or social networks.

Acquisition of Skills

In classes students will gain the ability to navigate in the biblical books, accurately locate and denote the given text.

E-learning

As indicated on the official pages (www.fer.hr), all the materials for the lessons as well the instructions for written paper and exams are sequentially published at http://amdg.eu/fer-bt1/ Biblical theology also uses interactive learning system Moodle (available at http://www.fer.unizg.hr/predmet/bibteo1).

Other Forms of Group and Self Study

All students are asked to carefully read and study biblical texts. A special form of teaching are films with biblical themes accompanied by appropriate discussion and clarification.

Grading Method

	Continuous Assessment		Exam
Type	Threshold	Percent of Grade	Threshold	Percent of Grade
Quizzes	0 %	20 %	0 %	20 %
Mid Term Exam: Written	40 %	40 %	0 %
Final Exam: Written	35 %	40 %
Exam: Written			50 %	80 %

Comment:

All students who follow continuous form of classes are obliged to attend the mid-term and the ﬁnal exam. Moodle tests are optional. Activity on classes is awarded by additional points.

Week by Week Schedule

Divine teaching for life (Ps 1) Key to understand the Scripture. The significance of the Bible An introduction to the biblical theology Blessed friendship * On the way to Emaus The pedagogy of the Risen Lord (Lk 24)
The development of the Canon of the Bible Cosmos and anthropos Goodness in the structure of biblical creation (Gen 1:1-2:4) Humankind as image of God (Gen 1-5) The mistery of christian fruitfulness (Jn 15:1-8)
The first covenant (Gen 6-9)Abraham's faith (Gen 11-25), Abraham's calling (Gen 12)
Spiritual path of the patriarch Jacob (Gen 25-50) Moses - the great savior of the People of God (Ex 3 - Dtn 34)
Moses - the Legislator (Decalogue in the Pentateuch)
Women in the Old Testament - Eve - the Mother of all Living, Miriam, the Prophetess (Ex 15,21), Deborah (Judges 4s); Hannah - the Mother of the Great Prophet (1 Sam 1:1-2:21)
The Prophets of the Bible: Abraham, Moses - the Role Model (Deuternomy 18); Eliah before his Lord (1 Kings19); Amos - Called by Name; The second prayer of Jonah (Jon 4)
The spiritual vocation in the Bible: Rise and fall of Gideon (Judges 6-8) The call of Samuel (1 Sam 3) "Whom shall I send?" (Isa 6)
The Temptation of Christ (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13 - the Structure of the Text and Synopsis)
Eternal teaching of the Gospel The Talents (Mt 25:14–30) The School of the Responsibility (Lk 15:11-32)
The Women of the New Testament The Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28) Marta (Lk 10:38-42; Iv 11:19-27) Lydia (Acts 16) Mary Magdalene
The true Face of Christ (Structure and message in Mk 9:2-9; Mt 17:1-9; Lk 9:28-36
The Conversion and the Apostleship of St. Paul
Christ's birth in the Gospels * The Beginning of the Signs in John 2,1-12 * Forgivness in the Temple (John 8)
The man who saw and believed. Peter's way, Peter's tears Thomas the Apostle Christ, the risen Lord and his disciple Peter