At some point in our Christian lives we have been told that one of the best things we can do is to read the Bible. However, the assumption that we often make is that because we can read, then we are equipped to read the Bible. That will only get us so far.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is made up of all different types of writings. For example we have Law, Gospel, Epistle, Apocalyptic, and so on. Reading the Bible is something all Christians can learn to do better. One of the approaches that people invariably often take to reading is to think of the Bible in terms of verses or passages. A little bit like a reference manual.
In Semester 2, BST lecturer Dr Alan Stanley will teach a new unit every Wednesday evening called Biblical Theology and Interpretation. The purpose of the lectures is to help Christians in their approach to reading and understanding the Bible.
Alan says, ‘My desire is to teach our students to learn to read the Bible respectfully. That is, to read the Bible the way that God wants it to be read. He has revealed himself throughout history in a certain way. The Bible comes to us not as a whole bunch of verses or passages. The Bible comes to us as a story. A true story. It’s to be read from beginning to end. I would say that it’s about learning to read the Bible as a story—to find ourselves in that story and to see where that story is ultimately going.’
In addition to Biblical Theology and Interpretation, BST is also offering another new subject in Semester 2. Rev Dr Prince, Director of the Centre for Asian Christianity, will teach a new subject on Tuesday evenings called Contextual Asian Ministry.
‘Asia has progressed from being a destination for mission to a global force in mission. The missional needs and opportunities in Asia continue to expand. Through immigration, tourism, education, and humanitarian crises, an increasing number of Asian people are living in Australia. The purpose of this new unit is to prepare students for ministry to people from an Asian background, whether locally or overseas,’ Andrew says.
If you have an interest in any of these new subjects, you can study them for credit as part of an accredited diploma, degree or graduate course, or you can simply sit in on all the lectures and enjoy the teachings without the hassle of assessments as an audit student at a cost of $295 per subject.
To find out more please contact us on (07) 3870 8355. Lectures will commence the week beginning Monday, 10 July 2017.
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