With just 2 1/2 weeks to go in the semester, it is class project time for my nine students in BNEW 403 - Exegesis in Hebrews. Every Wednesday afternoon the class comes together for an in depth discussion of the exegetical , theological and applicational issues in a chosen section of the Book of Hebrews, covering the entire book in the semester.The goal of the class is not only to teach the student the content of the book of Hebrews but to help them begin to understand the process of exegesis and interpretation so that they can study the Bible for themselves and, from it, formulate a personal theology. I want to create a classroom environment where the student can encounter God in the text and grow to be more like Him. The added bonus is that the techniques for reading, interpreting and analysis of the Bible will help the students handle other information that comes their way so that they can become effective thinkers and communicators in all areas of life.
The projects are an important part of this. Each student is required to teach the class one time and lead the discussion on one of the passages from Hebrews 11-13. For their passage they must answer questions like.. What is the big idea, main point, basic message of your passage? How does your passage fit in with the argument of the book? What is the argument of your passage? What are the main or difficult exegetical issues in the passage and what is your solution to the problems? How should your audience apply the passage? They then have to field questions and comments from the class by explaining and defending their viewpoint. This is the 2nd time I have taught this class and it is exciting to see the students have "the light go on" and hear some very profound insights that come out of the hard work they put into their presentations. I think I get blessed just as much as they do.
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