Exegesis of Ruth 1:1-22: Old Testament Interpretation II
This project constituted the student’s culminating exegetical assignment for the semester. Over several months, the student engaged in a structured writing process shaped by weekly precept sessions focused on method, textual analysis, and scholarly writing. Shorter weekly studies scaffolded the development of the final 18-22 page paper, which analyzed one lectionary-appointed passage. The completed paper incorporated historical, literary, and theological interpretation.
Interpretive Exercise 3: New Testament Interpretation
This assignment required the student to integrate historical research with close textual study to reimagine how an “ordinary” first-century resident of Philippi might have encountered Paul’s ministry. The student created a 400-500-word reflection, presented as a narrative, dialogue, or monologue, that explored how such an individual might have responded to Paul in Acts 16 and to the Christological vision in Philippians 2:1-18.
Theology “In the Wild”: Christian Theology
This assignment required the student to analyze how a chosen sermon, article, or song articulated theological claims about God and God’s relationship to the world. In the first section, the student identified the doctrines employed and the assumptions underlying the author’s argument. The second section asked the student to offer an evaluative response, articulating points of agreement or disagreement and presenting a coherent theological position of their own. The final 8-10 page paper demonstrated the student’s ability to interpret and assess theology in contemporary contexts.