Biblical Studies

BRD106 – Introduction to the Old Testament *

Course Author: Antoinette Collins

An overview of the books of the Old Testament: the Pentateuch to Joshua and Judges – pre-history, patriarchs and matriarchs, Exodus; conquest or claiming the land; Kings and Prophets – their crises and relationship, their message and meaning, the early and later prophets; other writings – the stories, history and spirituality of a people.

BRD108 – Introduction to the New Testament *

Course Author: Margaret Beirne

Introduction to the historical, geographical and cultural background of the New Testament; content and context of the New Testament writings; the formation of the Gospels; the life, background and theology of Paul as revealed in his letters.

BRD126 – The Psalms

Course Author: Antoinette Collins
Prerequisite: BRD106

Introduction to the Psalms: the prayer of a people; hymns of praise – a holistic approach; psalms of lament – individual and communal; liturgical and historical psalms – the psalms and liturgy; wisdom psalms – the listening heart; royal psalms – authority in the psalms.

BRD131 – The Prophets

Course Author: Antoinette Collins
Prerequisite: BRD106

The background to, and the rise of, prophecy: Nathan, Elijah and Elisha; the classical 8th and 7th century prophets: Isaiah, Hosea and Jeremiah; prophets of the exile and beyond – Ezekiel, 2nd and 3rd Isaiah.

BRD153 – The Gospel of Mark

Course Author: David Walker
Prerequisite: BRD108

This unit serves as an introduction to the study of the synoptic gospels, examining their basic features and applying general exegetical principles. The characteristics and message of Mark, its principal theological themes and literary techniques are examined in more detail.

BRD164 – Letters of Paul

Course Author: Jane Dalton
Prerequisite: BRD108

The life and background of Paul; the letters as occasional documents; Christian communities in the first century; the basic features of Paul’s theology as it appears in his letters.

BRD168 – The Teaching of St John

Course Author: Margaret Beirne
Prerequisite: BRD108

Historical, social and religious background of the Johannine community; the unique theological perspective of John; the style and structure of the gospel; the symbolism and imagery of John.

* Indicates an Introductory unit