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January 24 – 25 Bible Introduction - Carol Miles

We begin our new series of leadership classes this month. Our first class is our popular "Introduction to the Bible" Class. This class is taught by Carol Miles. This class introduces the student to a reformed perspective in understanding the Bible. This is a wonderful class for Elders, Deacons, Christian Educator and anyone who whats to understand this wonderful Book of ours better. 

You can sign up for this class or any other of our dozen classes at:

karl@shadley.net or 510-435-4264

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Rev. Dr. Carol Antablin Miles

M.Div., Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary 

MA, Univeristy of Southern California,

BA, University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Miles has served in ministry to youth, university students, and young adults for three decades. An abiding interest in theological education led Dr. Miles to teaching positions in the Southwest and the Midwest first, as Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX, and subsequently as Associate Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, in St. Paul, MN. She served as the Executive Director and Pastor to Westminster House at Berkeley and Presently is teaching Preaching at the Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley

CLASS SYLLABUS

Presbytery of San Francisco Education Center Class

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

February 22-23, 2013

545 Ashbury, El Cerrito CA (across from El Cerrito High School)

“…what the people need above all things is the Word of God.” Martin Luther

Letter to George Spalatin September 9, 1521

Instructor: Carol Miles (925) 817-9396

revdrcarolmiles@gmail.com

Course Description:

This course explores the use of the Bible as it informs, shapes, and critiques the identity and mission of the church. Students are introduced to interpretive methods aimed at illuminating the meaning of biblical texts in contemporary contexts. Particular attention is given to the assumptions we hold about the nature of Scripture and how they impact the task of interpretation.

Required Readings: * You can order each of these books used on Amazon

The Bible – NRSV Study Bible (Harper Collins or Oxford)

William H. Willimon, “The Bible as the Church’s Book,” in Shaped by the Bible, Abingdon Press, 1991

William C. Placher, “Struggling with Scripture,” in Struggling with Scripture, Westminster/John Knox Press, 2002

Walter Brueggemann, “Summary: Perspectives on the Bible,” in The Bible Makes Sense, John Knox Press, 1977

Jack Rogers, Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way, Geneva Press, 1999, pp. 1-50.

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance at both class sessions on Friday and Saturday
2. Completion of all readings.
3. A final assignment enumerating the 10 most important insights you gained from the readings and class presentations. Insights should be stated in your own words but may include quotes from books or lectures as needed (1-2 pp). On a separate sheet, list a minimum of 5 questions about the Bible or the task of interpreting sacred texts that remain for you. Send final assignment as an attachment to the instructor’s email address above. DUE: February 15.

In order to receive a passing grade for the class, ALL work must be completed and turned in no later than February 21, 2014.