| Unit name | The Bible and Politics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30074 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Paynter |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
What are the 'politics' of the Bible and how has that text and its components been used politically over the last two millenia? How are they being used today? Topics such as forms of statehood, obedience to the state, economic systems, foreign policy, military service, revolt and rebellion, and the death sentence will be considered. Attention will be paid to both contemporary Western democratic states (esp US and Britain) and to various forms of radical politics, past and present.
Aims:
To introduce students to a number of key issues in the way the Bible has been used in politics, both in western democracies and radical politics.
To provide an overview of a major philosophical tradition which has deeply shaped the philosophical theologies of the Abrahamic faiths.
To introduce students to critical understanding of the terms 'Bible' and 'Politics';
To develop critical interaction with primary and secondary materials.
To develop written presentation skills through the course assessment.
By the end of the unit students will have:
(1) have a critical understanding of the terms 'Bible' and 'Politics';
(2) be familiar with the politics of biblical texts and of the use of biblical texts in politics historically;
(3) understand the 'rules' for using biblical texts in Western democracies (esp. Britain and the US) and have examined a number of policies where this has occurred/is occuring;
(4) and have encountered the use of the Bible in various forms of radical politics.
(5) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument. Students will also be expected to show:
(6) skills in critical thinking and in written communication appropriate to level H.
Seminars - 3 hours per week
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%). Both elements will assess ILOs (1) (2) (3) and (4). The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILOs (5) and (6).
Richard Bauckham, The Bible in Politics (2nd ed.; London: SPCK, 2010).
Jacques Berlinerblau, Thumpin' it: The Use and Abuse of the Bible in Today's Presidential Politics (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2007).
Roland Boer, Lenin, Religion, and Theology (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013).
Daniel Carroll, Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible (Baker Academic, 2008).
James Crossley, Jesus in an Age of Terror: Scholarly Projects for a New American Century (London: Equinox, 2011).
Nick Spencer, Freedom and Order: History, Politics and the English Bible (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2011).
