The Pastor as Bible Scholar Program: Book Model

Old Testament Emphasis

Copyright by Rodger Dalman, 2009

Brooklyn Center, MN

While the Pastor as Bible Scholar Program offers neither academic credit nor a degree, the level of learning that it can provide can be compared to a Masters in Theology with a Biblical Emphasis (27 Program Units). This program is written for those who already have a seminary degree.

The following courses require reading your choice of a wide selection of books. Before selecting a book, begin by checking the write up of the books either at the publishers’ web sites or at online book sources like Amazon.com. Contact information and web addresses for the book publishers and book sellers can be found at the BOOKS section of the Evangelical Virtual Seminary - RESOURCE CENTER. Select books that fit your interests, your ability level, and your financial situation. For helpful advice about finding books, see the BOOKS section of the RESOURCE CENTER.

LANGUAGES

Choose either LN 162 – INTRODUCTORY HEBREW or LN 262 – INTERMEDIATE HEBREW. To understand many commentaries and academic studies, it is very import to understand how the Hebrew language works. However, it is less important to memorize vocabulary words or the proper way to form the piel imperfect 3^rd person singular of a hollow verb. If you don’t know Hebrew, read through a text book so that you have at least some idea how the language works. Lee Fields book may be the best tool for many people to use if they don’t know Hebrew.

LN 162 – INTRODUCTORY HEBREW (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully one of the following studies. If you do not read Hebrew, evaluate how much time you can afford to spend working through the exercises. The more time that you spend on the exercises, the better your grasp of the language will become. However, the important thing is to understand how the language works.

Bartelt, Andrew H. and Steinmann, Andrew E. Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. St. Louis, MO: Concordia.

deClaissé-Walford, Nancy L. Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Textbook. St. Louis, MO: Chalice. ISBN: 978-08272-02313

Dobson, John H. Learn Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3102-1

Ellis, Robert Ray. Learning to Read Biblical Hebrew. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, ISBN: 978-1-932792-56-0.

Fields, Lee M. Hebrew for the Rest of Us: Using Hebrew Tools without Mastering Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 978-0-310-27709-5

Fuller, Russell T. and Choi, Kyoungwon. Invitation to Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2650-6. Workbook 978-0-8254-2652-0

Mansoor, Menahem. Biblical Hebrew: Step by Step: Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-6041-0. Vol. 2. ISBN: 978-0-8010-6151-6.

Muroaka, Joüon. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-88-7653-629-8

Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Grammar. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-23760-2. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. ISBN: 0-310-23701-7

Ross, Allen P. Introducing Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2147-3

Silzer, Peter James and Finley, Thomas John. How Biblical Languages Work: A Student’s Guide to Learning Hebrew and Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2644-5

LN 262 – INTERMEDIATE HEBREW (3 Program Units)

If you do read Hebrew, select one of the following books and read it carefully.

Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. A Workbook for Intermediate Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2390-1

Pennington, Jonathan T. Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary: Learn on CD: Includes 2 Audio CDs Spoken by the Author and a 40-Page Vocabulary Guide. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-25492-2

Schökel, Luis Alonso. A Manual of Hebrew Poetics. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press. ISBN: 978-88-7653-567-3

Tucker, W. Dennis Jr. Jonah: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press. ISBN: 978-1-932792-66-9

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

TH 211 - SYSTEMATIC STUDIES (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully three of the following books. Then summarize for yourself the most important ideas that you found in your reading.

Barnett, Paul. Jesus and the Logic of History. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2603-2

Barrois, Georges A. The Face of Christ in the Old Testament. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1974.

Basinger, David and Basinger, Randall. Predestination & Free Will. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-87784-567-6

Evans, C. Stephen. Philosophy of Religion. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2653-7

Leupp, Roderick T. The Renewal of Trinitarian Theology: Themes, Patterns & Explorations. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2889-0

Lillback, Peter A. The Binding of God: Calvin’s Role in the Development of Covenant Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2263-0

McDonald, Lee Martin. The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission, and Authority. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-56563-925-6

McGrath, Alister. A Passion for Truth. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-1591-3

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3610-1

Newman, Carey C. ed. Jesus & the Restoration of Israel. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-1587-6

Peters, James R. The Logic of the Heart: Augustine, Pascal, and the Rationality of Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3599-9

Piper, John. The Future of Justification. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-964-1

Quash, Ben and Ward, Michael. Heresies and How to Avoid Them: Why It Matters What Christians Believe. Peadoby, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-59856-013-8

Schreiner, Thomas R. and Ware, Bruce A. eds. Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2232-6

Van Til, Cornelius. Christianity and Barthianism. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-481-8

Van Til, Henry R. The Calvinist Concept of Culture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-9

Zachman, Randall C. ed. John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3597-5

CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY

CH 221 – LESSONS IN CHURCH HISTORY (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully three of the following books. Then think through what the books teach you about the history of your own denominational tradition. Think about lessons that can be learned from these resources about the relationships between your denominational tradition and other denominations in your community.

Bovon, François. Studies in Early Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2935-6

Godfrey, W. Robert. Reformation Sketches: Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the Confessions. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-578-4

Maier, Paul L. trans. Eusebius: The Church History. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-3307-8

Parry, Ken. The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2005. ISBN: 0-631-23423-3

Zachman, Randall C. ed. John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3597-5

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

PT 231 - WOMEN’S STUDIES (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully three of the following studies. Think about the presuppositions behind each study, and evaluate the usefulness of the study for your own congregation.

Barrs, Jerram. Through His Eyes: God’s Perspective on Women in the Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2009. ISBN: 978-1-4335-0224-8

Beck, James R. and Blomberg, Craig L. Two Views on Women in Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-23195-7

Bilezikian, Gilbert. Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman’s Place in Church and Family. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3153-3

Caner, Ergun Mehmet. Voices behind the Veil: The World of Islam through the Eyes of Women. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2402-1

Clouse, Bonnidell and Clouse, Robert G. eds. Women in Ministry. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-1284-4

Flake, Elaine McCollins. God in Her Midst: Preaching Healing to Wounded Women. Valley Forge, PA: Judson, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8170-1506-0

Gladdis, Patricia Riddle. Battered but Not Broken: Help for Abused Wives and Their Church Families. Valley Forge, PA: Judson. ISBN: 978-0-8170-1241-0

Grenz, Stanley J. and Kjesbo, Denise Muir. Women in the Church. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-1862-4

Grudem, Wayne. Evangelical Feminism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-734-0

Grudem, Wayne. ed. Foundations for the Family – Biblical Foundations for Manhood and Womanhood. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-409-7

Impson, Beth. Focal Point – Called to Womanhood. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-262-8

Kassian, Mary. The Feminist Mistake. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-570-4

Klusendorf, Scott. The Case for Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-4335-0310-7

Köstnberger, Margaret Elizabeth. Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-58134-959-7

Kroeger, Catherine Clark and Nason-Clark, Nancy. No Place for Abuse. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2295-9

LaCelle-Peterson, Kristina. Liberating Tradition: Women’s Identity and Vocation in Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3179-3

Payne, Philip B. Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 978-0-310-21988-0

Polaski, Sandra Hack. A Feminist Introduction to Paul. St. Louis, MO: Chalice. ISBN: 978-08272-10370

Schneider, Tammi J. Mothers of Promise: Women in the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2949-3

Stackhouse, John G. Jr. Finally Feminist: A Pragmatic Christian Understanding of Gender. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3130-4

Sumner, Sarah. Men and Women in the Church. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2391-8

Thomas, Frank A. What’s Love Got to Do with It? Love, Power, Sex, and God. Valley Forge, PA: Judson. ISBN: 978-0-8170-1391-2. Workbook ISBN: 978-0-8170-1433-9

OLD TESTAMENT

OT 241 - OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES (3 Program Units)

Begin by reading carefully the New Testament section of Yahweh’s Song which is available on the RESOURCES page of this web site. Then select and read carefully three of the following studies. Then think about how facts and ideas in the study can bring life and interest to your preaching or teaching.

Dillard, Raymond B. Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel According to Elijah and Elisha. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-650-0

Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2730-7

Hoerth, Alfred J. et al, eds. Peoples of the Old Testament World. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2196-1

Miller, J. Gary. Now Choose Life. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2606-3

Morgan, Donn F. The Making of Sages: Biblical Wisdom and Contemporary Culture. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity, 2002. ISBN: 1-56338-328-4

Oswalt, John N. The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 978-0-310-28509-0

Selderhuis, Herman J. Calvin’s Theology of the Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3166-3

Thiele, Edwin R. The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-3825-7

Unger, Merrill F. Israel and the Aramaeans of Damascus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1957. ISBN: 0-8010-9204-3

Wright, Christopher J. H. Knowing God the Father through the Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2592-9

Yamauchi, Edwin M. Persia and the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2108-4

OT 242 – GENESIS (3 Program Units)

Begin by reading the Genesis sections of Yahweh’s Song which is available on the RESOURCES section of this web page. Then select TWO of the following sources and read them carefully. Evaluate the presuppositions behind each study.

CONSERVATIVE STUDIES

Alexander, Denis. Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21^st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-25018-8

Blocher, Henri. In the Beginning. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-87784-325-2

Boice, James Montgomery. Genesis: An Expositional Commentary. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998. ISBN of vol. 3: 0-8010-1163-9

Borgman, Paul. Genesis: The Story We Haven’t Heard. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2655-1

Currid, John D. Genesis. 2 vols. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-85234-537-2 and 0-85234-550-X

Godfrey, W. Robert. God’s Pattern for Creation: A Covenantal Reading of Genesis 1. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-799-X

Jacobs, Mignon R. Gender, Power, and Persuasion: The Genesis Narratives and Contemporary Portraits. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007. ISBN: 0-8010-2706-3

Longman, Tremper III. How to Read Genesis. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005. ISBN: 0-87784-943-9

Niehaus, Jeffrey J. God at Sinai: Covenant & Theophany in the Bible and Ancient Near East. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. ISBN: 0-310-49471-0

Waltke, Bruce K. Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-22458-6

Walton, John H. Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-20617-0

MAINSTREAM (LIBERAL) STUDIES

Allen, James P. Genesis in Egypt: The Philosophy of Ancient Egyptian Creation Accounts. New Haven, CT: Yale University, 1988. ISBN: 0-912532-14-9

Brueggemann, Walter. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Genesis. Atlanta, GA: John Knox, 1982. ISBN: 978-0-8042-3101-5

Nelson, Richard D. From Eden to Babel: An Adventure in Bible Study. St. Louis, MO: Chalice, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-8272-1039-4

OT 243 – EXODUS TO DEUTERONOMY (3 Program Units)

Begin by reading the Exodus section of Yahweh’s Song which is available at the RESOURCES page of this web site. Then select and read TWO of the following studies. Evaluate the presuppositions that stand behind each study.

CONSERVATIVE STUDIES

Bruckner, James K. Exodus: New International Biblical Commentary Old Testament Series. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-212-7

Cole, R. Dennis. Numbers. Broadman & Holman, 2000.

Craigie, Peter. Deuteronomy. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1976.

Currid, John D. Exodus. 2 vols. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-85234-437-6 and 0-85234-472-4

Currid, John D. Leviticus. Evangelical Press, 2005.

Davidman, Joy. Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster, 1954.

Enns, Peter. The NIV Application Commentary: Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 0-310-20607-3

Hoffmeier, James K. Israel in Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Niehaus, Jeffrey J. God at Sinai: Covenant & Theophany in the Bible and Ancient Near East. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. ISBN: 0-310-49471-0

Ross, Allen. Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Preaching the Word: Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2005. ISBN: 978-1-58134-489-9

Wenham, Gordon. Numbers. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.

Work, Telford. Deuteronomy. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos. ISBN: 978-1-58743-098-5

MAINSTREAM (LIBERAL) STUDIES

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus. Louisville, KY: Westminster, 1974. ISBN: 0-664-20985-8

Meyers, Carol. Exodus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005. ISBN: 0-521-80781-6

Römer, Thomas. The So-Called Deuteronomistic History: A Sociological, Historical and Literary Introduction. London: T. & T. Clark, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-567-0312-6

Walzer, Michael. Exodus and Revolution. Basic Books, 1985. ISBN: 0-465-02163-8

OT 244 – ISAIAH AND JEREMIAH (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully TWO of the following studies. Choose one study of Isaiah and one of Jeremiah. Evaluate the usefulness of each study.

Craigie, Peter, et al. Deuteronomy. Waco, TX: Word, 1991.

Dearman, J. Andrew. Jeremiah, Lamentations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. ISBN: 0-310-20616-2

Goldingay, John. The Message of Isaiah 40-55. London: T. & T. Clark, 2005.

Hindson, Edward. Isaiah’s Immanuel: A Sign of His Times or the Sign of the Ages? Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-310-2

Longman, Tremper III. Jeremiah Lamentations: New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-212-7

Motyer, J. Alec. The Prophecy of Isaiah. Downers Grove, IL: ISBN: 978-0-8308-1593-7

Oswalt, John N. Isaiah. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-20613-8

Ryken, Philip. Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. 97801-58134-167-6

Watts, Rikki E. Isaiah’s New Exodus in Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2251-7

Wolf, Herbert. Interpreting Isaiah. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1985.

Young, Edward J. The Book of Isaiah. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1965-1972.

NEW TESTAMENT

NT 251 - NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES (3 Program Units)

Begin by reading carefully the New Testament section of Yahweh’s Song which is available on the RESOURCES page of this web page. Then select and read carefully, TWO of the following books. Evaluate the presuppositions that stand behind each study.

Balla, Peter. Challenges to New Testament Theology. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-394-0

Beckwith, Roger. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1985. ISBN: 0-8028-3617-8

Bruggen, Jakob van. Paul: Pioneer for Israel’s Messiah. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2005. ISBN: 0-87552-648-9

Daly, Robert J. Apocalyptic Thought in Early Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN; 978-0-8010-3627-9

Evans, Craig A. Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-409-1

Scott, J. Julius Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 978-0-8010-2240-1

Stockhausen, Carol K. Moses’ Veil and the Glory of the New Covenant. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 1989. ISBN: 978-88-7653-116-3

Copyright © 2009 Dr. Rodger Dalman
Last modified: 08/11/09