Exploring the Online Hermeneutics Course: Insights and Resources

Harry Haney, a Professor of New Testament since 2002, welcomes students to the first virtual classroom for online hermeneutics, aiming to create a more personal learning environment compared to traditional text chats.

The virtual classroom sessions are designed to enhance student engagement and provide opportunities for questions regarding course materials, including videos and readings. Haney emphasizes that participation in these live sessions leads to a more enjoyable and enriching class experience.

To receive credit for attending the virtual classroom, students must submit a 'Virtual Classroom Response' stating 'I attended.' If unable to attend, they can watch the recorded session posted in the general information module and submit a relevant paragraph or two by Friday, reflecting on the discussion.

Haney explains that he will post participation credit by the following Monday, regardless of whether students attend live or watch the recording. He expresses enthusiasm for the course and introduces Jonathan McCormick, the director of the Gateway Library, to discuss library resources available to online students.

Dr. Jonathan McCormick introduces himself and outlines the library services for online students, including the ability to check out 35 items for four weeks with two renewals. He mentions that if students are not near a campus, the library will mail materials to them at no cost, although students are responsible for returning the items.

McCormick highlights the substantial amount of electronic resources available to students, emphasizing that these resources should be utilized effectively throughout their studies.

Students are reminded to have taken a biblical studies course and to set a library password, which is distinct from their Haven and Canvas passwords. The unique identifier remains the student ID number. If students have forgotten or never set a password, they must create one, as the instructor cannot access or see their passwords.

The library's website has undergone updates, including an involuntary UI change to EBSCO host products, particularly affecting the Atlas Religion database. The instructor expresses uncertainty about when these issues will be resolved, indicating that students may need to adapt to a less efficient system.

For research, students are advised to use a combination of electronic resources and library catalogs. The instructor notes that not all books and journals are available in print or e-book formats, and students should be prepared to navigate a mix of both. They also highlight the variability in e-book pricing, which can be inexplicable.

When conducting research, starting broad and narrowing down is essential. The Anchor Bible Dictionary is recommended despite being older, as it offers a theologically broad perspective with contributions from various traditions, including conservative, liberal, Catholic, Jewish, and Orthodox authors. The instructor likens reference works to someone at a party who helps clarify missed jokes, emphasizing the importance of consulting multiple sources for diverse perspectives.

Students are encouraged to explore subject headings in library records to find related books if they encounter a resource that is close but not quite what they need. The instructor explains that clicking on a subject heading can lead to additional relevant materials.

The instructor demonstrates how to access e-books, mentioning that students can request whole PDF books or view them directly. They illustrate this with an example of looking up Colossians, guiding students through the process of navigating the table of contents and accessing articles related to both the epistles and the location of Colossae.

A good reference work should mention primary sources, both biblical and extra-biblical, and include key terms in both original and contemporary languages. The instructor emphasizes the importance of these elements in ensuring comprehensive research.

The speaker discusses the limitations of older reference works, noting that while they can provide valuable insights, they cannot address developments or discussions that occurred after their publication. They express a preference for more contemporary commentaries on Colossians over Lightfoot's work, despite acknowledging Lightfoot's merit as an author.

The speaker explains the process for accessing e-books, highlighting that they are available in both digital and print formats. They detail the steps for requesting a full PDF or physical copy, including the need to provide chapter or verse ranges and confirm mailing addresses, while noting restrictions on sending materials internationally.

The speaker recommends 'The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters,' mentioning that it has two editions, both of which contain valuable updated articles. They emphasize the importance of checking both editions for comprehensive understanding and the ability to download specific page ranges based on licensing agreements.

The speaker introduces 'Outlaw Religion' as a resource under journal databases, noting its updated interface compared to previous platforms like Atlas Religion. They explain the functionality of the subject index, including filters for peer-reviewed articles and full-text availability, and stress the importance of scholarly review in ensuring the credibility of sources.

The speaker encourages students to utilize their language skills in research, suggesting that if they know a language their professor may not, they should provide translations in footnotes. They clarify that while mastery of global scholarship is not expected at the master's level, students should still engage with multiple perspectives in their work.

The speaker discusses the challenges of managing a large volume of articles, suggesting that while 800 articles may be overwhelming, reviewing eight articles to determine their relevance to a specific topic is feasible. This highlights the importance of narrowing down research to manageable amounts.

The speaker notes a problem with the scripture citation index, which previously allowed users to navigate through books, chapters, and verses. The removal of this feature has led to difficulties in retrieving results, particularly for Colossians 1, which now yields only four results instead of a broader range. The speaker expresses frustration over the broken hierarchical linking and encourages users to adapt their searches accordingly.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of utilizing library resources and encourages students to reach out for help well in advance of project deadlines. They mention that the library staff is available to assist with research needs, particularly for upcoming projects that may require specific lexicon articles.

For the first week of the course, students are assigned to write an essay on the purpose and historical context of Colossians. The speaker indicates that a video will provide further details on the assignment, which requires students to examine at least two modern Bible commentaries to understand the purpose of Colossians and the errors Paul addresses.

Students are instructed to critically evaluate the introductory sections of two selected commentaries on Colossians, focusing on authorship, date, place of writing, and the nature of the false teachings Paul aims to correct. The speaker provides a list of high-quality commentaries and encourages students to explore these resources for their assignments.

The speaker shares their personal teaching background, expressing enthusiasm for the course. They recount their experience with Campus Crusade for Christ, collegiate ministry, and teaching in Nigeria, as well as their academic journey, including a master's degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This context enriches the understanding of the speaker's perspective and expertise in the subject matter.

The speaker completed their PhD at the University of Toronto and subsequently taught at a seminary in Toronto. In 2002, they joined Gateway Baptist Seminary, then known as Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, to help establish its Phoenix campus, balancing teaching between California and Arizona during the early years.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of accurately teaching Scripture, referencing 2 Timothy 2:15, which highlights the responsibility of ministry leaders to handle the Word of God correctly. They stress that misrepresentation can lead to spiritual destruction, and cite James 3:1, which warns that teachers will face greater accountability for their influence.

The course aims to enhance students' skills in studying the Bible, ensuring they can articulate why specific passages support their theological claims. The speaker intends to prepare students for a lifetime of Scripture study, emphasizing the necessity of correct interpretation for personal growth and effective ministry.

The course is designed as a skills development program, focusing on practical exercises in biblical interpretation. The speaker plans to introduce theoretical aspects of interpretive skills, followed by practice in small groups and individual writing assignments, breaking the process into manageable stages rather than a single large research paper.

The speaker advocates for the use of Bible software, specifically Logos, as a modern approach to Bible study. They note that the seminary requires MDiv students and those studying Greek and Hebrew to use this software. The speaker will provide essential skills for using Logos, acknowledging its complexity and the need for practical guidance.

The speaker introduces Logos software as a tool for biblical study, emphasizing its efficiency compared to traditional print reference books. While acknowledging the learning curve associated with Logos, the speaker assures that the skills learned will be beneficial. The Seminary offers Logos at a discount of 30-50%, and even a free version is available, which includes basic resources like Bibles in Greek, Hebrew, and English, and a Bible dictionary, although it lacks modern reference books. The speaker plans to demonstrate various aspects of using Logos in live sessions.

The speaker explains the rationale behind developing the course, stating a shift away from 19th-century Bible study methods towards utilizing modern tools like Logos for quicker access to information. The speaker highlights that even those without formal training in Greek or Hebrew can benefit from Logos, as it provides access to relevant information and resources, making it easier to conduct scholarly research and prepare sermons.

The speaker shares his background as an electronic engineer and software developer before entering ministry, indicating a dual perspective on Bible software as both a programmer and a user. This experience is intended to enhance the learning experience for participants, as the speaker aims to provide insights from both technical and practical standpoints.

The speaker invites participants to introduce themselves, encouraging them to share their current ministry involvement, future aspirations post-seminary, and personal passions. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community among participants, allowing them to connect and understand each other's backgrounds.

Daniel Hanna introduces himself as the lead pastor at Crossview Bible Church in Yucca Valley, California, near Joshua Tree. With over eleven years of preaching experience across three pastorates, including a church plant, he expresses a passion for preaching and mentoring others in the craft. Daniel also shares his diverse background, including coaching football and track, working as a licensed general contractor, and being informally trained in biblical counseling, which he integrates into his sermons.

Daniel Hanna mentions his decision to shift from a Master of Divinity (MDiv) program to a Master of Theological Studies program to expedite his master's degree completion. This change reflects his desire to balance his educational pursuits with his ministry responsibilities.

The speaker expresses a desire to pursue a Master of Divinity (MDiv) but prefers a shorter plan to achieve initial goals. They seek advice on how to balance this ambition with the pressure to complete their studies more quickly.

The speaker emphasizes the transformative impact of studying Greek on Bible study, sharing their personal experience of overcoming initial fears related to the language. They recount how their engineering background left them unprepared for language studies, but learning Greek opened their eyes to new insights in the Bible.

Adam Gaskins introduces himself as a resident of North Carolina attending Gateway Seminary due to the age requirement for a master's program at Southeastern. He is 25 years old, works full-time, and plans to join the International Mission Board (IMB) for a mission trip to Japan in December.

Bo, a missions and family pastor at Genshin Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, shares that he has been in this role for six years. He is completing his final class at Gateway and preparing to plant a church in rural Wyoming, a community that has never had a Christian church.

Gennady, also known as Pastor G, hails from Sacramento, California, and serves as a pastor at Spring of Life Church, a Ukrainian church. He is pursuing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and is focused on establishing an American service within the Slavic church. Gennady shares his involvement in missionary trips to Belarus, where he gathers and ministers to around 300 pastors.

Franklin, residing in Bastrop, Texas, is pursuing a diploma in theology and plans to transition to a master's program. He expresses the challenge of finding a new church community that aligns with his gospel-centric values after recently relocating.

John Harvey, living south of San Antonio, Texas, is pursuing an MTS degree with hopes of completing it in December. He serves as the youth and music minister at First Baptist in Charlotte, where he grew up. John shares his journey from Christian camping ministry back to his home church and expresses aspirations to become a senior pastor.

Josh McNeil introduces himself as a pastor with ten years of experience in Twin Bridges, a small rural town. He shares insights into his pastoral journey and the community he serves.

The speaker, who is studying in southwest Montana, expressed excitement about graduating from the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program in a year, after a six-year journey. They shared a passion for preaching and teaching, and mentioned a calling to support other pastors and their wives within their local Southern Baptist Association, ensuring their spiritual, physical, and relational health. The speaker's wife homeschools their four children, and they plan to remain in the area post-graduation.

Lawson, a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Longview in Washington, is pursuing a Master of Theological Essentials degree with approximately nine hours remaining, anticipating graduation in about a year. He reflected positively on his three-year experience at Gateway and expressed eagerness to enhance his skills with the Logos software.

Oleg, a pastor in a Slavic church in the Denver Metro area, shared his experience of ministering to a diverse congregation of Russians and Ukrainians for six to seven years. He is currently completing his Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree and plans to pursue an MDiv afterward. Oleg also has a background in software engineering, having worked in the field for 20 years.

Sebastian, who works full-time in hardware engineering in San Jose, California, is pursuing an MDiv while actively engaging in discipleship training at his local church. He recently returned from a mission trip to Cambodia, which coincided with the end of the previous semester, making it challenging to complete his academic responsibilities. However, he found the experience rewarding, witnessing God's impact on the hearts of Cambodians he met during the trip.

The instructor noted the smaller class size for the summer session, which allows for more meaningful discussions. Students will be divided into groups of five or six to facilitate substantive conversations related to weekly topics. The instructor emphasized the importance of these discussions as preparation for writing papers on the subjects covered. They also mentioned their upcoming travel to Canada, highlighting the flexibility of online learning.

The instructor encouraged students to reach out via Canvas Messaging for any specific questions, as it would ensure timely responses. They expressed their commitment to being available for students, even while traveling, and wished God's blessings upon everyone.