COS 111—The Pastor as Interpreter of the Bible

This course introduces the role of the United Methodist pastor in biblical interpretation.  Attention is given to the formation and function of the canon and to the development of a methodology of interpretation consistent with the nature of scripture.  The importance of the Bible as a witness to the life and faith of ancient Israel and early Christianity is illustrated from a survey of representative biblical materials (focusing on Genesis, Hosea, Amos, Mark, and Philippians).