Good News 66
Old & New Testament Book Digest Assignment - Mastering all 66 Books of the Bible
Program Description
For each of the 66 Old and New Testament Bible books to be considered during these three semesters (Genesis - Revelation), the student will produce a Digest according to the requirements defined below. The intent of this assignment is that the student will develop for her/himself a basic understanding of the background, the content and the argument of each book of the Bible, and thus feel at home in any portion of the Bible.
IMPORTANT:
Struggle to develop this assignment at a level which will be genuinely meaningful (i.e., which will really capture the essence of the book being considered) but can be memorized with reasonable effort. The intent is that you will make this material so much a part of you that it can be called to mind easily and intuitively in days to come. If/when you take Ordination Preparation, you will be required to demonstrate mastery of the Digests you produce in the OT & NT Studies courses.
Elements of the Assignment
Provide the following for each of the books of the Old & New Testament covered in this course (Genesis - Revelation):
1. Descriptive Title
A descriptive title which captures the essence of the book as a whole. After the title, provide a brief explanation as to why you think this title serves to summarize and encapsulate the basic thrust or significance of the book.
2. Analytical Outline
A brief analytical outline of the book.
- Purpose: To trace the argument of the book in rather superficial form – sufficiently detailed as to represent the flow of thought, but brief enough to be remembered
- Don't try to be exhaustive of the book; work to represent the flow of thought of the book
- Where there are interpretive issues which might be reflected in your outline, decide those issues and represent them appropriately in your outline
- You are welcome to consult the outlines of others in constructing yours, but don't do that primarily (i.e., try to work out an outline on your own). Further, it is not acceptable to simply copy the outline of another at any level. The intent is that you will have thought through the book on your own in producing this outline.
3. Primary Characters
The primary characters related to the book – listed with brief (2 or 3 phrases at the most) annotations as to the role each one plays in the book, the reason for his/her importance.
4. Background Considerations
Background considerations as available and appropriate, including:
- Authorship – who, how determined
- Date and setting (occasion)
- Critical challenges / considerations briefly described, analyzed
5. Special Features
Special features or elements which are important to consider in the attempt to comprehend the essence of the book, whether literary features, repeating emphases, historical episodes, etc.
NOTE: The thought here – features so central to the character or narrative of the book that they need to be consciously included in any careful consideration of that book. These may be especially important chapters in the book.
6. Interpretive Issues
A simple list (undeveloped) of some of the most difficult or widely debated interpretive issues in the book.
NOTE: These are not issues which you have resolved in your mind (necessarily), but which you acknowledge as much discussed and relatively pivotal to a thorough understanding of the book.
Expectations of the Assignment
Form
Entirely up to you, but try to stay to one sheet per book (front/back if necessary); it would be good to find a form which facilitates memory. No requirements of form or style will apply other than the universal standards of correct spelling, punctuation, etc.
Timeline
Book Digests to be completed throughout the semester's according to a schedule assigned.
Originality
Helps are fine, but make these Digests your own!
Master the Word of God
The Good News 66 program is designed to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of every book in the Bible. Through systematic study and memorization, you'll build a foundation that will serve you throughout your ministry.
"To help you understand the essence of what is expected, a sample Digest (OT book – Genesis) will be provided during the course."
