Interpreting the Bible: key skills and texts
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- Start Date: 15 Nov 2025End Date: 15 Nov 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
The course introduces learners to principles for interpreting the Bible, based on different approaches from biblical scholars. Learners will also practise applying these principles by interpreting key texts from the Old and New Testaments which relate to big theological and moral questions.
What will we cover?
¿ Key ways to interpret the Bible based on literary and historical perspectives.
¿ How to analyse texts such as the Genesis creation account, Gospel texts on divorce and the letters of Paul on same-sex relationships and the role of women.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
¿ Identify and explain key principles in biblical interpretation.
¿ Apply key principles to texts from the Old and New Testament relating to significant moral and theological questions.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You will need a basic understanding of the Bible, but do not need any existing skills in interpreting it. Learners from any or no faith perspective are welcome. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
¿ The course will be taught on a single Saturday and therefore no advance preparation is needed.
¿ There will be a combination of different media, lecture-style teaching, individual work and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
¿ Some handouts with key principles and texts will be provided. Please bring a pen and paper to make notes. You may also wish to bring a Bible.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HRS52 Conscience: a short history, in June 2026, taught by the same tutor.
Andrew has undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Theology and Ethics from the University of Oxford, and has taught at City Lit since 2017. He works in online education, and is the author of a number of publications about religion, morality and healthcare. Most recently he wrote 'The Meaning of Dignity: What's Beneath the Assisted Dying debate?' for Theos think tank. He has appeared as a speaker and panellist on BBC One, radio and at the Oxford Literary Festival.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
