The Scope and Purpose of the Ph.D. in Bible Exposition
For many years, the purpose of the Ph.D. Program at Dallas Theological Seminary
has been defined as:
“The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy
degree is designed for those who are capable of doing research at the highest
level with a view to becoming scholars and educational leaders in various
fields of Christian ministry.” (DTS catalogue, since 1990).
The Ph.D. in Bible Exposition seeks an educational
process engaging its students consistent with this purpose. While other
Ph.D. programs of the Dallas Seminary have comparable degree programs in other
Universities and Seminaries that of Bible Exposition has very few parallels.
Thus, the program and research scope to develop “educational leaders in various
fields of Christian ministry” largely finds its definition within the DTS
historical and current framework. Its contribution to biblical research
is made within a scope of study and recognized presupposition within the
framework of BIBLE EXPOSITION.
BIBLE—The defining framework delineating the field of
study is the biblical canon within its authorial, grammatical, historical,
geographical, literary, and theological context. This context is
constructed principally from biblical evidence rather than reconstructed within
a critical (or other) framework. For example, both English translations
and original language texts are used consistent with their educational contribution.
Developing reading skill in original or cognate languages is not a goal of the
program. However, for the linguistic and syntactical analysis of
constructions and exegesis of textual meanings, the utilization of original
language texts is assumed. The extent to which the original languages are
emphasized is within each professor’s prerogative in the individual seminars,
and is set by the choice of the research thesis / dissertation topic.
This emphasis on the study of the biblical canon and encouragement of
educational freedom also applies to the extent that studies in geographical,
archeological, literary, comparative ancient religions or texts collateral to
the biblical text are utilized.
EXPOSITION—The distinctive nature in an expository
treatment of texts is an interplay between synthetic and exegetical analysis
and interpretation. That interplay seeks a harmony between a thematic,
biblical theological treatment of large sections or repeated sections of text
and a detailed, exegetical perspective in the relevant, contributing
texts. In such broad, trans-testamental studies, the primary focus tends
to be on the progress in revelation rather than the study of historically
contemporary texts and their contribution to the Biblical text’s meaning.
The conclusions sought will demonstrate an increased felicity in explaining the
meaning of the unit examined primarily from the biblical text itself.
SCOPE of RESEARCH for DISSERTATION THESIS—As in other
fields of study, the appropriate methods of investigation and the subjects
needing examination and acknowledged presuppositions in the field of Bible
Exposition are found within the accumulating body of research. Bible
Exposition seeks to probe into the mounting research regarding the meaning of
biblical texts. Bible Exposition at Dallas Seminary also seeks to work
within a doctrinal framework concerning biblical revelation. That framework
does not predetermine questions to be considered nor conclusions which research
must reach, but provides a horizon within which research is pursued.
Bible Exposition seeks educational freedom for its students and dissertation
topics within these broad presuppositions and parameters.
The following examples clarify the distinctive
emphasis of a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition. These are subjects of the kind
appropriate for dissertations in Bible Exposition:
- An original development of a method of Bible study of some
aspect of the study of the science and art of biblical hermeneutics with a
view to facilitating valid interpretation and/or application of the
canonical text.
- A syntheticstudy of a large section of the canonical text
(i.e., several chapters, a book, or several books) with a view to
demonstrating the structure, genre, and/or form of the material studied.
- A thematicstudy of a subject or section of one or more Bible
books (i.e., a biblical theology) with a view to determining the correct
biblical teaching on that subject or in that section.
- A background study of some aspect of biblical history,
geography, chronology, or culture with a view to clarifying the meaning of
one or several texts.
It is the intent of the Bible Exposition
Department to guide the students in the Ph.D. program into a deeper knowledge
of the infallible, inspired Word of God with its 66 (English) books based on
the historical-grammatical method of hermeneutics. The student will
become familiar with the historical, geographical, linguistic, and cultural
aspects of each Bible book. The student will be able to formulate a
detailed analytical outline of each book, define the purposeful and thematic
contribution of each book, and trace the development of that theme through the
book by demonstrating the contribution of each part to the development of the
whole with a view to defend the postulated purpose. The student will
demonstrate an ability to support her or his interpretation of major
interpretive problem passages in each book. The student will be expected
to explain the application of the book to its original intended recipients and
extract timeless truths applicable to any audience. The student will
demonstrate an ability to present these truths orally with clarity and
conviction and to reduce these truths to writing in defense of each thesis with
appropriate research. It is not merely the goal of the Bible Exposition
Department that each student master the Bible, but that each student is
mastered by the Book.
Adopted by the BE Department Dec. 7, 2005
