A literary genre approach to biblical interpretation and instruction for the Chinese American Church

To address the problem of ineffective Bible teaching in the Chinese American Church, the thesis of this project is that her effectiveness in Bible teaching can be increased by training teachers to interpret the biblical text according to its literary genre; apply the biblical message to Chinese American learners in light of the goal of Christian education; and teach the Bible lesson that aims at life changes.;This project demonstrates a three-step process for training teachers to deal with three sample Bible passages. The first step, covered in Chapter 2, is to interpret the text by analyzing its literary characteristics as well as its literary and historical contexts. The second, discussed in Chapter 3, is to explore the goal of Christian education and the learners' life experience, and to establish a process for applying the biblical message accordingly. The last, covered in Chapter 4, deals with teaching the Bible lesson by examining theories of learning as well as principles and methods of teaching, and designing a teaching/learning process compatible with literary genres and the goal of Christian education.;The approach of this project results in identifying a theological theme and message for each of the three sample passages explored, applying its message to address issues relevant to the life experience of Chinese Americans, and designing a sample lesson plan for each of the three literary genres represented by the passages: the Narrative, the Wisdom and the Prophetic. It is hoped that by so training teachers for a more effective Bible teaching ministry, the Chinese American Church may be nurtured toward reaching the goal of Christian education, i.e. persons may engage in a continuous process of conforming to the image of Christ in life and in mission.