An Introduction to the
Course
Welcome to the seventh subject: Song of Solomon.
Undertaking the study the Song of Solomon is not just valuable
for gaining biblical knowledge. It is that, but more than that.
It is a Book which directs us to the reality of pure human love
between man and woman. Originally a set of songs called ‘epithalamium’—that
is, songs of love, often sung at weddings—it brings us into
a true understanding of the purity of wholesome love. Because we
need to see the difference between pulchritrude—beauty and
comeliness; and prurience—lascivious understanding of beauty;
the person doing the Course will find that the Book grows on him
or her, and the effect will be lifelong, and may well change man–woman
relationships. If, at the beginning, the Book seems difficult to
understand the Student should persevere and will be greatly rewarded.
The Nature of the Course
There are thirteen Lessons in all. Lessons are
accompanied by cassettes which were recorded when the Song
of Solomon was being expounded in a class. The cassettes
do not always align simply with the Lessons, but under each Lesson
heading the cassette you should use is indicated. It may have
part of another Study on it also, so the Student will have to
work this through carefully.
The Student should note that Lesson 3 has material
far beyond one lesson. It will be enlightening as to the Book
and its author, but it is not intended that the questions set
should cover this essay. It is simply to help in an overall understanding
of the subject.
The text and commentary given in the Lessons
are from the Commentary by Geoffrey Bingham, entitled Love
is Stronger than Death and can be procured from New Creation
Publications Inc. A Bibliography is listed below.
The Method of Study
Compulsory listening to
audio cassettes ETS 89:1–5. These are now available
as mp3 on CD.
Read and re-read the text
allotted to you in your printed lesson and Bible passages.
Your attitude to your
study will work for you if you are willing to say, ‘I want
to increase my biblical knowledge and come to a deeper understanding
of the truth, therefore I am determined to do this course through
to completion’.
When you complete your first lesson and answer
the question set for that lesson, you should immediately send
your answer section to us. We will then send you the next two
lessons. Between the time of your sending the work and receiving
those two lessons, you will be able to proceed with the second
lesson. When you have completed your third lesson we will then
send you the fifth and sixth lessons. This means that you will
never be without a lesson at hand.
Study Method II requires direct answers to
the set of questions. This method does not require written
essays and long paragraphs. As a learning process, the questions
are designed to lead you through the essentials of the subject
matter of each lesson. The answers are to be in the form of
statements, sentences and short paragraphs. Sometimes only
one word will be required.
The answers to the questions can be found in
the given Scripture references, or the lesson notes (which is
a reprint of the textbook, Love is Stronger than Death).
Answers to the questions
are to be written in the spaces provided on the ‘Question and Answer’sheet.
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Neat, clear presentation
is necessary to facilitate your tutor’s assessment.
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Write legibly at all times.
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Be careful to read and answer the
questions.
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Be sure that your answers are based soundly
on Scripture.
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Refrain from an over-use of Bible
quotations as a substitute for expressing your own grasp
of the object.
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Try to avoid ‘parrot-fashion’repeating
of words and ideas in the study materials.
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Put your student number,
your name and address, and your tutor’s name on the
back of the last sheet.
Further to this way of study, you can read extra
material recommended in the Bibliography below. In that Bibliography
we have recommended certain Bible helps. You do not have to buy
these, but they certainly will be valuable books to have on your
shelves.
Links With Your Tutor
You will be assigned your own tutor who will
see you through this subject. You should feel free to ask for
help where needed. Your tutor will return your assignments with
comments which will be helpful. You will receive a Certificate
of Studies on completing this subject.
Going the Course Alone
Some students will wish to do this subject entirely
on their own. This means they will wish to receive the sixteen
lessons and do the study without the aid of a tutor. No Certificate
of Studies can be given in this case.
Period of Study
Certificate of Studies
It is recommended that you persist continually
in study so that you finish the course as soon as possible, without,
however, putting yourself under stress. A good aim is to complete
the questions within one month, or two months at the most. In
the event of your study being interrupted or delayed through
circumstances, do not give up your course. There is no time
limit set for completion of the Certificate of Studies, however,
to gain maximum benefit from your studies, you should aim to
complete this subject within two years. If for any reason you
have to relinquish your studies, please let your tutor know.
Internal Diploma
A Diploma will be granted to a student who completes
eight subjects which cover the following six
categories: Doctrine; Old Testament; New Testament; History;
Christian Ministries; Practical Christian Living. |
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