This paper explores Māori knowledge and ways of knowing in relation to the Bible in both a historical and a contemporary context.
About this paper
| Paper title | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 100-level points
- Restriction
- BIBS 327
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith, or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an exploration of what can be said about God, and of the basis upon which we can say it. It requires an inquiring mind, respect for the views of others, and an interest in the big questions of human existence.
- Contact
To be advised.
- More information link
- Teaching staff
To be advised.
- Paper Structure
Modules will cover:
- History of Te Paipera Tapu (Māori language Bible).
- Reading whenua in Te Paipera Tapu.
- Theo-moana and Te Paipera Tapu.
- Reading the Paipera Tapu as Pūrākau, whakatauki, pepeha and moteatea.
- The Māori prophets and texts of liberation.
- The Treaty of Waitangi and Te Paipera Tapu.
- Weaving theology.
- Reading whakapapa in Te Paipera Tapu.
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.
The teaching programme is through 6-videoconferences and a teaching day in March.
In semester 1, this paper will be taught by 6-videoconferences from 6-8pm and will also use Blackboard. There will also be a teaching day by videoconference from 2pm to 8:30pm in mid-March.
- Textbooks
There is no textbook for this paper.
Access to readings is provided via Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global Perspective, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Life-long Learning, Information and Environmental Literacy, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes- Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Demonstrate understanding of the history of the translation of the Bible into te reo Māori from 1827 to 2022 and identify issues involved in translation.
- Demonstrate familiarity with biblical exegesis, hermeneutics and understanding that are based on mātauranga Māori and wānanga methodology.
- Critically identify and analyse the role of whakapapa, whenua, tangata, and atua in biblical exegesis, hermeneutics and understanding.
- Critically analyse the importance of renegotiating mātauranga Māori, worldviews and practices when engaging with the Biblical text.
- Assessment details
Assessments:
- Literature review, 20%
- Discussion Board, 30%
- Major essay, 50%
This paper explores Māori knowledge and ways of knowing in relation to the Bible in both a historical and a contemporary context.
About this paper
| Paper title | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 100-level points
- Restriction
- BIBS 327
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith, or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an exploration of what can be said about God, and of the basis upon which we can say it. It requires an enquiring mind, respect for the views of others and an interest in the big questions of human existence.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Māmari Stephens
- Paper Structure
Modules will cover:
- History of Te Paipera Tapu (Māori language Bible)
- Reading whenua in Te Paipera Tapu
- Theo-moana and Te Paipera Tapu
- Reading the Paipera Tapu as Pūrākau, whakatauki, pepeha and moteatea
- The Māori prophets and texts of liberation
- The Treaty of Waitangi and Te Paipera Tapu
- Weaving theology
- Reading whakapapa in Te Paipera Tapu
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught via weekly two-hour videoconference.
- Textbooks
There is no textbook for this paper.
Readings are provided electronically.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Demonstrate understanding of the history of the translation of the Bible into te reo Māori from 1827 to 2022 and identify issues involved in translation.
- Demonstrate familiarity with biblical exegesis, hermeneutics and understanding that are based on mātauranga Māori and wānanga methodology.
- Critically identify and analyse the role of whakapapa, whenua, tangata and atua in biblical exegesis, hermeneutics and understanding.
- Critically analyse the importance of renegotiating mātauranga Māori, worldviews and practices when engaging with the Biblical text.
- Assessment details
Assessments:
- Literature review (20%)
- Discussion Board (30%)
- Major essay (50%)