Bible Course Descriptions (Second Major Only)

An introduction to the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the Old Testament, the historical milieu of each Old Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each Old Testament book studied, the use of the Old Testament in modern ministry, and the foundation the Old Testament provides for the New Testament. Three hours.

An introduction to the Poetic and Prophetic books of the Old Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the Old Testament, the historical milieu of each Old Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each Old Testament book studied, the use of the Old Testament in modern ministry, and the foundation the Old Testament provides for the New Testament. Three hours.

This course introduces the New Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology, and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the New Testament, the historical milieu of each New Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each New Testament book studied, the relationship between the New and Old Testaments, and the use of the New Testament in modern ministry. Three hours.

Students will seek to discover what transpired in Christianity from the 1st century to modern times in order to understand what Christianity is in the present. They will identify the major events, personalities, and theological issues, both Western and non-Western, that shaped the development of Christianity. They will appreciate the challenges that the church faced as it matured in history, and they will gain perspective on the challenges still facing the church today. Prerequisite: BIB1050. This is an upper level course available to juniors and seniors. It is also offered at a graduate level. Three hours.

Students will explore the various dynamics that converge to produce maturity in the life of a Christian. They will seek to construct a theory of spiritual formation based on a practical knowledge of God, a realistic awareness of self, a full-orbed understanding of pertinent scriptural insights, and a historical perspective of various approaches to spirituality. They will examine the necessity of the integration of the individual pursuit of spiritual maturity with the corporate dimension. The approach of the course will include practical application along with classroom discussion and outside research. Prerequisite: BIB 2010. Three hours.

Students will identify the central affirmations of Christianity that distinguish orthodoxy from heresy, heterodoxy, liberalism, and neo-orthodoxy. Students will be able to support each defining doctrine from Scripture. The role of creeds, church councils, and doctrinal statements in defining and preserving orthodoxy will be explored. Students will appreciate the diversity within Christian orthodoxy, while the central affirmations are preserved. Prerequisite: BIB1050. Three hours.

Students will seek to understand how people thought, communicated, and lived in the ancient world during the OT, NT and Intertestamental Periods. Special emphasis will be placed on key people groups and political, cultural, theological, and literary developments that form the background to the Bible. Students will learn to use insights from geography, cultural anthropology, archaeology, sociology, philosophy, politics, literature, and history for the interpretation of Scripture in light of the history and culture of the people to whom it was addressed. Three hours.

Foundational principles of effective Bible study will be applied for personal study and small group Bible study leadership. Observational skills of the English text of the New Testament will be developed through hands-on activities and assignments. Hermeneutical principles will be applied to various biblical genres with the goal to equip the learner to interpret the text based on its historical/cultural and literary context. Application of the meaning of the text for spiritual formation will be emphasized as well. Prerequisites: BIB1050, BIB2010, and BBL2020. Three hours.

Foundational principles of effective Bible study will be applied for personal study and Bible study leadership. Observational skills of the English text of the Old Testament will be developed through hands-on activities and assignments. Hermeneutical principles will be applied to various biblical genres with the goal to equip the learner to interpret the text based on its historical/cultural and literary context. Application of the meaning of the text for spiritual formation will be emphasized as well. Prerequisites: BIB1050 and BIB2010. Three hours.

This is a 3-credit undergraduate course. Taught through an evangelical Christian lens, it equips students to understand and critically engage with the histories, core beliefs, and daily practices of major non-Christian religious systems.