Minor – Biblical Studies

Students explore the history, geography, and cultures that form contexts to the Old and New Testament scriptures. Students learn an inductive approach to the interpretation of the scriptures that draws on the insights gained from the study of significant background issues. Prerequisite: BIBL 104.

Exploration of the inductive method of Bible study and its place in preparing group Bible studies and teaching the Bible in a variety of contexts.  Students examine a wide range of teaching methods and consider their potential for engaging children, adolescents, and adults.  Student projects are to be related to their current or proposed ministry setting.  Prerequisite: BIBL 104 or BIBL 105.

Study of the ministry and teachings of Jesus as presented in the synoptic gospels, taking into consideration the Hebrew, Greek, and Roman cultural contexts. The course familiarizes students with foundational developments in historical Jesus research, examines important themes in the synoptic gospels, and develops students' skills in critical reading (exegesis), interpretation, and writing.  Prerequisite: BIBL 104 or BIBL 105.

Study of the writings of the Old Testament prophets, focusing on one of the major prophets or a selection of the minor prophets. The course examines the historical moment and place of the text as well as the role of the prophet in ancient Israel. Students examine texts exegetically, considering theology as suggested by the text(s) as well as the relationship to the New Testament, along with personal applications of the prophets' teachings.  Prerequisite: BIBL 103 or BIBL 105.

Study of the writings of the Apostle Paul.   Students consider the cultural and philosophical background of each text as well as its contents and its place in the canon. The course examines the literature theologically and exegetically while inviting students to develop and consider personal applications of the texts. Prerequisite: BIBL 104 or BIBL 105.

Examination of biblical Wisdom literature within its ancient Near Eastern context, with special attention to the unique literary aspects of Wisdom literature and its function in ancient Israel. Prerequisite: BIBL 103 or BIBL 105.

Study of the New Testament book of Acts and the history and context of first-century Christianity.  Students consider the historical, literary, and cultural background of Acts as well as its theological message and major themes.  Prerequisite: BIBL 104 or BIBL 105.

Exploration of the Psalms, with study of the ancient poetry, rich imagery, historical context, and religious and theological implications of the hymnbook of ancient Israel. Prerequisite: BIBL 103 or BIBL 105.

Exegetical study of the general epistles (James through Jude).  Students examine theological, literary, and cultural aspects of these letters as they consider the application of these texts.  Prerequisite: BIBL 104 or BIBL 105.

Introduction to both the biblical Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) languages in order to facilitate the use of advanced linguistic tools for biblical study and research.  Students gain practical hands-on instruction and experience in conducting Greek and Hebrew word studies using a lexicon and concordance.