College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical and theological studies form an essential part of a liberal arts education. They put students into contact with the historical foundations of the Christian faith in the Old and New Testaments and introduce the great doctrines of Christianity, which have been formulated in the church and have been expounded and debated by theologians past and present. They provide a forum in which the foundation and content of students’ faith can be examined and an opportunity for students to understand the teachings of the most significant world religions. Students in biblical and theological studies are also encouraged to see the value of learning one or more of the languages in which the Christian Scriptures were written (Greek and Hebrew).
Besides its service to students within the liberal arts curriculum, the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies aims to prepare students for seminary or other graduate studies in fields related to theology, to provide biblical and theological background for other ministries that students may enter without a graduate degree, and to enrich the life and ministry of the church by equipping educated laypeople with the tools for lifelong Bible study.
Courses
Biblical Studies Courses
BIB101 • Introduction to the Bible (fall, interim, spring) 3 credits
Traces the journey of God’s people from Abraham and Sarah through the New Testament church, highlighting the unifying self-disclosure of God in the various cultures and types of writing of the Old and New Testament. A holistic approach is used to introduce students to both historical and thematic content as well as broad, but basic exegetical principles.
BIB210 • History of Ancient Israel (fall or spring) 4 credits
Focus on the history of the coastlands along the southern half of the eastern Mediterranean from the Early Bronze through the Maccabean eras, with an emphasis on the rise and history of ancient Israel. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB217 • Significance of the Old Testament for Today (fall or spring) 3 credits
Emphasis on major foundational themes developed primarily in the Old Testament, including justice, covenant, and creation; and on areas that often seem problematic to modern Christians: holy war, capital punishment, imprecations, and oath-taking. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB220 • The Pentateuch (occasionally) 4 credits
Mosaic books of the Old Testament, with particular interest in the Genesis account of world beginnings, the Patriarchs, the Exodus and founding of the nation of Israel, and the faith and religion of the Hebrews. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB230Z • Israel Study Tour (occasionally interim) 4 credits
Historical geography and on-site investigation of the Holy Land with emphasis on sites from the Early Bronze through Byzantine eras. Particular emphasis on sites that underlie the Hebrew Bible, the intertestamental period, and the New Testament. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB236 • Archaeology of the Southern Levant (occasionally) 3 credits
Objectives, history, methodology, and results of archaeology of the coastlands along the southern half of the eastern Mediterranean from the Early Bronze through Early Roman eras. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB240 • Topics in Biblical Studies (occasionally) 3 credits
Study of a biblical area or topic. The specific subject is announced when the course is offered. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB260 • The Life and Teachings of Jesus (fall or spring) 4 credits
Main events of the life of Jesus and the form and message of His teaching in the light of first century Jewish culture. Use of the Old Testament in the gospels, the structure of the Gospels, and their literary genre. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB264Z • Greece-Turkey Study Tour (occasionally interim) 4 credits
On-site investigation of the sites and regions that underlie the people, movements, and events of the Early Christian era. The area is examined in light of the historical, geographical, and rich cultural context of the classical Greek and Roman worlds. Prerequisite BIB101.
BIB265 • The Life and Teachings of Paul (fall or spring) 4 credits
Life of Paul, his strategic role in the expansion of Christianity, and the contribution of his theology and thought as reflected in his writings. Prerequisite: BIB101.
BIB301J • The Faith of Abraham in Genesis, Paul, and James (occasionally) 3 credits
The faith of Abraham as reflected in biblical and extra-canonical traditions, with emphasis on Genesis, Romans, Galatians, and the book of James. Attention to the theological and exegetical perspectives of the various documents, unity and diversity within the canon, and contemporary application. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB302J • Biblical Law in Christian Belief and Practice (occasionally) 3 credits
Biblical law as an expression of the character and will of God; the form, content, and use of law throughout Scripture; and the relationship of law and grace. Modern viewpoints on the abiding relevance of biblical law for individuals and societies. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB304J • Messianic Concepts (occasionally) 3 credits
Development of such terms as “Son of Man,” “Son of God,” and “Messiah” is traced from origins in Old Testament texts of poetry and prophecy to New Testament fulfillment in the Gospels and Epistles. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB305J • Sleep, Surrender, and Sabbath (occasionally) 3 credits
The theology and ethics of rest from a biblical perspective. Focus on key passages in Scripture regarding sleep, dreams, and Sabbath. Exploration of topics such as creation, the human condition, divine relationality, human dependency, prayer, and social responsibility. Interdisciplinary approach, utilizing historical records of Sabbath practices, scientific research, and sociological analyses. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB306J • Covenant, Promise, and Fulfillment (occasionally) 3 credits
Major covenants between God and humans in both the Old and New Testaments. Relationships between these covenants, especially regarding the theme of promise and fulfillment. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB307J • Jerusalem: Earthly City and Spiritual Symbol (occasionally) 3 credits
Jerusalem as the means of studying God’s plans for worldwide redemption. The city where much of biblical history took place and that is symbolic of God’s earthly and heavenly kingdoms: its geography, history, and relationship to the several covenants in the Bible. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB308J • Biblical Theology of Reconciliation (occasionally fall) 3 credits
The goal of reconciliation in personal and socio-political conflicts is examined in light of biblical texts relating to liberation from oppression, establishment of justice, practice of forgiveness, and promotion of peace. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB309J • A Biblical Theology of Poverty (occasionally) 3 credits
Responses to poverty in the Old Testament, intertestamental literature, and the New Testament in the light of socioeconomic setting of these records. Construction of a biblical perspective and implications for Christian communities in North America. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB310J • Holiness in Biblical Perspective (occasionally) 3 credits
Exegetical and theological foundations underlying the biblical notion of holiness in both the Old and New Testaments. Biblical texts in their historical-cultural context, with a view to uncovering the biblical notion of holiness and integrating it into a Christian worldview. Prerequisites: BIB101; THE201; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB311J • Worship in Biblical Perspective (occasionally) 3 credits
Exegetical and theological foundations of worship. Old Testament and New Testament patterns of worship and their relevance for the church today. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB312J • Female and Male in Biblical Perspective (occasionally) 3 credits
Significant Old and New Testament passages related to past and current discussions of gender, roles, and ministry in the church. Prerequisite: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB313J • A Biblical Theology of Justice (occasionally) 3 credits
Justice, in the full biblical sense, is employed as an integrating focus for the task of God on earth of restoring humankind. Elements of continuity and discontinuity between the Old Testament and New Testament. Location of each major block of biblical data in historical, literary, and social context. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB314J • The “Word” in Biblical Tradition (occasionally) 3 credits
Use of the term “word” in its creative, redemptive, active, prophetic, and prescriptive significance in the Christian canon. Beginning with the concept of “word” in creation; through “The Word as Law” and “The Prophetic Word”; and ending with an emphasis on “The Incarnate Word” and the words of the cross, the preacher, and the sacraments. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB315J • God, Evil, and Spiritual Warfare (occasionally) 3 credits
Study of God’s ongoing battle with spiritual forces from Genesis to Revelation. Origin, power, activity, and end of Satan and evil angels are traced throughout Scripture. Discussion of theological implications of these concepts in our understanding of providence and the problem of evil. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB316J • A Biblical Theology of Ministry (occasionally) 3 credits
Investigation of the biblical understandings of ministry in both Old and New Testaments. Examination of foundational issues such as definitions of ministry, spiritual gifting for ministry, the role of the laity in ministry, motivation, and purpose of ministry. Not open to students who have taken YOM200. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB317J • Family in Biblical Perspective (occasionally) 3 credits
Biblical perspective of family developed through an examination of family in ancient biblical cultures and a study of family in the Old and New Testaments. A biblical perspective will be integrated with an exploration of the cultural and historical influences on our contemporary understanding of family. Prerequisites: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB319J • Eschatology: The Last Thingsin the Church’s Scriptures (occasionally) 3 credits
Examines what the Bible says about “the last things” in the Pentateuch, historical works, poetry, gospels, letters, and apocalypse. Includes careful exegesis of the Bible’s statements regarding the last things in order to learn how they functioned in their original setting, how they function in the canon of Scripture, and how they function in living out a Christian worldview today. Prerequisite: BIB101; minimum sophomore standing.
BIB321 • Issues in Biblical Studies (fall) 3 credits
Theoretical and practical introduction to academic study in biblical disciplines. Major theories that influence current study along with methods for research and investigation in these fields. Prerequisites: 200-level course in biblical studies; THE201; Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course.
BIB326 • The Prophets of Israel (spring, even # yrs) 4 credits
The basic meaning of prophecy and the function of the prophets in Israel; analysis of the context and message of the great Hebrew prophets. Inductive studies bring out theological truths and relate them to the New Testament as well as to the Christian life as experienced today. Prerequisite: Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course or a 200-level biblical studies course.
BIB328 • Theology of Mission (spring) 3 credits
Study of the biblical/theological issues of the church’s mandate to preach the gospel to all peoples. Examination of (1) the nature of the Christian mission; (2) Western cultural influences on the gospel message/mission; (3) an encounter with other cultural expressions of the gospel message/mission; and (4) the development of some basic skills for engaging in cross-cultural religious dialogue. Prerequisites: BIB101 or THE201; at least junior standing.
BIB331G • Cultural World of the New Testament (fall, even # yrs) 3 credits
Historical and cultural backgrounds of the New Testament in their Jewish, Greek, and Roman contexts. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
BIB334G • Cultural World of the Old Testament (fall, odd # yrs) 3 credits
Historical, cultural, and archaeological backgrounds of the Old Testament in their Ancient Near Eastern contexts. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
BIB336 • Poetic Books of the Old Testament (spring, odd # yrs) 4 credits
Doctrinal and devotional themes of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The literary structure of these books and of individual psalms, the nature of Hebrew poetry, and its use in the New Testament and the church. Prerequisite: Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course or a 200-level biblical studies course.
BIB370 • Romans (spring, odd # yrs) 4 credits
A widely influential letter of Paul with emphasis on the themes of justification by faith, ethics (good works), and life in the Spirit. Discussion of the letter’s significance for original and contemporary readers. Prerequisite: Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course or a 200-level biblical studies course.
BIB375 • First Corinthians (spring, even # yrs) 4 credits
Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church in its first century setting. Topics include sexuality, divorce, spiritual gifts, the Christian ministry, resurrection, and the contemporary application of these. Prerequisite: Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course or a 200-level biblical studies course.
BIB440 • Topics in Biblical Studies (occasionally) 4 credits
Advanced course on a biblical area or topic. The specific subject is announced when the course is offered. Prerequisite: Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course or a 200-level biblical studies course.
BIB499 • Seminar: Biblical Studies (spring) 4 credits
A selected topic in biblical studies related to a course theme. A major research project is followed by an oral and written presentation of its results. Prerequisites: BIB321; major in biblical and theological studies.
Biblical and Classical Language Courses
GRK101 • Introductory Biblical Greek I (fall) 4 credits
Study of New Testament Greek for beginning students. Use of the New Testament to build a basic vocabulary and understand the elements of grammar and syntax.
GRK102S • Introductory Biblical Greek II (spring) 4 credits
Continuation of the study of New Testament Greek for beginning students. Use of the New Testament to build a basic vocabulary and understand the elements of grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: GRK101.
GRK253 • Readings in New Testament Greek (fall) 4 credits
Readings in the Greek New Testament designed to develop the student’s basic knowledge of Greek grammar and enlarge his or her vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK102S.
GRK371 • Advanced Greek Translation (spring) 4 credits
Translation and analysis of Greek passages, both biblical and classical, of moderate to considerable difficulty. Specific subject matter varies each term. Prerequisite: GRK253.
GRK498 • Seminar: Greek Exegesis (spring) 4 credits
Study of a selected book or representative passages in the Greek New Testament to increase the student’s exegetical skills. A major exegetical project is followed by an oral and written presentation of the results. Prerequisites: GRK253; BIB321.
HEB101 • Introductory Biblical Hebrew I (fall) 4 credits
Study of the Hebrew of the Old Testament. Designed for the beginning student. The Old Testament is used to build a basic vocabulary and to understand the language’s phonology, morphology, basic syntax, and semantics.
HEB102S • Introductory Biblical Hebrew II (spring) 4 credits
Study of the Hebrew of the Old Testament. Designed for the beginning student. The Old Testament is used to build a basic vocabulary and to understand the language’s phonology, morphology, basic syntax, and semantics. Prerequisite: HEB101.
LAT101 • Introductory Latin I (occasionally fall) 4 credits
Introduction to the spoken and written language and culture of ancient Rome.
LAT102S • Introductory Latin II (occasionally spring) 4 credits
Further study and use of the spoken and written language and culture of ancient Rome. Prerequisite: LAT101 or placement exam.
Theology Courses
THE201 • Christian Theology (fall, interim, spring) 3 credits
Investigates central themes of the Christian faith from a primarily systematic perspective. These themes are discussed both individually and in terms of the role each plays in worldview formation. Topics include Scripture (inspiration and inerrancy), God (Trinity), the person and work of Jesus Christ (incarnation and atonement), salvation (justification and sanctification), and last things (heaven and hell). Emphasis is placed on the unity and diversity of theological beliefs within Christianity, both past and present, and on the interrelationships between theological understanding, culture, and discipleship. Prerequisites: BIB101; sophomore standing or above.
THE235 • Current Theological Controversies (spring, odd # years) 3 credits
Study of a number of theological topics of contemporary interest or debate such as the Calvinism/Arminianism debate, the inerrancy of Scripture, the nature of divine foreknowledge, spiritual gifts, and end times controversies. Prerequisite: THE201.
THE240 • Topics in Theology (occasionally) 3 credits
Study of a theological area or topic. The specific topic is announced when the course is offered. Prerequisite: THE201.
THE256L • Christian Apologetics (fall or interim or spring) 3 credits
Study of the intellectual viability of the Christian faith. Topics include the nature of apologetics and apologetic method, theological and philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, and historical and philosophical arguments for and against the central beliefs of Christianity. Prerequisites: THE201; BIB101; GES130 or GES 145, 146.
THE263 • Christian Social Ethics (fall or spring) 4 credits
Christian approaches to ethical problems within today’s society, such as the morality of war, poverty and welfare, homelessness, racism, and human sexuality. Roles of Christians and churches in response to these issues. Classical ethical approaches of utilitarianism, Kant, and social contract ethics. Prerequisite: BIB101.
THE311 • Early Church and Reformation Theology (fall) 3 credits
The lives and theological contributions of great men and women of church history, from the early church through the Reformation. Prerequisite: BIB101.
THE312L • Post-Reformation and Contemporary Theology (spring) 3 credits
Exploration and assessment of theological movements, ideas, and persons since the Reformation that have shaped the contemporary world, including Pietism, Wesley, Schleiermacher, Rauschenbusch, Pentecostalism, Barth, Bonhoeffer, liberation theology (feminist, black, aand third world), and evangelicalism. Prerequisites: THE201 or GES245, 246; GES130 or GES145, 146.
THE325G• Christianity in the Non-Western World (occasionally) 3 credits
Explores the historical and theological development of Christianity in distinctly non-Western contexts focusing especially on ancient and contemporary developments in Asia and Africa. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
THE401 • Christianity and the World’s Religions (occasionally) 3 credits
Exploration of the historical and contemporary relationships of Christianity and various world religions, specifically focused at the theological level. Focus rotates from year to year emphasizing the interfaith dialogue between Christianity and one other world religious tradition. Carries cross-credit in religious studies. Prerequisites: BIB101; THE201.
THE431 • Advanced Topics in Systematic Theology (fall) 3 credits
Research on a topic in the area of systematic theology. The specific topic will be announced when the course is offered. Past offerings include Doctrine of God, Christology, Ecclesiology, and Pneumatology. Prerequisite: THE201 or consent of the instructor.
THE432 • Advanced Topics in Historical Theology (spring, even # yrs) 3 credits
Research on a topic in the area of historical theology. The specific topic will be announced when the course is offered. Past offerings include Barth and Bonhoeffer and History and Theology of Pietism. Prerequisite: THE201 or consent of instructor.
THE433 • Advanced Topics in Philosophical Theology (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits
Research on a topic in the area of philosophical theology. The specific topic will be announced when the course is offered. Potential topics include Arguments for God’s Existence, The Problems of Evil and Hell, and Science and Theology. Prerequisite: THE201 or consent of the instructor.
THE440 • Topics in Theology (occasionally) 4 credits
Research course in the area of systematic theology. Content to be determined by the professor in conjunction with students majoring in biblical and theological studies. Usually, the course entails an advanced study of one of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: THE201 or consent of instructor.
THE499 • Seminar: Theology (fall) 4 credits
A selected topic in theology related to a course theme. A major research project is followed by an oral and written presentation of its results. Prerequisites: BIB321; THE312L.
Programs
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.
Major in Biblical and Theological Studies (B.A.)
| BIB321 | Issues in Biblical Studies | 3 |
| THE311 | Early Church and Reformation Theology | 3 |
| Choose from: | 4 | |
| BIB499 | Seminar: Biblical Studies | |
| GRK498 | Seminar: Greek Exegesis | |
| THE499 | Seminar: Theology | |
| Choose from Old Testament: | 3-4 | |
| BIB210 | History of Ancient Israel | |
| BIB217 | Significance of the Old Testament for Today | |
| BIB220 | The Pentateuch | |
| BIB230Z a | Israel Study Tour | |
| BIB236 | Archaeology of the Southern Levant | |
| BIB240 | Topics in Biblical Studies (when topic is Old Testament) | |
| HEB102S b | Introductory Biblical Hebrew II | |
| Choose from New Testament: | 3-4 | |
| BIB230 | Israel Study Tour a | |
| BIB240 | Topics in Biblical Studies (when topic is New Testament) | |
| BIB260 | The Life and Teachings of Jesus | |
|
BIB264Z * |
Greece-Turkey Study Tour | |
| BIB265 | The Life and Teachings of Paul | |
| GRK253 b | Readings in New Testament Greek | |
| Choose from theology: | 3-4 | |
| THE235 | Current Theological Controversies | |
|
THE240 |
Topics in Theology |
|
| THE256L | Christian Apologetics | |
| THE263 | Christian Social Ethics | |
| Elective from 200-level biblical and theological studies courses from the preceding lists or GRK102S Introductory Biblical Greek II | 3-4 | |
| Choose from Old Testament: | 3-4 | |
| BIB326 | The Prophets of Israel | |
| BIB334G * | Cultural World of the Old Testament | |
| BIB336 | Poetic Books of the Old Testament | |
| BIB440 | Topics in Biblical Studies (when topic is Old Testament) | |
| Choose from New Testament: | 3-4 | |
| BIB331G* | Cultural World of the New Testament | |
| BIB370 | Romans | |
| BIB375 | First Corinthians | |
| BIB440 | Topics in Biblical Studies (when topic is New Testament) | |
| Choose from theology: | 3-4 | |
| THE312L * | Post-Reformation and Contemporary Theology | |
| THE431 | Advanced Topics in Systematic Theology | |
| THE432 | Advanced Topics in Historical Theology | |
| THE433 | Advanced Topics in Philosophical Theology | |
| THE440 | Topics in Theology | |
| Elective from 300- or 400-level biblical and theological studies courses from the preceding lists or BIB328 Theology of Mission or THE401 Christianity and the World’s Religions | 3-4 | |
|
Total |
34-42 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 28-37 | |
| TOTAL 122 |
|
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
a May be considered either Old Testament or New Testament.
b A student may use GRK253 Readings in New Testament Greek to meet the 200-level New Testament requirement or may use HEB102S Introductory Biblical Hebrew II to meet the 200-level Old Testament requirement, but may not use both.
Major in Third World Studies (B.A.)
(See Multidisciplinary section.)
Major in Youth Ministry (B.A.)
(See Youth Ministry section.)
Minor in Biblical and Theological Studies
| One 200-level Old Testament course |
(see specific courses listed in major) |
3-4 |
| One 200-level New Testament course | (see specific courses listed in major) | 3-4 |
| One 200-level theology course | (see specific courses listed in major) | 3-4 |
| Choose two from: | 6-8 | |
| One 300- or 400-level Old Testament course |
(see specific courses listed in major) |
|
| One 300- or 400-level New Testament course |
(see specific courses listed in major) |
|
| One 300- or 400-level theology course | (see specific courses listed in major) | |
|
TOTAL |
15-20 |
Minor in Biblical Greek
| GRK101 |
Introductory Biblical Greek I |
4 |
| GRK102S * |
Introductory Biblical Greek II |
4 |
| GRK253 |
Readings in New Testament Greek |
4 |
| GRK371 |
Advanced Greek Translation |
4 |
| GRK498 |
Seminar: Greek Exegesis |
4 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
Minor in Biblical Languages (Hebrew and Greek)
| GRK101 |
Introductory Biblical Greek I |
4 |
| GRK102S* |
Introductory Biblical Greek II |
4 |
| GRK253 |
Readings in New Testament Greek |
4 |
| Choose from: | 4 | |
| GRK371 | Advanced Greek Translation | |
| GRK498 | Seminar: Greek Exegesis | |
| HEB101 | Introductory Biblical Hebrew I | 4 |
| HEB102S * |
Introductory Biblical Hebrew II |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
24 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
Minor in Religious Studies
(See Religious Studies section.)