Bible Courses (Fall 2011)

Reading the Bible (BIB500)

Three hours — Loren Johns and Safwat Marzouk
By reading parallel types of material from the Old and New Testaments, students will come to understand better the scope of the Bible and its contents and background, as well as how the two testaments fit together. After an orientation to the world and the structure of the Bible, students will explore a variety of biblical texts and themes, including narrative texts, theological foundations, prophetic writings and Pauline writings, worship, wisdom literature, the Historical Jesus, creation, and eschatology.

Beginning Hebrew: Ruth (BIB501E online)

Three hours — Paul Keim
This is the basic course in the Old Testament exegesis sequence. It prepares students for exegesis by providing (1) a working knowledge of Hebrew grammar, (2) the ability to read Hebrew narrative, (3) an introduction to the process of exegesis and (4) familiarity with computer programs that aid in the reading and exegesis of biblical texts. This course is a prerequisite for Old Testament exegesis courses.

Beginning Greek: 1 John (BIB502)

Three hours — Mary Schertz
In this first-level Greek class, students learn the basics of the Greek language and read 1 John, an early Christian letter about the fundamental human desire to know and love God. We will take note of the style of the letter, its theology, and how it speaks to our own spirituality. While this is the basic skill-building course for the New Testament exegesis sequence, it will be helpful to any student who wishes to have a clearer understanding of the biblical text. This course is a prerequisite for New Testament exegesis courses.

Teaching the Bible in the Congregation (BIB505)

Three hours — Mary Schertz and Daniel Schipani   Cross-listed with CHM547
In this course, students will explore the role and function of teaching Scripture in the congregation. Issues include assessment of current approaches to and congregational attitudes toward the Bible; the real or perceived gap between scholarship and the church; effective teaching modules for various congregational settings; biblical illiteracy and biblical irrelevancy; and the role of the pastor and other congregational educators in teaching the Bible. This class is for those who want to nurture spiritual maturity by helping a congregation encounter the Living Word both informationally and formationally.community problems; and prayer.

Bible Reading Colloquium (BIB510)

One-half hour per semester — Bible faculty
Bible department faculty lead weekly informal sessions to read biblical texts in their original languages, alternating by semester between Hebrew and Greek. Students may enroll for one-half hour of credit each semester, but enrollment is not required. Prerequisite: one semester of Hebrew or Greek.

Greek Exegesis: Galatians (BIB610)

Three hours — Loren Johns
This study of Galatians explores the theological creativity of Paul the missionary pastor. Historical, rhetorical, theological, ethical, and pastoral themes will be explored in this stunning manifesto of Christian freedom. Students will cultivate exegetical skills and explore ways in which the message of this letter can inform, support, and challenge the church today. Prerequisites: Reading the Bible and Beginning Greek: 1 John

Biblical Perspectives on Atonement (BIB654)

Three hours — Mary Schertz
The passion of Jesus has been the subject of theological debate for centuries. But how do the earliest commentators on these events understand them in light of their Jewish contexts? This class will look at how Paul, the Gospel evangelists, and the later writers interpreted the cross. We will also examine how several modern writers handle these materials as we formulate our own understanding of the atonement for faith and ministry.