Bible Courses (Spring 2012)

Beginning Hebrew: Ruth (BIB501)

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.

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.

Job and Wisdom (BIB532)

Three hours — Safwat Marzouk
Wisdom literature addresses difficult and probing questions of the meaning of life, freedom and responsibilities, divine-human interaction, suffering and the problem of evil, the function of praise and lament, and the proper ethics that flow from a proper theology. In this class, we will discuss the perspectives presented by the wisdom traditions, especially as manifested in the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes.

Greek Readings: Synoptic Gospels (BIB602)

Three hours — Mary Schertz
This is the basic course in the New Testament exegesis sequence that offers (1) reading skill in Koine Greek, (2) an introduction to the major literary and theological issues in interpreting the Synoptic Gospels, (3) practice with a “hands-on” method of studying biblical texts, and (4) familiarity with computer programs that facilitate reading and exegeting the Greek text. The students in this course also will begin a Bible study journal for use in other seminary courses and future ministry. Prerequisite: Beginning Greek.

Pauline Theology and Ethics (BIB641)

Three hours — Jacob Elias
This course takes a narrative approach to Paul’s pastoral and missionary theology and ethics. Specific themes will include Christology, creation and redemption, call and promise, covenant and law, Israel and the nations, salvation and judgment, God’s righteousness and justification, the Spirit and participation in Christ, the church and the powers, freedom and love, sexuality and holiness, suffering, death, and hope.

Biblical Foundations for Peace and Justice (BIB651E online)

Three hours — Mary Schertz
The relationship between peace and justice has been enigmatic. The biblical texts bear witness to both the Holy Warrior God and the prophet who decries peace without justice, the Jesus who came not to bring peace but a sword, as well as the Jesus who weeps over Jerusalem because it did not recognize “the things that make for peace.” In this class we study pertinent biblical passages—as well as some of the historic peace church understandings of these passages—in order to gain a perspective and to provide a basis for reflecting on peace and justice praxis today.

Theological Hermeneutics (BIB662)

Three hours — Ben Ollenburger
Hermeneutics is the art of interpretation. It is also critical and constructive reflection on the practice of interpretation. In this course, we are concerned with theological hermeneutics: the interpretation of the Bible as the church’s Scripture. We will survey the history of biblical interpretation, beginning with Justin Martyr, extending through the post-Reformation period, and concluding in the modern era. This will help to identify issues that have endured into the present. Next we will consider proposals by feminist, liberation, and “post-modern” theologians. Finally, students will address a contemporary issue by practicing the art of biblical-theological interpretation and reflecting together on their own practice.

Seminar in Biblical Studies: Ezekiel (BIB669)

Three hours —Safwat Marzouk
This course will expose students to a wide spectrum of the methods of interpretation used in Biblical Studies, both those deemed to be standard and those regarded as cutting edge and very recent in their development or integration into the field of Biblical Studies. This course would be excellent for those who are going on to further graduate work, who have an interest in teaching, or who desire to read the Bible from a variety of perspectives and possible meanings. The last two seminar topics have been Methodological Approaches to Biblical Studies and The Septuagint.