58 courses with the subject BST, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BST 100Elementary Biblical Hebrew I3
An introductory course in Hebrew grammar, reading, and translation, for the beginning student. Emphasis is placed on the building of vocabulary and the recognition of verb forms. The course guides students in the development and mastery of skills necessary for reading, translation, and exegesis in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament.
The course is designed to teach basic and simple Hebrew grammar for the purpose of using the Hebrew-English lexicons in the exegesis of the Old Testament texts. The focus is on the alphabet and vowels, transliteration and finding the meanings of words in the lexicons. The main purpose of the course is to teach students enough Hebrew grammar and vocabulary for exegetical purposes.
An introductory course in the grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of NT Greek; with emphasis on reading, understanding, and translating passages from the Greek New Testament.
This course is a continuation of BST 110, introducing further points of grammar and syntax and additional vocabulary, with continued emphasis on reading and translating. Pre-requisite: BST 110. 81
The course is designed to teach basic and simple Greek grammar for the purpose of using the Greek-English lexicons in the exegesis of the New Testament texts. The focus is on the alphabet and vowels, transliteration and finding the meanings of words in the lexicons. The main purpose of the course is to teach students enough Greek grammar and vocabulary for exegetical purposes.
The course focuses on translation of selected biblical texts and consolidation of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on translating the different genres of Hebrew literature in the Old Testament, including narrative and poetry. The course is also a general review of grammar and a building of vocabulary. Translation will emphasize sentence analysis and the parsing of words.
A course designed to teach exegetical methodology, and to give students practice in applying the same in interpreting the texts of the Old Testament. In the course, students will be led through a book of the Old Testament, as an exegetical model. A knowledge of Hebrew is useful but not necessary. Either this course or “New Testament Exegesis” will satisfy the basic MDiv, MTS requirement in exegesis. Pre-requisites: BST 103 and 104.
An interpretation of one or more of the books that seeks to examine significant theological and ideological concepts presented in the books. Particular attention is given to contemporary interpretation and application. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
BST 205The Psalms in Worship, Preaching, and Devotion3
The course focuses on the origin of the Psalms, and their use in Israelite worship and prayer with attention on the use of the Psalms in liturgical and devotional life of Christians. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
A study of the "the Scrolls" of the Old Testament: Ecclesiastes, Esther, Lamentations, Ruth, and Song of Songs. A literary and/or ideological interpretation of one or more of the books. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
This course is designed to consolidate knowledge of introductory grammar, to develop sensitivity to matters of style and to build vocabulary, so that students may move from beginning grammar toward exegetical work in the New Testament. Primary emphasis will be on reading a variety of passages from the Greek NT and related literature, selected on the basis of their value in illustrating key points of grammar and style. Secondarily, the course will introduce the basics of New Testament textual criticism. Pre-requisites: BST 110 and 111.
An introduction to exegetical theory and practice as well as issues of hermeneutics. Primary emphasis is on the practical, step-by-step process of analyzing a text and explaining what it meant in its original historical and literary contexts. Secondary emphasis is on moving from text to application- -what it means today. A knowledge of Greek is useful but not required. Either this course or “Old Testament Exegesis” will satisfy the basic MDiv, MTS requirement in exegesis. Pre-requisites: BST 112 and 113. 82
A detailed reading of the two-volume work known as Luke-Acts, with attention to matters of historical context, style, theology, and interpretational problems. Prerequisite: BST 112.
The teachings of the Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles are discussed and analyzed. Special attention is given to contrasts between the Synoptic Gospels and the Johannine writings, and to relationships existing among the materials that comprise the Johannine literature. Pre-requisite: BST 112. .
This course deals particularly with the question of the authenticity of Ephesians, Colossians, and II Thessalonians; their major themes; and their similarity and dissimilarity with one another and with the more or less undisputed Pauline letters. Pre-requisite: BST 113. .
Exegetical courses in the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Catholic Epistles are offered sequentially each year. The particular book to be studied in any semester will be indicated on the list of course offerings for the semester.
A study of the apocalyptic tradition in Hellenistic Judaism and early Christianity. Attention will be given to such works as 1 Enoch, Revelation and Mark 13. Pre-requisite: BST 113.
The class will meet for one hour each week to translate a designated book of the bible from Greek into English. The course will give particular attention to points of grammar, with some comment on interpretation. MDiv students may take this course as many as three times and MTS students twice, provided they translate different texts each time. Pre-requisite: BST 210.
A detailed reading of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians, with attention to rhetoric, historical context, theology, and interpretational problems. Prerequisite: BST 113.
A careful study of the message of Romans, together with a reconstruction of Paul's arguments and theological position in this, the major expression of his understanding of the faith. Pre-requisite: BST 113.
BST 230Sexuality in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible3
The course explores how sexuality is depicted or reflected in the Hebrew Bible. The course is designed to help students analyze biblical passages and narratives that depict or reflect on sexuality and sexual practices. The aim is to identify actual issues addressed in the texts with an attempt to work out how the depiction or reflection of the texts is helpful or harmful to issues and problems of the subject of sexuality for the church today. Pre-requisite: BST 103. 80
A detailed reading of the gospel attributed to Matthew, with attention to matters of historical context, style, theology, and interpretational problems.
This course will be a close reading of Mark’s Gospel using a variety of interpretive methods, from Historical and Literary criticism to Narrative and Reader-Response criticism, with a view to the use of Mark in Christian preaching.
This course will be a close reading of Luke’s Gospel using a variety of interpretive methods, from Historical and Literary criticism to Narrative and Reader-Response criticism, with a view to the use of Luke in Christian preaching. 83
This course will be a close reading of Matthew’s Gospel using a variety of interpretive methods, from Historical and Literary criticism to Narrative and Reader-Response criticism, with a view to the use of Matthew in Christian preaching.
A detailed reading of the gospel attributed to Mark, with attention to matters of historical context, style, theology, and interpretational problems. Prerequisite: BST 112.
This course will be a close reading of the Epistles using a variety of interpretive methods, from the Historical and Literary criticism to Narrative and Reader-Response criticism, with a view to the use of the Epistles in Christian preaching.
A detailed reading of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, with attention to rhetoric, historical context, theology, and interpretational problems. Prerequisite: BST 113.
Second Temple Judaism provides essential background for understanding the NT by immersing students in the world of Palestinian Judaism from the rise of the Maccabees to the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. Towards this end, the course introduces students to three main bodies of Jewish literature—Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the rabbinic writings—considering how to read them critically and how to relate them to one another and to the archeological evidence. Issues of particular interest include the political history of the time, the emergence of the sects (Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes), and the practice of the law in daily life.
A seminar in which students receive instruction in exegetical methodology through an advanced study of a book of the Old Testament. The course will deal with issues of background and authorship, the social and political context, theological understanding, and the relevance of the writing for Christians today. Pre-requisite: BST 103 and BST 104.
An introduction to exegetical theory and practice as well as issues of hermeneutics through an advanced study of a book of the New Testament. Primary emphasis is on the practical, step-by-step process of analyzing a text and explaining what it meant in its original historical and literary contexts. Secondary emphasis is on moving from text to application — what it means today. A knowledge of Greek is useful but not required. Pre-requisite BST 113.
A critical study of a book of the Old Testament, using the Hebrew text; with special attention to problems of language, interpretation, and theology. Pre-requisite: BST 100 & 101, and BST 103 or 104. 79
A critical study of the Books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, with special attention to the problems of the composition, historical background, and major theological themes of the writers. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
A study of one or more books of the Minor Prophets, with special attention to problems of composition, historical background, and major themes. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
This course studies canonical and extra-canonical wisdom literature for insight into the thought structures of ancient wise persons, their peoples and times. Attempts will be made to compare similar literature from Africa and Asia, to discover elements of commonality between both, and to glean their value for people today. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
This course examines exegetically and theologically portions of the texts in the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, and Hellenistic religious writings prior to and contemporary with the emerging Christian movement, to discern the impact of those texts and writings on the formation and development of New Testament Christianity. Pre-requisites: BST 103 and 201. 84
An advanced study of a book of the Old Testament, dealing with issues of background and authorship, the social and political context, theological understanding, and the relevance of the writing for Christians today. Pre-requisites: BST 103 and 104.
Opportunities are available for research or directed study in the Old Testament. Such studies may be focused on any aspect of the religion, literature, or theological beliefs of ancient Israel. Arrangements for these studies are made on an individual basis and must be approved by the Academic Dean. Pre-requisites: BST 103 and 104.
The course explores subjects such as the portrayals of women in the biblical text, the historical and sociological questions of women in the ancient world, feminist/womanist biblical scholarship, and the roles of androcentric and misogynist interpretations in the history of interpretation of the Bible with reference to women in both ancient and modern times. Pre-requisite: BST 103.
An in-depth study of any book in the New Testament, dealing with matters of provenance; textual, form, and redaction criticism; exegesis of the English or Greek text; and theological ideas. The particular book to be studied in any semester will be indicated on the list of course offerings for the semester. Pre-requisite: BST 113.
An examination of the ethical concepts portrayed in the New Testament, particularly in the standards and teachings of Jesus and Paul. Attention is given to the theoretical questions of natural law, conscience, and the good life; practical questions such as wealth, work, sex, marriage, and divorce; and relationships within the Christian community. Pre-requisite: BST 112.
This course examines the portrayal of women and women’s issues in the New Testament. To help students think through the implications for the church and society today, the course gives special attention to investigating how Christianity affected the status and roles of women within the religious and cultural contexts of the larger Greco-Roman world. Pre-requisite: BST 112.
A critical study of a book of the NT, using the Greek text, with special attention to problems of language, interpretation, and theology. Students may take this course multiple times provided they translate different texts each time. Pre-requisites: BST 110, 111, 112 and 210.
Opportunities are available for research or directed study in the New Testament. Such studies may be focused on any aspect of the religion, literature, or theological beliefs of New Testament communities of believers. Arrangements are made on an individual basis with the approval of the Academic Dean. Pre-requisite: BST 112. 85
This course will review the variety of ways God is characterized, primarily in the Torah and Prophets, as interacting with the world and especially with humankind. Students will consider such questions as: How does God affect the world? How does God feel? How is God righteous, merciful, and just? How do the characterizations of God affect the way people see themselves, and how do people’s self-perceptions affect the way they characterize God?
BST 402Biblical Models for Ministry: Prophet, Priest, Sage2
We admire the prophets, resort to priests, and seek out sages. A review of the respective functions and perspectives of these three roles in the OT/Hebrew Bible will shed light on comparable roles in ministry. These three roles complement one another in ancient Israel, and even today they combine in ways that provide clarity and illumination for understanding ministry.
This course will explore the gospels as resources for preaching and ministry. By exploring theological themes that cut across more than one gospel, such as the Kingdom of God in the teaching of Jesus, students will gain a sense of how different gospels may speak to different situations. The course will have two goals: (a) to bring students up to date with current research on the gospels, and (b) to probe analogies between the situations of the ancient texts and the situations of modern-day churches so as to enable a pastor more effectively to bring the text to bear on current questions.
This course will explore pastoral methods as reflected in the NT letters. Students will examine some or all of the NT letters to study how various writers addressed pastoral concerns in specific, local contexts. Issues may include such problems as ethnic conflict, gender justice, economic justice, death, sexuality, and so on. The course will have two goals: (a) to bring students up to date with current research on NT letters, and (b) to probe analogies between the situations of the ancient texts and the situations of modern-day churches so as to enable pastors more effectively to bring the text to bear on current pastoral issues.
BST 415Biblical Priestly & Prophetic Influence on Leadership2
This course examines priestly and prophetic leadership in the Bible and explores how these roles of leaders might inform leadership ministry in faith communities and the global world. This class will satisfy an elective requirement in the Leadership Ministry Specialization. 113
According to Jesus, kingdom leadership looks very different from the leadership models exalted by the world (Matt 20:25-26). Indeed, much of Israel missed their Messiah because they were looking for the wrong type of leader. Christian leaders typically embrace this difference by extolling the virtues of “servant leadership.” While servant leadership undoubtedly highlights an essential component of Jesus’ leadership model, it does not seem to capture fully just how radically different Jesus’ model of leadership actually is. After all, the same Jesus who advocates servant leadership also promotes misunderstanding to ensure his listeners do not find forgiveness (Mark 4:1-12), angers the enthusiastic supporters in his hometown by refusing to work miracles among them (Luke 4:16-30), intentionally provokes all but his most diehard followers into leaving him (John 6:52-66), and ends up facing his greatest trial alone, abandoned by even his closest disciples. What kind of leader has no followers??? This course will accordingly examine the presentation of Jesus in one or more of the gospels to see what his example can teach us about true leadership. This class will satisfy an elective requirement in the Leadership Ministry Specialization.
This course explores concepts of justice in prophetic literature, the role of prophetic figures, and how these should serve as models for churches to work for justice in the local community and the global world. It will involve the examination of contemporary justice issues with the goal of encouraging students to provide leadership in the pursuit of justice. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.
This course critically examines the theme of economic justice in the Bible and explores how religious leaders can critique unjust economic systems that hinder the realization of the just reign of God in the world. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.