22 courses with the subject BIB, 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.
BIB 501GREEK I3
This is the first in a two-course sequence providing basic introduction to the Koine Greek used in New Testament. With the successful completion of the two courses, the students will know the basic principles of Greek grammar and translation. With the help of the textbook, notes, and software, the students will be able to translate passages from the Greek New Testament and will begin analyzing the implications of grammatical constructions for exegesis. Three credits.
The basics of Hebrew grammar in one semester to prepare the seminarian for profitable use of BibleWorks (pc) or Accordance (mac) for translation and exegesis.
An in-depth examination of the New Testament Gospels, focusing on the theological emphases of each evangelist as heard within a first-century Christian context. Students will also explore the contemporary meaning of each Gospel and will learn exegetical skills aimed at Christian formation and sermon preparation. Three credits.
Paul’s letters will be studied with particular attention to the theological claims that they make, and to how Paul’s words have shaped and continue to shape the practice of ministry and the life of faith. Students will practice and strengthen their exegetical skills with the epistolary texts and develop a solid hermeneutical approach to the Pauline letters for their work in teaching and preaching. Three credits.
This course will examine the New Testament’s final book within the context of Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic writings and within the culture of the first century Asia Minor. Attention will be given to how this book has been interpreted through the centuries, with particular attention paid to artistic interpretations. In addition, the course will study and critique current popular and scholarly readings of the book, as well as the impact of diverse cultural contexts on the interpretation of the book. Church in Context elective. Three credits.
BIB 632DEATH, AFTER-DEATH, AND RESURRECTION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
At the heart of the New Testament is the story of Jesus’ resurrection and the claim that this resurrection is God’s saving act for all. This course will focus on several New Testament texts which address Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for life and hope beyond death. We will also look at the Old Testament roots of these ideas and at other Jewish and Greco-Roman texts which discuss death and expectations regarding what comes after death. The course will include a concern for how the New Testament texts shape our proclamation and ministry around issues of death, grief, and hope. Three credits. 106
Seminar on the Torah, its meaning in its original context, and its relevance for the Christian Church today. Special attention is given to the historic Christian interpretations of law and gospel and the place of God’s law in current church and society. Three credits.
This seminar on the book of the Bible that provides the most Old Testament lessons in the Revised Common Lectionary will take seriously the historical–critical assessment of First, Second and Third Isaiah plus the Isaiah Apocalypse. However, it will go beyond this traditionally modern approach to take seriously Christ as the key which opens the scroll to contemporary Christian proclamation. Three credits.
A seminar on the Gospel According to Mark, focusing on its major theological emphases as heard within a first-century Christian context. Students will read a variety of interpretive perspectives and practice exegetical skills aimed at Christian formation and sermon preparation. They will also wrestle with the way Mark speaks to the contemporary church and world. Three credits.
BIB 510 (BIB 501 & 502 may be required at instructor’s discretion)
BIB 704THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN
An in-depth examination of the Gospel according to John, focusing on the theological emphases of the fourth evangelist as heard within a first-century Christian context. Students will also explore the contemporary meaning of the Fourth Gospel and will practice exegetical skills aimed at Christian formation and sermon preparation. Three credits.
BIB 510 (BIB 501 & 502 may be required at instructor’s discretion)
BIB 720OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
This course addresses the theology of the Old Testament from both the historical critical and Trinitarian perspectives. It will prepare students for preaching and teaching. Three credits.
This study places Paul’s largest and perhaps most influential letter within its social and political context near the end of Paul’s life and sees it as an important witness to Paul’s understanding of the gospel, the church, and God’s mission. This careful exegetical study of the text will enable the student to explore the theological claims of key passages and the overall argument of Romans. Attention will be paid to how Romans has been interpreted throughout the history of the church, as well as to current scholarly work on this letter, and to the potential of Romans for theology and proclamation today. Three credits.
A supervised research project during first semester of the senior year, providing the basis for a senior thesis to be completed during the final semester. Three credits. 107
