The Biblical Studies department seeks
to equip the student to become a responsible and creative Biblical
theologian who can interpret the Scriptures in the various situations
of ministry. Courses in the Biblical Studies department are designed
to equip students with the methods and materials for critical exegesis
of the biblical texts so that they can interpret Scripture appropriately
and responsibly in theological and ethical reflection and in the nature
of the church’s life and mission in the world.
FACULTY: STURM, TANNER, WILES
OLD TESTAMENT (Required)
OT-00301 INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT
This course will provide the historical and theological foundations
for the study, teaching, and preaching of the Old Testament. The
course is designed to introduce the student to the many ways of
studying the Old Testament and appropriating that study for the
church. (4 hrs.)
OLD TESTAMENT ELECTIVES (One required for M.Div.)
OT-00311 BIBLICAL HEBREW
This course is designed to introduce the student to biblical Hebrew,
beginning with a study of essential grammar and vocabulary as well
as discussion on the theological importance of studying the texts
in the original language. Does not satisfy the Old Testament Exegesis
requirement. (4 hrs.)
OT-00312 HEBREW EXEGESIS
In addition to a continuation of the study of grammar, the second
term will include reading and translating biblical texts from the
original Hebrew as well as a focus on issues of translation and
theological meanings. Prerequisite: OT-00311, Biblical Hebrew, OT-00301
Introduction to Old testament Satisfies the Old Testament Exegesis
requirement. (2 hrs.)
OT-00411 HEBREW READING
Translation of selected passages from the Old Testament. Designed
to continue and develop a student's competence in translating Biblical
Hebrew. Prerequisites: OT-00311, Biblical Hebrew and OT-00312, Hebrew
Exegesis. (1 hr.)
OT-00412 EXODUS AND THE WILDERNESS WANDERING:
SALVATION AND COMMUNITY FORMATION
In sweeping epics and foundational law codes, the exodus from Egypt,
the wilderness wandering, and the theophany at Sinai teach us about
God's work of salvation and of community formation. This course
will focus on understanding this foundational period both in its
ancient context and as a way to understand God's work in modern
communities of faith. Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction to the
Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00416 THE TORAH CODES OF THE PENTATEUCH
A critical study of the Torah (or Law) codes in Exodus, Leviticus,
and the sermons of Deuteronomy that will address the layers of tradition
which over hundreds of years formed the central religious and societal
structures of ancient Israel. The study will explore how these laws
developed in Israel and address the question of an understanding
of these texts in our modern culture. Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00417 THE BOOK OF JOB
A close study of one of the most difficult books in the Old Testament.
The course will focus on understanding the role of this book in
the life of Israel's religion. In addition, it will address the
troubling theological and philosophical issues for the readers of
this text both in ancient Israel and in today's complex world. Prerequisite:
OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00418 PROVERBS AND ECCLESIASTES
This course will investigate the two themes of these wisdom books.
We will look at their conflicting messages and forge an understanding
of how these words functioned in the life of Israel and in our modern
culture. Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament.
(2 hrs.)
OT-00419 JONAH AND ESTHER
This class will investigate the concept of salvation and the word
of God embodied in both word and deed. We will also investigate
the forms of narrative and storytelling as a function of defining
faithful service to God and humanity. Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00420 THE BOOK OF PSALMS
This course will focus on the psalms as both liturgical pieces and
scripture. The psalms will be studied as a central part of the worship
life of ancient Israel and as a book of important theological understanding
for the modern church. Students will also have the opportunity to
increase exegetical and preaching skills as part of the course.
Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00425 PROPHETS I
This course will look at the pre-exilic prophets, focusing on Amos,
Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah of Jerusalem. The texts will be studied
both in their original historical context and as Word for the church
today. Students will have an opportunity to gain additional exegetical
skills as part of the course. Prerequisite; OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00426 PROPHETS II
This course will look at the exilic and post-exilic prophets, focusing
on Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Deutero-Isaiah and Zechariah. The texts will
be studied both in their original historical context and as a word
for the church today. Students will have an opportunity to gain
additional exegetical skills as part of the course. Students not
taking Prophets I will be required to view a video tape on the role
of the prophet. Prerequisite: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old
Testament. (2 hrs.)
OT-00500 INDEPENDENT STUDY
OT-00591 M. DIV. HONORS THESIS
OT-00599 M.A. THESIS
NEW TESTAMENT (Required)
NT-00301 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
A survey of the history and literature of the early church and introduction
to critical study of the New Testament. Required for all further
work in New Testament. (4 hrs.)
NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS COURSES (One required for M.Div.)
NT-00311 GREEK
Elementary New Testament Greek grammar and introduction to New Testament
translation. Does not satisfy the New Testament Exegesis requirement.
(4 hrs.)
NT-00312 GREEK EXEGESIS
Completion of elementary grammar and developing skills in exegesis
of the Greek New Testament. Satisfies the New Testament Exegesis
requirement. Prerequisite: NT-00311, Greek, NT-003301, Introduction
to new Testament Satisfies the New Testament Exegesis requirement.
(2 hrs.)
NT-00411 GREEK READING COURSE
Translation of selected passages from the New Testament and early
Christian literature. Designed to continue and develop a student’s
competence in translating the Greek New Testament. Prerequisites:
NT-00311, Greek and NT-00312, Greek Exegesis. (1 hr.)
NT-00412 THE PARABLES OF JESUS
The nature and purpose of the Gospel parables, their setting in
the life and thought of the early church, and their significance
for preaching and teaching in congregations today. Attention will
be given to definition of the genre, literary and theological background
in the Old Testament, special problems of exegesis, themes peculiar
to each evangelist, and effective communication of Jesus' parables
for today. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament.
(2 hrs.)
NT-00413 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
A close exegetical study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel
of Matthew, in comparison with Luke's "Sermon on the Plain."
Students will have an opportunity to gain additional exegetical
skills through the course. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00417 THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Exegesis of the Gospel of Luke with particular attention to the
theological purposes of the evangelist, his use of tradition, and
his historical context. Students will have an opportunity to gain
additional exegetical skills as part of the course. Prerequisite:
NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00418 THE JOHANNINE LITERATURE
A critical study of the Fourth Gospel and the Johannine Epistles,
exploring particularly their literary, historical, sociological,
and theological dimensions. Special emphasis will be placed on the
role of Scripture in the Fourth Gospel (including comparison and
contrast with the Synoptics), as well as on the Christology, ecclesiology,
and soteriology of the community of the Beloved Disciple. Class
participants will practice exegesis, demonstrating ability in the
disciplines of biblical interpretation and appreciation of various
commentaries and other current scholarly contributions to our understanding
of the Johannine literature. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00422 FIRST CORINTHIANS
An exegetical study of 1 Corinthians, with particular attention
to the relationship between theology, ethics, and society in Paul's
communication with the church at Corinth. Students will have an
opportunity to gain additional exegetical skills as part of the
requirements for the course. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00423 SECOND CORINTHIANS
An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians, with particular attention
given to the reconstruction of Paul's relationship with the Corinthian
congregation and to the issue of apostolic preaching and authority.
Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00424 GALATIANS
A close reading of the Apostle Paul's letter to the churches in
Galatia, considering its historical, sociological, literary, and
theological aspects, as well as its relation to the larger contexts
of the Pauline corpus and the New Testament. Although exegesis of
the text will be primary, the theological significance of Galatians
for Christian thought and action in the past and present, particularly
the letter's radical critique of religion, will also be considered.
Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00425 EARLY CHRISTIANITY AND GRECO-ROMAN
PHILOSOPHY
An exploration of the Greco-Roman philosophies current in the first
century. Particular attention will be given to how a knowledge of
these philosophical traditions can contribute to better understanding
of the Pauline letters. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction to
the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00428 THE SHORTER LETTERS OF PAUL
An exegetical study of the shorter letters of Paul, including 1
Thessalonians, Philippians, and Philemon. The study will focus on
the character of the relationships between Paul and his congregations.
Students will have an opportunity to gain additional exegetical
skills as part of the course. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00431 THE DEATH OF JESUS
An exegetical study of the passion narratives and key Christological
confessions related to Jesus' death. The study will focus on an
analysis of the various ways in which the early church interpreted
the death of Jesus. Students will have an opportunity to gain additional
exegetical skills as part of the course. Prerequisite: NT-00301,
Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
NT-00500 INDEPENDENT STUDY
NT-00592 M. DIV. HONORS THESIS
NT-00599 M.A. THESIS
BIBLICAL THEOLOGY COURSES (One Required for M. Div.)
BT-00411 LAMENT TRADITION AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE
This course will focus on the laments of the Old Testament and the
Gospels to understand an important part of the relationship between
God and humanity, both in ancient contexts and in contemporary human
experience. Integration of biblical study, preaching, and pastoral
care will be stressed, along with a theological understanding of
the relationship illuminated in these texts. Students will also
gain additional exegetical skills by studying a variety of texts.
Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament, or NT-00301,
Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BT-00413 VIOLENCE AND GRACE: GOD IN THE BIBLICAL
TRADITION
This course will focus on the difficult question of the characterization
of God in the Bible as both a God who condones violence and as a
God of grace and forgiveness. Students will engage in discussions
of a variety of texts and focus on understanding the texts both
in their original contexts and in contemporary society. The final
project will help the student articulate a fuller understanding
of God and God's relationship with humanity. Prerequisites: OT-00301,
Introduction to the Old Testament, or NT-00301, Introduction to
the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BT-00420 FEMINIST/WOMANIST READINGS OF SCRIPTURE
This course will focus on the theological insights and implications
of feminist and womanist readings of the biblical text. The course
will stress exegesis and theological analysis with a view to discovering
ways to allow a fresh reading of scripture to enliven the preaching
and teaching of the church. Prerequisite: Either OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament or NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament.
(2 hrs.)
BT-00422 NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTOLOGY
This course will focus on the question of how the earliest Christians
understood Jesus of Nazareth. What was the meaning of his life and
of his death? How did they understand the resurrection and the exaltation
of Jesus as the Christ? What did it mean for them to proclaim Jesus
as Lord and to insist that he was alive and present in their midst?
Students will explore the variety of Christological expression in
the New Testament with a view to enlarging their own understandings
of the nature and work of Christ. Prerequisite: NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BT-00423 WRESTLING WITH THE APOSTLE PAUL
Focusing on Paul's New Testament letters, this course will study
Paul's thought as it developed in the context of his relationship
with Judaism, the early churches and the Greco-Roman world. Throughout
the course, we will engage current social and intellectual issues
from the perspective of Pauline theology. Prerequisite: NT-00301,
Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BT-00424 JEW AND GENTILE IN CHRIST: THE THEOLOGY
OF ROMANS
Through an interactive reading of Paul's letters to the Romans,
students will gain an appreciation of the dynamics of the relationships
between Jews and Gentiles during the period of early Christianity.
This discussion will then enable a deeper understanding of Paul's
theology as he develops it in his letter to the Romans. Prerequisite:
NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BT-00435 CANON AND AUTHORITY
A theological study of the nature of biblical authority, considering
the role of Scripture in the Synagogue and Church, from biblical
times to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the relation between
historical criticism and canonical criticism, with special attention
to the controversy over biblical inspiration and authority within
the Church today. Prerequisite: Either OT-00301, Introduction to
the Old Testament or NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament.
(2 hrs.)
BT-00436 TRAGEDY AND THE GOSPEL
An exploration of the form and sense of tragedy, particularly in
biblical literature and selected masterpieces of drama. Such works
as The Book of Job, The Gospel According to Mark, Agamemnon, Oedipus
the King, The Bacchae, Hamlet, Phaedra, and contemporary works such
as August Wilson's Fences will be considered, in order to develop
skills in close reading, literary criticism and theological critique
of the tragic plot, protagonist, and view of life. Prerequisites:
OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament, and NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.) (same as CA-00313)
BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS ELECTIVES (One Required For M.DIV.)
BH-00441 THEORY AND PRACTICE OF BIBLICAL
HERMENEUTICS
Advanced study of the disciplines of biblical exegesis and the dynamics
of responsible interpretation of Scripture, exploring forms of literature
in the Bible, topics of controversy in interpretation, and contemporary
approaches to Scripture such as Feminist, African American, and
Two-thirds World hermeneutics. Although emphasis will be placed
on exegetical methods, the relation of biblical interpretation to
faith, spiritual formation, and preaching will also be considered.
Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament, and
NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BH-00442 TEXT AND CULTURE
This course will focus on the ways that the biblical text interacts
with culture. Both in its inception and in its reception, the biblical
text gives witness to the Creator's willingness to be incarnated
in human culture. How have the ancient cultures affected the writing
of the scriptures? And, how do our own cultures affect the interpretation
of the scriptures? Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the
Old Testament, and NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament.
(2 hrs.)
BH-00446 URBAN CHRISTIANS: THEN AND NOW
The early church grew up in a thoroughly urban and pluralistic environment.
Through a study of the urban realities of the early church and a
comparison of those realities with the urban realities of the modern
world, students will better be able to relate the early Christian
message within an urban context. Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament, and NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament.
(2 hrs.)
BH-00450 PREACHING THE NARRATIVES OF THE
OLD TESTAMENT
This course will focus on the exegesis and preaching of the narrative
texts in the Old Testament. The course will introduce the students
to narrative preaching and the ways to present these amazing stories
in the context of sermons. Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction
to the Old Testament, and PR-00401, Introduction to Preaching. (2
hrs.)
BH-00451 PREACHING THE PROPHETIC AND POETIC
TEXTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
This course will investigate the methods of exegesis and preaching
of the poetic texts of the Old Testament. The course will invite
students to preach in a poetic style that mirrors these beautiful
texts. Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament,
and PR-00401, Introduction to Preaching. (2 hrs.)
BH-00453 WRITING THE WORD: SCRIPTURE AND
EXPERIENCE
This course will focus on the relation between human experience
and the creation and interpretation of scripture. How relevant is
one's own experience for interpreting a text? When does personal
engagement with the text become eisegesis? What is the role of experience
in theological thinking? This course will address these questions
through special attention to the hermeneutical category of analogy
and the literary form of the informal essay. The students will be
encouraged to write short expository essays appropriate for the
local newspapers or for denominational publications. Prerequisites:
OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament, and NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BH-00454 THE BIBLE AND THE ARTS
This study of the relation between the Bible and the arts will explore
artistry in biblical literature as well as the expression of biblical
themes and images in various art forms, such as architecture, painting,
music, literature, drama, epic poetry, and film. Implications of
such study for other fields, including Christian education, preaching,
theology, and spiritual formation will also be considered. Prerequisites:
OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament, and NT-00301, Introduction
to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BH-00455 TEXT AND STORY
This course will focus on the ways that story is employed in scripture
and on the ways that scripture continues to inform our own cultural,
literary, and personal stories. Students will explore narratives
and parables of scripture in order to understand how scripture itself
employs the device of narrative. Films, novels, short stories and
midrashim will then be analyzed in order to discover how the scriptural
stories and themes can and do affect the ways we continue to tell
our stories. Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament,
and NT-00301, Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BH-00458 PERFORMING THE WORD
The Scriptures are oral literature. They were committed to writing
in order to be read aloud, in order to be heard with the ears. The
text of Scripture is a script to be performed, demanding of the
interpreter that he or she employ the body as well as the mind in
the task of interpretation. This course will explore, both in theory
and in practice, how the interpreter of scripture can use breath,
voice, space, and physical movement as an aid to participating in
the mystery of the Word becoming flesh. Prerequisites: OT-00301,
Introduction to the Old Testament and NT-00301, Introduction to
New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BH-00461 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament and NT-00301,
Introduction to the New Testament. (2 hrs.)
BS-00311 BIBLICAL RESEARCH FOR PASTORS
This course will provide hands-on skills for library, computer,
and internet research in the field of biblical studies. The focus
will be on resources needed weekly by pastors in preparing sermons
and Christian education in the parish setting. (1 hr.)
BS-00503 TRAVEL SEMINAR TO ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
This course is offered for two weeks in January. The course is designed
to aid students in the study of the geography and archaeology of
the lands of ancient Israel. Students will be required to complete
reading assignments and provide the instructor with written work
and engage in discussions during the trip for course credit. It
is recommended that students take this course as a pass/fail course.
(2 hrs.)
BS-00504 ADVANCED RESEARCH IN TOPICS RELATED
TO THE TRAVEL SEMINAR
This course is offered in conjunction with the Travel Course. Students
may write a twenty page paper on an aspect of the trip in consultation
with the instructor. Students are strongly encouraged to focus on
the archaeological issues surrounding a single site and how this
impacts our understanding of particular place in the Biblical text.
Prerequisites: OT-00301, Introduction to the Old Testament; NT-00301,
Introduction to the New Testament; and enrollment in the Travel
Seminar.(2 hrs.)
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