Schedule & Calendar
Fall 2023
Old Testament Biblical Theology A
BibTh 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the Old Testament Scriptures, the first three-quarters of the Christian Bible. The emphasis will be placed upon understanding the text in its historical, cultural, and canonical contexts and its underlying theology. Matters such as setting, date, authorship, structure, and content, as well as interpretive problems, will also be considered. But the emphasis will be on trying to discern the theological structure of the Old Testament. One of the major Jewish sequences of books will be followed, since this was probably the order of the oldest arrangement of the books, and formed the Bible of Jesus and the earliest church. This sequence begins with Genesis and ends with Chronicles. My intent for this course is to help you get an overview of a very different place and culture and time, and to help you use this context to understand the Old Testament Scriptures! So welcome to the journey, a journey like no other. It begins with God’s command to create light in Genesis 1 and it ends with his command to rebuild the temple in 2 Chronicles 36, and so to fill the world with the light of His Presence.
Baptist History
BHist 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
The course will be a survey study of the history of Baptist History and Thought. It will focus on Baptists in Britain, Canada, and the United States, but not on the neglect of Baptists in other locations. It will also emphasize Reformed and Evangelical Baptists, but not neglect other Baptist traditions. It will cover a wide range of areas from belief, practice, worship, major issues, developments, etc.
Christian Foundations
Found 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the language and systems of Christian theology in which 10 areas of systematic theology will be surveyed. The importance of thinking biblically and theologically in all areas of life leading to a Christian worldview will be emphasized. To accomplish this, we will emphasize God’s unfolding plan of redemption in the Old and New Testaments, and the centrality of Jesus Christ as the one who holds the scriptures together and is the key to their interpretation.
Bible Evidences & Issues for Reliability
BibCn 303/323 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is intended to introduce and orient students to the field of the Bible in terms of the evidences and issues concerning its reliability. This study will explore the origins of the Bible, its canonical formation and collection; the non-canonical books (the Apocrypha, the Pseudepigrapha) including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the criteria for canonicity. The areas of biblical inerrancy, infallibility, inspiration, transmission, and preservation will also be examined. The ultimate goal and aim of this course is to acquaint students with the Bible and equip them to present while at the same time defending the integrity of the Scriptures.
Principles & Methods of Bible Study
BibSt 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
The course presents an objective way of approaching Scripture that helps students to set aside their own preconceived ideas and to look carefully at what is being said. It considers different principles of interpretation and how they should be applied to different genres in the Bible. It is a foundation course that prepares students for the course in Biblical Hermeneutics.
Academic Research and Writing
ResAc 103, ResTh 123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course introduces undergraduate students to the fundamental principles and practices of academic research. We will examine the nature of critical inquiry and academic research and develop the skills and habits of thought necessary to plan, execute, and present an academic research paper. Research assignments, in-class exercises, work in the library, and the completion of a book review will help students to put their learning into practice. Class sessions will consist of short lectures, discussions, and exercises.
Pastoral Theology I
Past 303/323 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to make students familiar with the unique qualifications and demands of the pastoral office in the church of Jesus Christ. Biblically qualified pastors who have been called to serve by the Lord of the church are a great blessing and gift to the church. Unfortunately, however, they are often in short supply. While many aspire to the pastoral office, and others think that because they can speak, administer a business, or are well-liked by others that they are qualified to be pastors, the Bible places the emphasis on the gifting and calling of God. In Pastoral Theology I we will look at what the Bible teaches about the church in order to understand the context of pastoral ministry and then we will look at the pastor himself. Pastoral Theology II focuses attention on the exercise of the pastoral office.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Herm 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to help students to interpret and apply the biblical text in a responsible and informed manner. This will be achieved through an understanding of methods, skills, research tools, important concepts, and values necessary for interpretation and application. A brief survey of biblical interpretation and the presuppositions behind different forms of biblical interpretation will also be considered. The acquisition of good interpretive skills will be enhanced through both individually written and in-class group assignments.
New Testament Biblical Survey
BibSv 303/323 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to introduce students with the basic content of the New Testament. Most of the course will be devoted to an overview of each of the 27 books focusing on introductory matters, content analysis, and the unique contribution that each book makes to the canon.
Hebrew Grammar I
Heb 123 (3 Credit Hours)
An elementary introduction to the Hebrew language leading to proficiency in reading and translating the Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis).
Hebrew Syntax and Reading I
Heb 323 (3 Credit Hours)
A course in rapid reading in different genres of Hebrew literature with full morphological review and further study of syntax. This course also includes an approach to the method of exegesis with special attention given to Hebrew poetry.
Greek Grammar I
Grk 123 (3 Credit Hours)
An introductory study of New Testament Greek grammar, forms, and syntax. Readings are taken from the Greek New Testament.
Greek Syntax and Reading I
Grk 323 (3 Credit Hours)
Exegesis from the Greek text is the proper foundation for the proclamation of the New Testament message. Students who have completed preliminary studies in morphology and grammar will continue to sharpen and enlarge their exegetical skills in this course. Attention is given to applying the rules of grammar and syntax while recognizing the nuance of idioms and historical context as students examine a series of New Testament texts.
