Program in a Glance
Format: On Campus or Online

Program Overview

The Bible and Theology major (30 or 33 credits) is a signature requirement for a bachelor’s degree at Johnson University. Students complete this major alongside a core of arts and sciences classes and a second major selected from more than 30 options.

The Bible & Theology Major constitutes the signature core of Johnson University’s educational experience. The goal is to “focus on God’s self-revelation in history as recorded in the Christian Scriptures, which gives meaning and purpose to life” (from Johnson University’s “Educational Approach”). The Bible & Theology Major contributes to the goals of Johnson University’s baccalaureate curriculum. Students are also encouraged to consider supplementing their Bible & Theology Major by developing competency in the biblical languages of Hebrew and/or Greek.

The Bible & Theology Major provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text. It promotes spiritual growth and missional engagement and equips them to fulfill the Great Commission in local and global contexts.

Transfer Students:  Students who transfer to Johnson with an accredited associate degree or 62+ credits will complete a 24-credit sequence in Bible and Theology as an alternative to the major. This plan ensures a solid biblical and theological foundation while accommodating the limited number of credit hours remaining in a two-year completion plan.  [Note: the 24-credit sequence will change to 18 credits starting Fall 2026.]
Students in this situation may also choose to complete the additional coursework required to earn the Bible and Theology major.
Steve Cook
Program Director
Steve Cook
Program Director
865-251-2309
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Curriculum

  • Orientation to Old Testament
  • Orientation to New Testament
  • Acts and the Mission of God
  • Orientation to Theology
  • Biblical Interpretation
  • Theological Study I

Old Testament Study (Choose One):

  • Genesis
  • Exodus
  • Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
  • Narratives in Samuel

New Testament Study (Choose One):

  • Matthew
  • Mark
  • Luke
  • John

Old Testament Exegesis (Choose One):

  • Job and Theodicy
  • Message of the Psalms
  • Israel’s Wisdom Literature
  • Isaiah
  • Ezekiel and Daniel
  • Jeremiah
  • The minor prophets

New Testament Exegesis (Choose One):

  • Romans
  • 1-2 Corinthians
  • Early Epistles of Paul
  • Prison Epistles of Paul
  • Pastoral Epistles
  • Letter to the Hebrews
  • Book of Revelation

Theological Study II (Choose One):

  • Special Topics in Life Sciences/Biology Ethics
  • God’s Story-Our Story
  • Theology and Human Sexuality
  • The Person and Work of Christ
  • Topics in Theology
  • Contemporary Theology
  • Biblical Interpretation Across Cultures
  • Theology of the Trinity
  • Creaturely Theology
  • Theological and Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship
  • History of Christian Worship
  • Women in the Bible
  • Christian Thought and Film
  • Christian Pilgrimage Today
  • Global Theology