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Bible and Theology
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.
Core Classes
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the Old Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the Old Testament says to why it matters.
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the New Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the New Testament says to why it matters.
This course considers the Book of Acts as a rehearsal and projection of the biblical story. Old Testament and New Testament study are brought together in a context that promotes the discussion of intertextuality, Christian identity, multiculturalism, evangelism, and the mission of God.
What is theology? How is it studied? What are its challenges and benefits? Questions like these offer structure to a study of key doctrinal issues relating to a God-centered life: Christology, salvation, work of the Spirit, community living, and Christian formation are considered.
Learning to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text is a skill set built upon specific presuppositions and principles. Biblical Interpretation teaches learners how to recognize these presuppositions and use these principles to study Scripture with care and understanding.
Genesis
Genesis provides an essential introduction to the identity of God and the identity of the people of God. As a backstory to Torah, Genesis offers readers the resume of God as creator and trustworthy guide for life.
Exodus
Exodus details central elements of the Old Testament story including Israel’s exodus from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, and the Tabernacle. This course will take students through the book’s powerful story with focus on its great themes of deliverance and freedom.
Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
This course will explore the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth through highlighting the historical context of the Hebrews during the periods of the Conquest and the Judges. It will emphasize interpretive methods for reading biblical narrative, particularly in terms of how these books reveal the character of God and anticipate Christ.
Narratives in Samuel
The rise of David is one of the most compelling in all of Scripture. Study of selected texts in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel reveal the art of narrative storytelling. David is a hero, but not without flaws.
Matthew
This course is a study of the Gospel of Matthew, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers the Gospel of Matthew in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
Mark
This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers the Gospel of Mark in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
Luke
This course is a study of the Gospel of Luke, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers the Gospel of Luke in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
John
This course is a study of the Gospel of John, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers the Gospel of John in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
God and the Human Person
How do we understand ourselves within a relationship to God and the Christian story? How do past, present, and future acts shape us and lead us to God? These questions suggest the pursuit of personal formation and ethics within the scope of Christian thought.
Job and Theodicy
An exegetical study of the Book of Job with a focus on its contribution to understanding the theological problem of evil.
Message of the Psalms
This exegetical study is prefaced by an introduction to Old Testament poetic writing. Following this preface, attention is given to major Psalm types and the messages that they contain. Reflective thought and worship within the community of God’s people are also considered.
Israel’s Wisdom Literature
Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are considered to be biblical reflections on wisdom. A definition of wisdom/wisdom literature is explored, noting how the idea is used by biblical authors and how it is like/unlike ideas of Israel’s neighbors. Observations about wisdom in the New Testament conclude the course.
Isaiah
This “fifth gospel” sketches the contours of promise against the cold realities of an age of empires. The message of the Servant goes out to the ends of the earth; it is a message that provides transforming peace for the people of God and destructive judgment for God’s enemies.
Ezekiel and Daniel
An exegetical study of Ezekiel and Daniel, emphasizing the books’ relationship to their historical setting, their use of visionary language, their development of theological ideas, and their contribution to biblical theology.
Jeremiah
This study of Jeremiah emphasizes the relationship of the text to the historical setting, the struggle between disappointment and hope, and the book’s contribution to biblical theology.
The Minor Prophets
Select texts illustrate the role of the prophet as mediator between God and humanity. Understanding the message delivered by these communicators in their historical context reveals the timeless priorities of God and announces radical cultural critiques.
Romans
This course places the Apostle Paul within the context of the first-century world (including both Jewish and Gentile dynamics) and traces movements of rhetoric and theology in the letter. The meaning of faith, grace, and virtue are explored.
1-2 Corinthians
Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church are studied with a focus on the problems faced by the church and Paul’s solutions for correcting them.
Early Epistles of Paul
The texts of Galatians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians are studied as a part of the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Special attention is given to false teaching (especially Judaizing errors), eschatology, and life in the Spirit.
Prison Epistles of Paul
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are studied with attention to origins, relationship to the theology of Paul, and their use in constructing theology today.
Pastoral Epistles
Study of the letters written to Timothy and Titus allow students to consider issues of authorship, exegesis, and application, including whether, or to what extent, the Pastorals provide organizational patterns for church leadership today. An original-language variant of the course is offered side-by-side under the name Greek Exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles.
Letter to the Hebrews
A close look at this unique book is offered with consideration given to its theological and rhetorical method, its use of Israel’s Scriptures, and its contribution to the church’s theology.
Book of Revelation
The movement and message of Revelation is studied against the larger background of apocalyptic literature. The victory of God and the renewal of creation brings closure to the biblical story and to the canon of the New Testament.
Special Topics in Life Sciences/Biology Ethics
Topics include discussions of the nature of science and faith, bioethics and science-informed public policy. Students will use historical perspective, theological framework, and scientific literature to evaluate chosen topics and case studies. Students will employ metacognition in their writing and in creating presentation for peer teaching during the class period.
God’s Story-Our Story
This course invites students to explore how God’s story—as revealed in scripture—intersects with their own stories—their passions, interests, callings, and vocations. Emphasis is placed on appreciating the coherence of the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation and developing missional approaches to local and global contexts in which students may live and work.
Theology and Human Sexuality
This course is a theological and biopsychological-spiritual investigation into human sexuality. Issues discussed include, but are not limited to, characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships, interpersonal dynamics of sexual intimacy, gender, marriage, and sexual orientation. Students learn the art of theological reflection and worldview analysis as they explore sexuality historically and address human sexuality from value-respectful positions. Additional attention is given to investigating attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making as an expression of understanding.
The Person and Work of Christ
This course explores the doctrines of Christology and Atonement, offering an in-depth analysis both doctrinally and historically into questions of the union of divinity and humanity in Christ, as well as how his incarnation, life and teachings, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension bring about our reconciliation with God. Attention is given to the biblical witness as well as to major figures and texts addressing these issues throughout the history of the church.
Topics in Theology
This course covers individual topics, movements, and figures in the history of Christian theological reflection: among them, the study of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Salvation, and the nature of Scripture.
Contemporary Theology
A study of major theological figures and movements in the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries. The course provides a broad perspective on theological developments within the time period while focusing on in-depth analysis of the primary sources.
Biblical Interpretation Across Cultures
Different cultures read the biblical text with different eyes. They notice what other cultures do not. They apply the text differently based on their own cultural location. This course enables students to recognize their own cultural lenses and learn to read through the lenses of others in order to come closer to an intercultural “crowdsourced” reading.
Theology of the Trinity
A study of the doctrine of the Trinity from the Scriptures to modern times. Students will read and discuss primary texts and contemporary treatments in order to better understand the place of the doctrine of the Trinity in Christian theology.
Creaturely Theology
Creaturely theology blends biological and ecological field work on campus and in nearby areas with theological reflection on non-human creatures (plants and animals), spiritual formation in nature, and theological reflection on creation care and stewardship in order to better understand ourselves and non-human creatures in a way that approximates how God understands and cares for such creatures.
Theological and Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship
This course explores biblical-theological foundations of Christian worship. It seeks to develop a theology of worship based on the concepts and practices of worship modeled in Scripture and applies that theology in contemporary worshipping contexts. This course is taught by and for the Worship Ministry Program of the School of Communication and Creative Arts.
History of Christian Worship
This course surveys the development of Christian worship from the close of the New Testament era to the present day. Attention is given to the worship practices of the Stone-Campbell Movement. The course aids the student to develop his or her own practical approach to worship. This course is taught by and for the Worship Ministry Program of the School of Communication and Creative Arts.
Women in the Bible
This course studies the place of women in the Bible with attention to the texts’ historical and literary contexts. Particular attention is also given to the subsequent interpretation of texts about women in the Bible and the impact those interpretations have had on the church.
Christian Thought and Film
This course offers instruction in discerning theological elements inherent in modern film. Films selected for study feature examples of either Christian theology or theologies in competition with Christianity. Students receive tools for making moral decisions about movie-going and for evaluating a film’s content.
Christian Pilgrimage Today
This course is an academic supplement to a study-abroad experience in the lands of the Bible, regions integral to the historic development of biblical literature and home to three diverse text-oriented communities, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Observation and engagement allow learners to reflect upon Christian thinking and personal ministry in an increasingly complex world.
Global Theology
This course introduces students to principles and processes for developing a theology of mission for the context in which they serve. Emphasis is placed on biblical precedent, exegesis, and a practical approach to the local context.
Online
Like all baccalaureate students, those enrolled in fully online programs must complete the Bible & Theology Major. Students may fulfill major requirements through courses offered by Johnson University Online, traditional face-to-face courses offered at Johnson University Tennessee, and/or transfer courses from other institutions.
This 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. The courses are designed to build on each other, educating students not only about what the Bible says but why it matters.
Students who transfer into Johnson University with an associate degree or 60 or more credits from an accredited college or university will take a condensed 24-hour version of the Bible and Theology major.
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the Old Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the Old Testament says to why it matters.
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the New Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the New Testament says to why it matters.
This course considers the Book of Acts as a rehearsal and projection of the biblical story. Old Testament and New Testament study are brought together in a context that promotes the discussion of intertextuality, Christian identity, multiculturalism, evangelism, and the mission of God.
What is theology? How is it studied? What are its challenges and benefits? Questions like these offer structure to a study of key doctrinal issues relating to a God-centered life: Christology, salvation, work of the Spirit, community living, and Christian formation are considered.
Learning to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text is a skill set built upon specific presuppositions and principles. Biblical Interpretation teaches learners how to recognize these presuppositions and use these principles to study Scripture with care and understanding.
Genesis provides an essential introduction to the identity of God and the identity of the people of God. As a backstory to Torah, Genesis offers readers the resume of God as creator and trustworthy guide for life.
Mark
This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers the Gospel of Mark in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
How do we understand ourselves within a relationship to God and the Christian story? How do past, present, and future acts shape us and lead us to God? These questions suggest the pursuit of personal formation and ethics within the scope of Christian thought.
Job and Theodicy
An exegetical study of the Book of Job with a focus on its contribution to understanding the theological problem of evil.
Isaiah
This “fifth gospel” sketches the contours of promise against the cold realities of an age of empires. The message of the Servant goes out to the ends of the earth; it is a message that provides transforming peace for the people of God and destructive judgment for God’s enemies.
The Minor Prophets
Select texts illustrate the role of the prophet as mediator between God and humanity. Understanding the message delivered by these communicators in their historical context reveals the timeless priorities of God and announces radical cultural critiques.
Romans
This course places the Apostle Paul within the context of the first-century world (including both Jewish and Gentile dynamics) and traces movements of rhetoric and theology in the letter. The meaning of faith, grace, and virtue are explored.
Book of Revelation
The movement and message of Revelation is studied against the larger background of apocalyptic literature. The victory of God and the renewal of creation brings closure to the biblical story and to the canon of the New Testament.
God’s Story-Our Story
This course invites students to explore how God’s story—as revealed in scripture—intersects with their own stories—their passions, interests, callings, and vocations. Emphasis is placed on appreciating the coherence of the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation and developing missional approaches to local and global contexts in which students may live and work.
Theology and Human Sexuality
This course is a theological and biopsychological-spiritual investigation into human sexuality. Issues discussed include, but are not limited to, characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships, interpersonal dynamics of sexual intimacy, gender, marriage, and sexual orientation. Students learn the art of theological reflection and worldview analysis as they explore sexuality historically and address human sexuality from value-respectful positions. Additional attention is given to investigating attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making as an expression of understanding.
The Person and Work of Christ
This course explores the doctrines of Christology and Atonement, offering an in-depth analysis both doctrinally and historically into questions of the union of divinity and humanity in Christ, as well as how his incarnation, life and teachings, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension bring about our reconciliation with God. Attention is given to the biblical witness as well as to major figures and texts addressing these issues throughout the history of the church.
Christian Thought and Film
This course offers instruction in discerning theological elements inherent in modern film. Films selected for study feature examples of either Christian theology or theologies in competition with Christianity. Students receive tools for making moral decisions about movie-going and for evaluating a film’s content.
Global Theology
This course introduces students to principles and processes for developing a theology of mission for the context in which they serve. Emphasis is placed on biblical precedent, exegesis, and a practical approach to the local context.
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