Bible and Theology

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.