Biblical Studies

Biblical Studies | Christian Thought and Mission | Christian Ministries | Integrative Courses

PROFESSORS

Diane G. Chen, Assistant Professor of New Testament
Emmanuel Itapson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Craig S. Keener, Professor of New Testament
Julia Pizzuto-Pomaco, Affiliate in Biblical Studies
Deborah Spink, Affiliate in Biblical Studies
Grant H. Ward, Affiliate in Biblical Studies
Deborah E. Watson, Affiliate in Biblical Studies & Theological Research and Writing

One of the Seminary's primary purposes has been to make the Bible central in the curriculum of the institution, with full awareness that (1) a knowledge of the original languages is essential to the most accurate interpretation of the Scriptures, and that (2) provision must be made for those who use primarily the English text. Therefore, while Greek is required of all M.Div. students, the English text will be basic to most courses. Courses will promote comprehensive knowledge of the content of the whole Bible, meet the needs of those who use the English translations, and provide opportunity for students qualified in the languages to compare English versions with the original texts for greater competence in interpreting the Bible.

REQUIRED COURSES

B 500. OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY AND CONTENT
This course aims at a thorough knowledge of the entire Old Testament. This knowledge will provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the history of Israel. Two units. Itapson & Spink.

B 501. NEW TESTAMENT STUDY
A foundation course in the study of the New Testament focusing on the following areas: the religious/ historical/cultural background of the New Testament; the discipline of biblical-historical study; understanding the formation of the New Testament. Two units. Chen.

B 502. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK
A beginner's course in the language of the New Testament in which the basic elements of grammar are studied and guidance provided in the use of interpretive tools. The student is introduced to elementary readings in the New Testament. (Students who have taken Greek in college may want to test out of this course and may wish to take Hebrew in its place). Two units. Watson/Williams.

B 503. OLD TESTAMENT STUDY
This course provides an introduction to the historical and literary contexts of the Old Testament, including an introduction to Old Testament scholarship and its application for Christian ministry. Attention will be given to hermeneutical and theological issues in Old Testament studies and the development of exegetical skills needed for the interpretation and proclamation of the different genres of Old Testament literature. B500 or its equivalent is a prerequisite. Two units. Keener & Itapson.

B 504. BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
Through a careful application of contextual skills, background training and identification of literary genres in the Bible, this course seeks to develop sensitivity and skills for interpretation, applying and teaching the Bible. Because learning is most effective when most concrete, most of the course will be spent grappling with biblical texts, although the course will also include a basic introduction to various issues in contemporary hermeneutics and criticism. Two units. Keener.

B 505. NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
This course will explore the major theological themes of the New Testament (Sin, Salvation, Ethics, Christ, The Spirit, Church, etc.) as the various NT voices (the Synoptic Evangelists, John, Paul, Hebrews, etc.) address them. An attempt will be made to develop a synthesis of the overall message of the New Testament. The continuing relevance and significance of this theology for Christian faith and the contemporary church will be considered. Prerequisites: B501 and B504. Pizzuto-Pomaco.

B 506. OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
A study of the major theological concepts found in the Old Testament with special attention to the revelation of God, the concept of a people chosen for ministry and the doctrines of creation, humankind, redemption, the covenant, the messianic hope and the Kingdom of God. Two units. Itapson.

B 510. M.T.S. THESIS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
Two to four units. Biblical Studies professors.

B 511. M.T.S. RESEARCH PROJECT
Two units. Biblical Studies professors.

ELECTIVES:

B 507. BIBLICAL HEBREW
An introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew through an intensive study of elementary grammar and the use of exercises based upon Old Testament texts and vocabulary. Two units. Ward.

B 603. HEBREW PENTATEUCH
A course in intermediate Biblical Hebrew, focusing on grammar, syntax and lexicography through readings of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Two units. Ward.

B 609. RESEARCH IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
A guided course intended for advanced students who wish to do intensive, independent research in a problem related to Biblical studies. Units determined with professor. Biblical Studies professors.

B 612. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
A study of the contents of the Gospel of Matthew with special attention to its first-century background. By employing both narrative and social-historical approaches to this Gospel, the course will seek to help modern students grapple with the original meaning of this Gospel and how to apply its teachings for today. Prerequisite: B 504 Biblical Interpretation. Two units. Keener.

B 615. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
A study of the earliest Christian mission as reported in Luke's second volume of his history (Luke-Acts). The course will give special attention to the connections between Luke and Acts; the cultural and historical setting of the accounts in Acts; and principles for cross-cultural mission, evangelism and spiritual formation in the books. Prerequisites: B 501 New Testament or B 504 Biblical Interpretation. Two units. Keener.

B 617. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
This course focuses on the theology of the Gospel according to John. Special attention willbe given to its perspectives on God, salvation, Christology, the Holy Spirit, and life in the Christian community. The historical setting of the Johannine community, as well as the literary distinctiveness of the Fourth Gospel, will also be addressed. Prerequisite: B 504. Two units. Chen.

B 619. THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD
A STUDY OF I & II CORINTHIANS: Paul addresses the problems in Corinth on the basis of the conviction that the church, as "Community of the Spirit," is intended to be God's alternative to the fragmentation and brokenness of human society. This course will explore the implications of Paul's word for the presence and mission of the church in our time. Two units. Keener.

B 620. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK EXEGESIS
A sampling of texts of varying difficulty for further practice in the Greek language, mainly from the Gospels and Revelation. Some attention will be given not only to the language but also to its broader social function in the ancient Mediterranean world. Prerequisite: B 502 New Testament Greek. Two units. Watson.

B 621. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
This course is a study of the Gospel of Luke, using the English text, addressing its structure, thematic elements, theology, Christology, view of discipleship, and its theological and literary units with the book of Acts. Modern feminist and liberationist interpretation of selected Lukan texts will also be discussed. Prerequisite: B 501 New Testament Study. Two units. Chen.

B 623. THE PARABLES OF JESUS
Considered both fascinating and provocative, the parables of Jesus are subject to a wide range of interpretation. Yet they are at the same time helpful tools for illustrating the truth of God's kingdom by virtue of their narrative nature. This course will cover the history of interpretation of parables, study selected parables in their historical and literary contexts, and discuss ways in which they can be effectively taught today. Two units. Chen.

B 624. HOLY LAND TOUR
Participation in Seminary-sponsored or approved study tours to Israel and the Mediterranean world can earn one unit of credit. After the tour is over, a second unit can be earned by writing a historical or archaeological paper on a site visited. One or two units.

B 626. THE BOOK OF REVELATION
A study of the contents of the Book of Revelation with special attention to the historical setting in which its first readers would have understood it. By employing all available background material, this course will seek to help contemporary students grapple with the original meaning of Revelation and how to apply its teachings for today. Two units. Keener.

B 629. BIBLICAL NARRATIVE AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING
At the heart of Scripture is the greatest of all stories and the ultimate drama of creation, fall and redemption. At the center of the story are the characters. Whether they are called Ruth or Jacob, Mary or Lazarus, they are all of us in our potential and brokenness, our sinfulness and pride, stumbling everywhere through history and time towards the promised land of salvation and shalom. Throughout the story is our God, revealed through mystery and miracle, present in the storms and the still small voice and, ultimately, through the greatest of all storytellers, Jesus of Nazareth. This course will examine the role of narrative in biblical revelation and encourage students to develop their own gifts of story-telling. One or two units. Epply-Schmidt.

B 630. WOMEN IN THE BIBLE AND IN THE CHURCH
To investigate what some of the women of the Bible have to teach us about doing ministry in today's world. Although this course will be taught through the lives of the women in the bible, the practical applications that can be learned from each of these biblical women are invaluable for anyone considering a career in ministry. Two units. Spink.