Bible

 Restricted to Theology majors and minors.

THE 402 Poets, Prophets, Divas, and Diviners

This course traces the development of prophecy and the prophetic tradition in biblical and contemporary times. Selected prophetic texts focus on the character, personality, and mission of various prophets. Other topics include prophetic imagination, creativity, religious experience, justice, compassion, hope and the portrayal of God. Central to the course is the prophets' transformative vision for all times.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 302

THE 404 Sages and Singers, Songwriters and Storytellers

This course explores the wisdom writings of ancient biblical and contemporary gurus to discover how wisdom is a gift received from God and daily life. The course invites personal and group reflection aimed at celebration of life and the exploration of contemporary situations in need of wise decision-making skills.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 304

THE 407 Theology and Controversy in the Letters of Paul

As a first century missionary, theologian and letter writer, Paul of Tarsus (St. Paul) articulated many of Christianity's basic beliefs and presided over some of Christianity's earliest controversies. This course examines his letters as a way of gaining access to the concerns, the theology, and the growing pains of some of the very first Christians on record.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 307

THE 412 Jesus' Ministry in the Gospels

Our most important information on Jesus comes from the Gospels. This course examines the theology and history contained in the gospels in order to gain an understanding of who Jesus was and how his message was received and developed by the early church. In alternating semesters, the course will focus on John, or on Matthew, Mark and Luke.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 312

THE 415 Ancient Views on Marriage, Divorce, and Sexuality at the Dawn of Christianity

During the first century of Christianity, the Roman Empire was a complex marketplace of ideas on sexual morality. This course explores the roots, the development and the legacy of early Christian theology on sexual practices and gender relations.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 315

THE 416 The Second Coming of Christ in the New Testament and Beyond

This course examines the Jewish roots of Christian "apocalyptic" theology, and discusses the ethical implications of living in an "end time" community, both then and now. Aside from writings in the New Testament, attention will be given to the Old Testament book of Daniel, the Dead Sea Scrolls and modern apocalyptic movements.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 316

THE 417 Trickery, Gender, Power, and Politics in the Bible

This course explores questions and issues around gender in the biblical text and how these issues and questions relate to contemporary life. Content focuses on the cultural background of both men and women in the ancient world, and how various attitudes have influenced cultures, decisions, and worldviews down through the ages. Emphasis is on liberation and transformation.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 317

THE 419 Biblical Spirituality: Saints and Sinners on a Journey with God

What does it mean to be holy? Who are the saints and sinners in the Bible? How does God relate to them? What is meant by the sacredness of all creation? This course explores such themes as the spirit, the heart, prayer, sacred space, etc. in the context of a biblical-based contemplative and mystical understanding of life.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101 or THE 105, THE 205

Cross Listed Courses

THE 319