CSBS - Biblical Studies

Engaging the Old Testament students will explore the Hebrew Bible as Christian scripture. This study includes reading it in its ancient cultural context, examining issues of interpretation, and applying it to life.

Students will explore the New Testament as Christian scripture. This study includes reading it in its ancient cultural context, examining issues of interpretation, and applying it to life.

This course presents a survey of the religious, cultural, geographical, and historical backgrounds of the Bible with special reference to major archaeological discoveries which have illuminated biblical interpretation and understanding. Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312

This course is an intensive study of the Gospels within the socio-geographical context of the first century. Attention is given to a variety of topics such as Jesus’ teachings concerning the Kingdom of God and the literary features of the Gospels along with their theological and implied ethical themes. Implications for contemporary life are included.

Prerequisites CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312.

This course is an intensive study of Paul in his Jewish context with attention given to his mission in the Greco-Roman world, his writings in their first-century context, and his understanding of the gospel. Implications for contemporary life are included. Prerequisites CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312.

The course introduces the student to the science of biblical hermeneutics and its application to sacred scripture from the development and closing of the Canon to the modern era. Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312

This course explores and critically evaluates how popular music, film, television programs, Internet sites, and other media venues express biblical themes. Personal reflection and considerations for contemporary life are included. Prerequisite CSBS 1312.

The course examines selected passages in the section of the Hebrew Bible known as the Writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, 1-2 Chronicles).  Special attention is given to contemporary scholarship involving the Writings and to selected themes in the Writings relating to today’s world.  Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312

The course examines selected passages in the Latter Prophets (known as the Major and Minor Prophets).  Special attention is given to contemporary scholarship involving the Latter Prophets and to selected themes in the Latter Prophets relating to today’s world.  Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312

This course is a study of the Revelation of John, particularly in light of its high Christology. Attention is given to its literary genre, linguistic and theological themes, literary features, and its relationship to apocalyptic literature and the imperial context. Implications for contemporary life are included. Prerequisites CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312.

This course is a study of the patterns of social life and conflict in first-century urban Christian communities indicated by ethical, social, and theological issues in New Testament letters such as 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans in light of the material and cultural context of ancient cities such as Corinth and Rome. Implications for contemporary life are included. Prerequisites CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312.

The course examines selected passages in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.  Special attention is given to contemporary scholarship involving the Pentateuch and to selected themes in the Pentateuch relating to today’s world.  Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312 

The course examines selected passages in the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, and 1-2 Kings).  Special attention is given to contemporary scholarship involving the Former Prophets and to selected themes in the Former Prophets relating to today’s world.  Prerequisites: CSBS 1311 and CSBS 1312

This course is a study of Jesus and the early church through reading selected New Testament texts while listening to global voices. Personal and missional implications are included. Prerequisite CSBS 1312.