Biblical Theology

Biblical Theology courses can be taken for Old Testament or New Testament credit but not for Systematic, Constructive and Historical Theology credit.
 

BT 501 Introduction to the Bible (3) B
BT 501-CL Introduction to the Bible (3)
BT 501-SL Introduction to the Bible (3)

A survey of the history and literature of the Bible in light of its unifying themes and theological trajectories, with particular attention given to the variety of ideas and genres found in the Bible. Consideration will be given to its cultural significance and its impact upon individuals and communities who receive it as sacred and authoritative scripture.

BT 601 Biblical Theology of Justice (3) B

A scriptural exploration of the nature of justice and a Christian response to injustice. Both the Old and New Testaments will be studied to understand God’s desire for justice and the call to action in our lives, in the Church and in the world.

BT 632 The Intertestamental Period (3) O

A study of Jewish religious and literary history from the Babylonian captivity to the beginnings of Christianity. This course includes an examination of the Apocrypha, the Pseudepigrapha, the writings of Philo of Alexandria and Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the political, economic and social contexts of the period.

Prerequisite: One of the following: BT 501, NT 502, OT 502

BT 633 Biblical Theology of Suffering and Hope (3) O

Suffering is experienced both individually and in communities all over the world. How does Scripture help us to understand the nature of suffering and how to respond to suffering? How is the Christian hope understood in light of suffering? This course will explore how Scripture addresses these questions. Examining the powerful message of the Old and New Testaments will demonstrate the continuing impact of the Bible’s picture of suffering and hope for the Church today, for our spiritual lives, and for the world.

BT 634 Jesus and the Old Testament (3) B
BT 634-GK Jesus and the Old Testament (3-1T)
BT 634-HB Jesus and the Old Testament (3-1T)

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is described in terms of the Old Testament. Yet how the New Testament uses the Old Testament creates profound interpretive questions. This course will examine how the New Testament uses the Old Testament to describe key aspects of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Exploring the original contexts of these Old and New Testament passages will suggest new ways to understand the continuing impact of Jesus’ depiction for the Church today, for our spiritual lives, and for the   world. 

Prerequisite: NT 502 or OT 502
Note: BL 522 is the prerequisite for Greek courses; BL 512 is the prerequisite for Hebrew courses.