Religious Studies Courses

BIB 113. History of the New Testament: Life of Christ and Acts. 3 hours credit, fall
This course is designed to help you develop a basic understanding of the life of Christ as presented in the Gospels and the growth and development of the early Church as depicted in the first part of the
book of Acts.  The world of the first century A.D. will be studied as a background for understanding the life of Christ and the growth of the early Church.

BIB 123. History of the Old Testament. 3 hours credit, spring
A brief historical study of the Old Testament and its background. Special attention is given to the religious message of the 39 individual books of the Old Testament.

BIB 223. Philosophy of Living. 3 hours credit, spring, crosslisted as PHI 223.
This course is designed to help the student understand the basic elements of effective Christian living. Topics to be studied include principles of Biblical study, making ethical decisions, and the Church. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to develop a positive philosophy of living.
Note: Most upper division textual Bible courses are offered for variable credit. All versions meet the equivalent of three hours per week. Students concentrating in the Bible Division must take the three-credit versions. Other students may enroll for two credits and generally do a less extensive project.

BIB 312/313. Wisdom and Poetry of the Old Testament. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
An introductory study of the Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Job in the light of their ancient Near Eastern setting and their continuing significance today.

BIB 332/333. The Synoptic Gospels. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, spring
A study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the light of the similarities and differences in their presentations of the life and teachings of Jesus.

BIB 372/373. The Prophets of Israel. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
A study and comparison of the messages of the prophets of Israel. Attention will be given to their historical settings and their message for today. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible.

BIB 392/393. The Life and Letters of Paul. 2 or 3 hours credit, fall
A study of the life and letters of the apostle Paul. The course will focus on important developments in Paul's life and his work with several New Testament churches. We will study his letters to those churches and the continuing influence of his message for today. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible.

BIB 423. Introduction to the Old Testament. 3 hours credit, even years, spring
An advanced analysis of significant issues in the study of the Old Testament. Focus will be upon questions of background, chronology, canon and text. A holistic approach will also include the development of major theological concepts throughout the Old Testament. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair.

BIB 432/433. The Gospel of John. 2 or 3 hours credit, fall
A detailed study of the book in the light of its first century setting. Special attention will be given to its interpretation of Jesus’ life and ministry. The focus will be on its value for the first century Christians and its continuing value for today.

BIB 444/445. Archaeology and the Bible. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, spring
A study of the insights archaeology provides for understanding the social, cultural, political, and religious context within which ancient Israel and early Christianity developed. Prerequisite: Freshman/Sophomore Bible courses.

BIB 472A/B. Studies in Paul: A-Corinthians, B-Romans. 2 hours credit, spring
An advanced study of Paul's letters to the Corinthian and Roman churches. The historical background and Paul's message to the churches will be studied as well as the value of these letters for today. The focus of the course will rotate from year to year between Corinthians and Romans. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible.

BIB 473A/B. Studies in Paul: A-Corinthians, B-Romans. 3 hours credit, spring
An advanced study of Paul's letters to the Corinthian and Roman churches. The historical background and Paul's message to the churches will be studied as well as the value of these letters for today. The focus of the course will rotate from year to year between Corinthians and Romans. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible.

BIB 473. Biblical Hermeneutics. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
An examination of the history and principles of biblical interpretation. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair.

BIB 483. Introduction to the New Testament. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
An advanced analysis of significant issues in the study of the New Testament. Focus will be upon questions of background, chronology, canon and text. A holistic approach will also include the development of major theological concepts throughout the New Testament. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair.

MIN 223. Introduction to Ministry. 3 hours credit, spring
An overview of the dynamics, opportunities, and challenges of ministry. Several different types of ministry situations will be studied and experienced. This course includes 10-12 hours of experiential learning and must be taken before MIN 453.

MIN 313. The Work of the Minister. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
A study of the theological basis for ministry as well as the day to day responsibility of the minister.

MIN 315. Biblical Preaching. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
A study of the principles, responsibilities, and skills of preaching. The course will focus on developing sermons for various settings from the text of the Bible. Expository preaching skills will be emphasized. Prerequisites: General Education courses for Bible.

MIN 401, 402, 403. Field Work. 1-3 hours credit, on demand.
Field work experience in some area of ministry done under the supervision of a faculty member or one approved by the department chair. A written proposal must be submitted to the department chair for approval. May be repeated for credit in new areas of ministry.

MIN 453. Internship. 3 hours credit, summer
Required for all Biblical Studies majors. Working with a congregation, minister, youth minister, educational director, or counselor under the supervision of elders and/or a professor. For the purpose of giving the student non-classroom experience. Prerequisite: MIN 223 and permission of Division Chair.

MIN 492. Youth Ministry. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
A study of the biblical and theological foundations for youth ministry, the religious development of adolescents, and the church's responsibility for ministry to young people.

PHI 213. Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics. 3 hours credit, fall.
An introductory survey of philosophy and ethics. Major historical individuals and concepts will be studied to see how philosophy and ethics relate to many different aspects of life.

PHI 223. Philosophy of Living. 3 hours credit, spring; crosslisted as BIB 223.
This course is designed to help the student understand the basic elements of effective Christian living. Topics to be studied include principles of Biblical study, making ethical decisions, and the Church. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to develop a positive philosophy of living.

PHI 423. Ethical Theory and Practice. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
A study of the various ethical systems used in making moral decisions and the problems involved in such decisions. The Biblical basis for making moral decisions in our modern world will be the focus of this course.

RHS 313. Survey of Church History. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
A study of the significant developments and individuals within the history of Christianity from the close of the Apostolic period to the modern era.

RHS 343. History of Religions of the World. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
A study of the background, development, beliefs, and predominant figures of the major religions of the world.

DOC 413. Introduction to Theology. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
An introduction to the teachings of the Bible on topics such as God, Christ, Mankind, the Church, Redemption, Eschatology, and Christian Evidences.