BA in Biblical Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies equips students with the exegetical, linguistic, and theological knowledge and skills needed to interpret the Bible faithfully in a contemporary context. This major prepares students for seminary and other graduate work in Bible, theology, and related disciplines and provides students with a grounding in Scripture and theology that will be useful in ministry positions.

Objectives:

Upon graduating from the program, students should be able to:

•  
  Interpret Scripture accurately in its literary, canonical, and historical context using the inductive Bible study method.
•  
  Utilize an intermediate knowledge of Greek in interpreting the New Testament.
•  
  Articulate the overarching narrative and unifying themes of Scripture.
•  
  Address contemporary challenges and questions in light of Scripture and classic Christian teaching, particularly Wesleyan-Arminian theology.

MAJOR42 Hours

Students must complete 24 credit hours at the 3000-level or above to graduate.

Biblical Studies18

Biblical interpretation (e.g., Old Testament Interpretation, New Testament Interpretation) and biblical book/corpus studies (e.g., Pentateuch, Romans).

•  
  Biblical interpretation electives6
•  
  Old Testament book/corpus study3
•  
  New Testament book/corpus study3
•  
  Biblical studies electives6

Biblical Languages12

•  
  GRK1100 Elementary Greek I3
  Fundamentals of inflection and basic syntax in Koine Greek, including development of a working vocabulary and the translation of selected portions of the Greek New Testament. GRK1200 Elementary Greek II 3 Continued study of the fundamentals of inflection and basic syntax in Koine Greek, with development of a working vocabulary and the translation of selected portions of the Greek New Testament.

  Prerequisite: GRK1100
•  
  GRK1100 Elementary Greek II3
  Continued study of the fundamentals of inflection and basic syntax in Koine Greek, with development of a working vocabulary and the translation of selected portions of the Greek New Testament.

  Prerequisite: GRK1100
•  
  GRK2100 Intermediate Greek3
  Mastery of the basic principles of syntax with exegetical study of selected New Testament passages.

  Prerequisite: GRK1200. Fee Required: One-time fee assessed the first time a student enrolls in one of the designated courses. Provides lifetime access to biblical studies software required for course activities.
•  
  GRK3200 Greek Exegesis3
  A continuation of GRK2100, introducing components of Greek exegesis such as redaction criticism, synoptic criticism, textual criticism, and literary criticism.

  Prerequisite: GRK2100. Fee Required: One-time fee assessed the first time a student enrolls in one of the designated courses. Provides lifetime access to biblical studies software required for course activities.

Biblical Theology6

Biblical theology proper, biblical-theological approaches to select theological topics (e.g., sexuality), Christian hermeneutics.

Systematic and Historical Theology6

Systematic theology (e.g., Systematic Theology I), historical theology (e.g., Survey of Church History I), systematic and historical approaches to select theological topics (e.g., holiness).