BIblical Studies (BIB)
BIB 511NE (Core course)
Biblical Exegesis I
Credits: 2
This course introduces students to responsible interpretation (or “exegesis”) of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), thus laying the foundation for BIB 512NE, BIB 513NE, and BIB 514NE. The course focuses on the hands-on, practical skills in reading the biblical text carefully in its literary and historical/cultural context, to understand its message for today. Students will be introduced to the process of exegesis, applying each step in the process to two significant biblical passages (one Old Testament and one New Testament). Significant attention will also be paid to researching and writing an exegesis paper as a basis for teaching and preaching in the church.
BIB 512NE (Core course)
Biblical Exegesis II
Credits: 2
Building on BIB 511NE, this course provides students with further opportunities to grow in responsible interpretation (or “exegesis”) of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments). It focuses on hands-on, practical skills in reading the biblical text carefully in its literary and historical/cultural context, to understand its message for today. Focus will be placed on a variety of biblical texts as case studies in exegesis, many of which will be chosen for their relevance to BHT 512NE. Significant attention will also be paid to the process of researching and writing an exegesis paper as a basis for teaching and preaching in the church.
[Prerequisite: successful completion of BHT/PSF 511NE and BIB 511NE, or permission of the instructor]
BIB 513NE (Core course)
Biblical Exegesis III
Credits: 2
Building on BIB 511NE and BIB 512NE, this course provides students with further opportunities to grow in responsible interpretation (or “exegesis”) of the Bible (both Old and New Testament). It focuses on hands-on, practical skills in reading the biblical text carefully in its literary and historical/cultural context, to understand its message for today. Focus will be placed on a variety of biblical texts as case studies in exegesis, many of which will be chosen for their relevance to BHT 513NE. Significant attention will also be paid to the process of researching and writing an exegesis paper as a basis for teaching and preaching in the church.
[Prerequisite: successful completion of BHT/PSF 511NE, BIB 511NE, and, if your program requires it, BHT/PSF 512NE, BIB 512NE]
BIB 514NE (Core course)
Biblical Exegesis IV
Credits: 2
Building on BIB 511NE, BIB 512NE, and BIB 513NE, this course provides students with further opportunities to grow in responsible interpretation (or “exegesis”) of the Bible (both Old and New Testament). It focuses on hands-on, practical skills in reading the biblical text carefully in its literary and historical/cultural context, to understand its message for today. Focus will be placed on a variety of biblical texts as case studies in exegesis, many of which will be chosen for their relevance to BHT 514NE. Significant attention will also be paid to the process of researching and writing an exegesis paper as a basis for teaching and preaching in the church.
[Prerequisite: successful completion of BHT/PSF 511NE, BIB 511NE, and, if your program requires it, BHT/PSF 512NE, BIB 512NE, BHT/PSF 513NE, and BIB 513NE]
BIB 600NE
Studies in Genesis
Credits: 2
This course is designed to immerse the student in a literary, contextual, and theological analysis of selected passages in the first book of the Bible. Special attention is given to exploring the significance of the Genesis narratives for the contemporary Church. While the class sessions are based primarily on the English text, students wishing to pursue the Hebrew text are given the opportunity to do so. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.)
BIB 601NE
Psalms and Job
Credits: 2
This course explores the Psalms and the book of Job, with a special focus on the spirituality of lament (also known as complaint or protest) as part of the fullness of biblical worship. Students will attend to the rootedness of this literature in human life experience, its role in the biblical canon, and its contemporary relevance for Christian faith, life, and theology.
BIB 603NE
Introduction to Judaism: Foundations for Understanding Holy Scripture
Credits: 2
This course will examine Judaism as one of the great religions of the world. Though there are significant differences between Christianity and Judaism, students will understand the Christian faith much better when they have some grasp of Judaism. This course will explore such topics as the origins of Judaism in the post-exilic era, Judaism in the time of Jesus and the early Church, the full maturing of Judaism in the rabbinic era, and aspects of contemporary Judaism, including its various forms. This course is cross-listed as THE 603NE.
BIB 605NE
History of Israel
Credits: 2
It is impossible to understand fully or properly interpret the Holy Scriptures without some grasp of the flow of biblical history. This course, which is only a survey, will march chronologically through this grand story, beginning with the patriarchs of Genesis and concluding with the disastrous second war of Judea with Rome in A.D. 132—135. Topics such as the geography, politics, cultural influences, and economics associated with this history will be considered. Through this means, the goal is to understand the “settings” for the great theological contributions of the scriptural authors.
BIB 606NE
Leadership and Power: Studies in I and II Samuel
Credits: 3
An in-depth study of I and/or II Samuel, which contains some of the most exquisite prose narrative in the Hebrew Bible, and which chronicles the transition in Israel’s leadership from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. This course will integrate close reading of the stories of Hannah, Samuel, Saul and David with critical reflection on implications for contemporary life, including issues of ethical leadership and the use of power in church and society.
BIB 607NE
1 and 2 Kings
Credits: 3
This course will examine the books from a rigorous historical perspective, but it will be constructed to find a “middle way”: the students and professor will together examine the theological trajectory of the books—especially the ways in which they point to their fulfillment, and Israel’s fulfillment, in Christ and his Church. The students will not simply be left with the stories, finally, as disparate units, but as narratives constructed—in their pre-Christian context—with tremendous theological sensitivity. A bridge will be made between the theological sensitivity and meaning of the Jewish writers and redactors on the one hand and, on the other hand, the historic Christian theological interpretations of these books. No reading knowledge of Hebrew will be required.
BIB 615NE
The Wisdom Tradition
Credits: 2
Israel and the Church have both cherished, within distinct limits, a “natural” mode of discovering some of God’s truth, and this is embodied in the Wisdom books. This course will examine the main stream of this theological tradition as it is reflected in selected portions of the Wisdom books from the Old Testament (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), with attention to Wisdom in intertestamental Judaism (Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach), and the New Testament (James).
BIB 620NE
Studies in Minor Prophets
Credits: 2
This course provides the student with a historical and theological introduction to the twelve books of the so-called Minor Prophets, also known as the Book of the Twelve. This course will attempt to assess what makes these prophetic voices so unique, compelling, and relevant, especially for the sacred work of preaching and pastoral ministry. The course will focus on selected books of the Minor Prophets, with a brief survey of other books in the collection. (Course may be repeated if Minor Prophet book focus differs.)
BIB 621NE
Old Testament Prophets’ Cry for Justice
Credits: 2
This course examines the Old Testament prophets and their call for social justice. It offers opportunity for an in-depth examination of the prophets’ exhortations and teachings on God’s justice for the Israelite community. Particular attention is given to the Minor Prophets, including Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Reflection on this prophetic literature provides an opportunity to delineate the significance of the prophetic cry for justice for the Church today. This course is cross-listed as SOC 621NE.
BIB 625NE
The Life and Writings of the Prophet Jeremiah
Credits: 3
This course will examine the writings of the prophet Jeremiah who lived during tumultuous times. In his early years, he supported the great reform of King Josiah; however, after Josiah’s death and the return of Judah to its idolatrous ways, Jeremiah prophesied during the final years of the nation and its humiliating defeat by the Babylonians. From this historical matrix, the prophet declared truths that are timeless: the certain judgment of God, the inclination of humans to return to sinful ways, the agony of speaking for God among a people bent on doing evil, and the promise of God to establish a new covenant that will address human sinfulness.
BIB 630NE
Isaiah
Credits: 3
This is a study of the book that has been called the fifth gospel and it will concentrate on three elements: the conditions of the eighth century BCE during which Isaiah spoke; the growth and the various theories about the development of the book of Isaiah; and the way Christians (and Jews) have read the book of Isaiah from the first century to the present, including attention to Messianic prophecies.
BIB 639NE
Apocalypse Now: Daniel and Revelation
Credits: 2-3
This course will begin with a survey of apocalyptic literature, non-biblical as well as biblical (students will read selections from primary texts). A series of introductory lectures will explore the literary features, historical perspectives, and theological convictions typical of this literature. The centerpiece of the course will be an inductive study of the two major biblical apocalypses: Daniel (OT) and Revelation (NT). Various interpretations of these books will also be examined, as well as current uses of apocalyptic themes in both secular and Christian literature/theater/art/music. Some attention also will be given to the history and current status of predictions of the end times.
BIB 640NE
The Gospel According to Saint Matthew
Credits: 2-3
The Gospel according to Saint Matthew has been one of the two Gospel accounts most studied throughout church history, instructing millions of Christians on both the life of Jesus and his teaching. This course will briefly consider various topics of modern Gospel studies (the synoptic problem, redaction criticism, the Jesus Seminar). Its main focus, however, will be on Matthew itself. This course will look carefully at the evangelist’s account of Jesus’ infancy, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ miracles, his directives to the Church for its mission, and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. This course will also reflect on what classic Christian teachers (such as Saint John Chrysostom, Calvin, and Wesley) have believed Matthew teaches us.
BIB 642NE
Jesus and the Poor: Biblical Perspectives on Economic Justice
Credits: 3
Howard Thurman’s question, “What, then, is the work of the religion of Jesus to those who stand with their backs against the wall?” is a perennial one. This course begins in the New Testament with a study of Jesus’ relationship with the poor and his sayings regarding poverty, wealth, and discipleship. Topics also include exegeses on key biblical passages regarding economic justice in both the Old and New Testament and an examination of contemporary successes and failures of the local and global Christian Church to end economic oppression. The course explores the implications for applying a biblical ethic of justice to individual Christian discipleship and corporate church witness. This course is cross-listed as SOC 642NE.
BIB 644NE
Gospel of John
Credits: 3
Throughout the history of the Church, the unique character of St. John’s Gospel has intrigued and inspired countless theologians, philosophers, historians, and believers. The poignant, specific, and three-dimensional character of the materials selected and the author’s subtle and understated theological insights make for a rich meditative experience in Scripture study. This brief but substantive course will pay particular attention to two important aspects of the Gospel, while at the same time, demanding mastery of the basic content: (1) how the Gospel has been read and interpreted over the centuries by the Church; and (2) the sacramental orientation of the Gospel, which pervades its meaning. Reading the English text, lecture, and class discussion will be part of the weekly rhythm.
BIB 646NE
Johannine Epistles
Credits: 3
This careful review of the three Epistles of St. John will include serious exegetical and historical study of these short but important letters, along with serious consideration being given to the history of their interpretation in the Christian church. A reading knowledge of Greek is not required, but would certainly be helpful.
BIB 650NE
Romans
Credits: 3
The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans has been formative throughout church history. Its teaching shaped major emphases of such luminaries as Saint Augustine of the early Church, Calvin of the Reformation, Wesley of the Great Awakening, and Barth of the modern era. This course will focus upon why Paul wrote this letter to that church, its content, how great teachers (such as those named above and others) have understood and appropriated its message, and what it has to say to us in the 21st century.
BIB 652NE
Galatians
Credits: 2
Some of the foundational questions of Christian faith and liberty are addressed by the Apostle Paul in this important epistle. The questions plaguing the early church about observance of the law or freedom in Christ are surprisingly contemporary. The professor will guide students in an historical and inductive examination of the book, which will lead to important theological conclusions that affect contemporary ministry.
BIB 653NE
Studies in Prison Epistles
Credits: 2
A careful reading of one or more of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians,Philippians, andPhilemon) in their literary and historical contexts, with special attention to understanding their message for the church today. Knowledge of biblical Greek is not required, but students who have a sufficient language background may use this course to develop their proficiency in exegetical and grammatical analysis of the Greek text (by special arrangement with the professor). May include readings from any or all of the Prison Epistles in a given semester. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.)
BIB 654NE
I Corinthians
Credits: 2
A careful reading of First Corinthians in its literary and historical context, with special attention to understanding its message for the church today. Knowledge of biblical Greek is not required, but students who have a sufficient language background may use this course to develop their proficiency in exegetical and grammatical analysis of the Greek text (by special arrangement with the professor).
BIB 655NE
II Corinthians
Credits: 2
A careful reading of Second Corinthians in its literary and historical context, with special attention to understanding it message for the church today. Knowledge of biblical Greek is not required, but students who have a sufficient language background may use this course to develop their proficiency in exegetical and grammatical analysis of the Greek text (by special arrangement with the professor).
BIB 675NE
The Pastoral Epistles
Credits: 2
This course approaches Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus from a pastoral perspective. This course begins with a careful study of the NRSV text of these three letters, utilizing the inductive Bible study method. Next, it will explore how these books can inform an understanding and practice of ministry in the 21st century. The emphasis throughout will be practical, helping students apply these texts to their personal lives, and to specific ministry opportunities such as preaching, teaching, and exhorting. The role of Paul as a mentor will be explored, and the Pastoral Epistles will be considered as a model for engaging in similar mentoring relationships today.
BIB 680NE
Studies in General Epistles and Hebrews
Credits: 2
A careful reading of one or more of the non-Johannine General Epistles (James; 1 and 2 Peter; Jude; and Hebrews) in their literary and historical contexts, with special attention to understanding their message for the church today. Knowledge of biblical Greek is not required, but students who have a sufficient language background may use this course to develop their proficiency in exegetical and grammatical analysis of the Greek text (by special arrangement with the professor). May include readings from any or all of the General Epistles in a given semester. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.)
BIB 695NE
Independent Study in Biblical Studies
Credits: 1—3
This is an independent study course in which the student will, under the guidance of a professor, conduct an in-depth study of a biblical theme, collection of biblical books, or a single book. Typically this course is available to students during the second, third, and fourth years of study. The course may involve independent research, reflection papers, and classroom instruction.
[Prerequisite: advisor and instructor approval required and a GPA of 3.0]
BIB 699NE
MA Thesis in Biblical Studies
Credits: 3
This course is a research option for M.A. students in the field of biblical studies. Students wishing to pursue thesis work must file a written petition with academic services formally requesting this degree completion method prior to registering for the course. (Students who have not completed the thesis project by the end of the semester will automatically be registered for RES 799NE-Continuation of Registration for Master’s Thesis, and charged a $250 fee every subsequent semester until the completion of the master’s thesis.)
[Prerequisite: faculty approval] [Corequisite: must be taken in conjunction with RES 690NE]
BIB 700NE
Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics
Credits: 2
This course builds on the basics of biblical interpretation introduced in BIB 511-514. In particular, the focus will be on critical issues in exegetical method and hermeneutical perspectives as related to original author/context, the text itself, and the location and contributions of the reader (past and present). Part of the concern of this course regards the nature of discovering and determining “meaning” in Scripture. The instructor will select a focal text or texts for examination to introduce advanced perspectives and methods. Students with skills in biblical Hebrew or Greek may make special arrangement with the professor to develop their exegetical skills in the original language.
[Prerequisites: BIB 511 and at least one of BIB 512, BIB 513, BIB 514, or special permission of the professor.]
BIB 735NE
Topics on Location
Credits: 2—3
This travel course is designed to help students discover ways that biblical events can be placed in their proper geographical, historical, and cultural context. Under the guidance of a seminary professor, the course combines traditional study methods (readings, lectures/discussions, and map work) with a tour of a biblical region such as the Holy Land, Turkey, Greece, or Rome. Students are responsible for all travel costs and fees in addition to the tuition for this course. (Course may be repeated if topic/location differs.)
BIB 750NE
Advanced Biblical Exegesis
Credits: 2
This is an advanced seminar course especially designed for students doing the M.Div. with a concentration in Biblical Interpretation for Preaching and Teaching and for those doing M.A. thesis research in Biblical Studies. The course is, however, open to anyone who has completed the Core BIB courses, with permission of the instructor. Participants will be expected to present the fruits of their research in a seminar format.
[Prerequisite: successful completion of BIB 511NE, BIB 512NE, BIB 513NE, BIB 514NE, or permission of the instructor]
BIB 755NE
Topics in Biblical Studies
Credits: 2-3
This course provides the opportunity to student biblical texts that are not covered in the rest of the curriculum. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.)
BIB 772NE
Biblical Theology of Leadership
Credits: 2
There is a great need in the modern church and world for wise and faithful Christian leadership. This course examines the Bible with an interest in how the whole message and story of Scripture develops a theology of leadership. Fours areas, in particular, are of significance in view of such leadership: character (the lifestyle of the leader), care (the ministry of the leader), catechesis (what leaders should teach and pass on), and crises (how leaders handle challenges). Other course topics include: leadership systems and structures in Scripture, key biblical metaphors that shape leadership, and women in leadership in Scripture.