Biblical Studies (BIB)
BIB 511NE
Introduction to Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching
Credits: 3
This course introduces students to responsible interpretation (or “exegesis”) of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments). 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 515NE
New Testament Epistles
Credits: 3
This course 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 one or more New Testament Epistles as case studies in exegesis. 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. This course may be repeated if topic differs. [Pre- or co-requisite: BIB 511NE]
BIB 516NE
New Testament Gospels
Credits: 3
This course 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 New Testament Gospel as a case study in exegesis. 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. This course may be repeated if topic differs. [Pre- or co-requisite: BIB 511NE]
BIB 517NE
Old Testament Narrative
Credits: 3
This course 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 Old Testament narratives as case studies in exegesis. 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. This course may be repeated if topic differs. [Pre- or co-requisite: BIB 511NE]
BIB 518NE
Old Testament Poetry
Credits: 3
This course 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 Old Testament poetic and prophetic books as case studies in exegesis. 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. This course may be repeated if topic differs. [Pre- or co-requisite: BIB 511NE]
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. This course is cross-listed as THE 607NE.
BIB 621NE
Old Testament Prophets’ Cry for Justice
Credits: 3
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 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. This course is cross-listed as THE 644NE.
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.)
BIB 735NE
Topics on Location
Credits: 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: 3
This is an advanced seminar course especially designed for students doing the M.Div. with a concentration in Advanced Biblical Studies and for those doing M.A. thesis research in Biblical Studies. The course is open to anyone who has completed the biblical interpretation competency courses, or by permission of the instructor. Participants will be expected to present the fruits of their research in a seminar format.
BIB 772NE
Biblical Theology of Leadership
Credits: 3
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. Four 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.