An introduction to basic principles for interpreting the Bible in the Reformed tradition. This course initiates the student in the fundamental task of a doing a responsible and relevant interpretation of the biblical text. Thus, the course aims to familiarize us with the indispensable abilities to hear attentively the Word of God and obey it.

Introduces students to fundamental elements of New Testament Greek grammar and basic function of the parts of a Greek sentence, and provides understanding of Greek morphology and its significance for exegesis.

Introduces Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax (building on 301) and the reading of the Greek New Testament, with emphasis on the use of Bible software as well as the exegetical application of the genitive case, adverbial participles, and conditional sentences.

This course begins preparing students to use biblical Hebrew in ministry by means of instruction in vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and elementary exegesis beginning with the basics of the Hebrew alphabet and pronunciation to the initial introduction to the Qal verb stem.

This course continues preparing students to use biblical Hebrew in ministry by resuming the instruction in vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and exegesis that began in 301. In this course, students will learn the remaining Hebrew verb stems and continue to sharpen their exegetical skills.

Introduces students to Genesis through Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah and Esther as Christian Scripture, by means of a close reading methodology and theological analysis applied to books and selected passages in Hebrew.

Introduces the institution and nature of prophecy and an exegetical and biblical theological examination of selected prophetic passages, emphasizing the message of the prophets for the church.

Provides basic knowledge of Hebrew poetry and literary genres of the Psalms and other books of the Writings, a close reading methodology of selected passages in Hebrew, and emphasis on the psalms of prayer, lament, thanksgiving in prayer, song, preaching and pastoral care.

Analyzes themes in the doctrines of God, humanity, and Christ, focusing on their biblical foundations and the church’s wrestling with these themes.

Examines the work of the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and the return of Christ and reign of God through studying Scripture, historical documents and contemporary thought.

Surveys the story of God’s people from 100 – 1247 A.D., conversing with ancient and medieval brothers and sisters in Christ by reading and responding to their testimonies, theology and practices.

Introduces the history of Christianity from the late Middle Ages to the present, with special attention to developments in North America. Focuses on how the church’s institutions, thought, and practice were shaped by and responded to their contexts in each of the eras and places under study.

Prepares leaders in the church to be faithful and effective stewards of the Word by acquainting them with the basic content and principal theme of each book of the Bible; the historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds to the Bible; its introductory hermeneutical principles; and its continuing relevance.

Introduces Reformed theology through a study of confessions, from the Reformation era (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort) and the more recent past (Contemporary Testimony, Belhar Confession), and through the basic elements of the Reformed worldview grounded in this confessional theology.

Introduces the global engagement of the Christian faith with major world religions, worldviews, and forms of spirituality, framed by a biblical-Reformed theology and philosophy of religion that examines religious experience, tradition and practice in the light of general and scriptural revelation, and a commitment to the universal common humanity of God’s image bearers.

Presents a Reformed approach to the rational defense and presentation of the Christian faith and engages crucial issues in apologetics: the existence of God, the credibility of Scripture’s witness to Jesus Christ, the problem of evil, challenges based on the natural and social sciences, and religious pluralism.

Studies Christian personal and social morality vital for being an obedient church leader and developing faithful communities of disciples.

Develops research paper writing skills, and introduces basic research and Biblical methodologies. Students learn to analyze scholarly articles, write a 15-20 page research paper, meet with professors in the area of their specialization (biblical, theological, ministry) to finish the first draft, and then rewrite the paper.

First degree students who wish to write a major research paper on a subject of interest may ask a professor to supervise a paper. Papers may be either 2 or 3 credits. A two-credit paper will be approximately 20 pages and a three-credit paper will be approximately 30 pages.