Introduction to Biblical Interpretation—BL 500
A study of the principles involved in accurately interpreting the Word of God. This course is designed to help you understand what the Bible says as well as what it means by what it says, with particular application to the counseling setting. Provides the foundation for further study in theology and biblical literature courses. 2 hours. Instructor: Fergus. Frequency: Even Summers. Required within first 16 hours for MAC. Prerequisite: None. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation Syllabus
Principles for Biblical Interpretation—BL 501
A study of the principles involved in accurately interpreting the Word of God. This course is designed to help you understand what the Bible says as well as what it means by what it says. Provides the foundation for further study in theology and biblical literature courses. 4 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Every Fall and Spring. Required within first 30 hours for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Principles for Biblical Interpretation Syllabus
Survey of the Pentateuch—BL 502
A survey of Genesis to Deuteronomy in historical and cultural context. Covers the outstanding features and basic teachings of each book within the broader context of God’s total, progressive revelation while discerning practical principles for contemporary Christian living. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Every Fall. Required for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Survey of the Pentateuch Syllabus
Survey of the Historical and Wisdom Literature—BL 503
A survey of Joshua to Song of Solomon in historical and cultural context. Covers the outstanding features and basic teachings of each book within the broader context of God’s total, progressive revelation while discerning practical principles for contemporary Christian living. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Every Fall. Required for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Survey of the Historical and Wisdom Literature Syllabus
Survey of the Prophets—BL 504
A survey of the prophets in their historical and cultural context. This course covers the outstanding features and basic teachings of each book within the broader context of God’s total, progressive revelation, while discerning practical principles for contemporary Christian living. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Every Fall and Spring. Required for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Survey of the Prophets Syllabus
Survey of the Gospels—BL 505
A survey of the Gospels giving an overview of the life of Christ with an emphasis upon Second Temple Judaism and the social worlds of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Develops your ability to think biblically by interrelating theological convictions and making personal application. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Every Fall and Spring. Required for all programs. Prerequisite: None. Survey of the Gospels Syllabus
Survey of Acts and the Pauline Epistles—BL 506
A survey of the Acts and Pauline Epistles. Special attention is given to the Jewish and Greco-Roman social worlds of the authors, and to how their inspired, Jesus-centered teachings form believers today. Develops your ability to think biblically by interrelating theological convictions and making personal application. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Every Spring. Required for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Survey of Acts and the Pauline Epistles Syllabus
Survey of the General Epistles and Revelation—BL 507
A survey of the General Epistles and Revelation. Special attention is given to the Jewish and Greco-Roman social worlds of the authors, and to how their inspired, Jesus-centered teachings form believers today. Develops your ability to think biblically by interrelating theological convictions and making personal application. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Every Spring. Required for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Survey of the General Epistles and Revelation Syllabus
Ecclesiastes—BL 523o
An in-depth study of this book of Hebrew wisdom literature in which the author reflects on the meaning of life. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the purpose and message of the book and how it functions as the authoritative word of God and its relevance to our lives today.
2 hours. Instructors: D. DelHousaye/Anderson. Frequency: Any semester. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Online course. Ecclesiastes Syllabus
Wisdom Literature—BL 525
Introduces Old Testament wisdom literature, examining the wisdom of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose and message of each book and attention is given to understanding how each book functions as the authoritative word of God and how this practical wisdom can be applied to life. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Spring 2013, Spring 2016. Required for MAC General Elective for all other programs. Prerequisite: None. Wisdom Literature Syllabus
Isaiah—BL 532
Examines the book of Isaiah, giving special attention to historical background and the critical issues surrounding the book while focusing primarily on detailed analysis of its contents. Special emphasis is placed on the theological significance of the purpose and message of the book for both Old and New Testaments and how to understand ancient prophecy and its relevance to today. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Isaiah Syllabus
Daniel—BL 537
An in-depth study of the prophetic book of Daniel, giving special attention to its historical background, its message and purpose, and its prophetic nature in God’s unfolding plan for this world. This course emphasizes the prophetic framework laid out in the book and how it relates to the book of Revelation. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Daniel Syllabus
The Gospel of Matthew—BL 550
An exegetical study of how Matthew, as a first-century Jew, makes sense of both his Messiah and his Scripture. In addition to surveying higher critical issues such as the historical reliability of the Gospels and the “synoptic problem,” this course explores the important ministry themes of repentance, righteousness, and hope. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Gospel of Matthew Syllabus
The Gospel of John—BL 553
A detailed exposition of John’s gospel. Emphasis is given to the structure, content, and purpose of the book. Principles for evangelism and the application of the book in today’s culture are also developed. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Gospel of John Syllabus
The Gospels: An Expanded Survey—BL 555
This course is an in-depth study and verse-by-verse exposition of material that cannot be covered in the BL 505 Survey of the Gospels core course due to time constraints. More attention is given to Luke and John and their complementary perspectives on social justice and spiritual formation. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Gospels: An Expanded Survey Syllabus
The Sermon on the Mount—BL 556
This course places the Sermon on the Mount in the broader context of early Christian discipleship, with attention given to the Apostolic and Desert Fathers. It will operate with the conviction that discipleship is the way toward Evangelical renewal. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Sermon on the Mount Syllabus
The Parables of Jesus—BL 557
This course is a very close reading of Jesus’ parables, placing them in historical and theological context. Students will note similarities and differences with Rabbinic parables (mashalim) and explore their contemporary message. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Parables of Jesus Syllabus
Acts—BL 559
Luke’s second book extends the story of Jesus to include his church. Acts provides essential history about the first followers of Jesus, but has also provided resources for the continual reformation of the church. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Acts Syllabus
Romans—BL 560
A thorough exposition of this great letter with an emphasis on Paul’s teaching concerning salvation, Israel’s future and life in the body of Christ. This course challenges you to make personal application from Romans to your own life. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay or J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Romans Syllabus
1 Corinthians—BL 561
An in-depth study of one of Paul’s most practical letters. The focus will be on resolving problems within the body of Christ, such as sexual immorality, concern for the poor, and spiritual gifts. Special emphasis will be on accurately interpreting the letter within its cultural setting and applying its truth for today. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. 1 Corinthians Syllabus
The Pastoral Letters—BL 567
A study of Paul’s wise counsel for those in ministry from 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The focus of this course is on the development of spiritual maturity in the lives of believers. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay or J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Pastoral Letters Syllabus
Hebrews—BL 569
A verse-by-verse study of an often misunderstood letter that demands skillful exegesis and depends on a proper hermeneutic to integrate Old Testament theology with the message of the New Testament. Special attention is given to the five warning passages and the importance of a consecrated life before God in light of the eschatological promise of Christ’s coming kingdom. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Hebrews Syllabus
James—BL 570
An in-depth study of this practical book. Problem passages and theological tensions are explored. Special emphasis is given to following the author’s argument and to enabling you to work through the book inductively while gaining personal application. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. James Syllabus
1 and 2 Peter—BL 571
Carefully examines the theological and practical teachings of these letters, particularly the important themes of persevering in suffering and doing right in the face of evil. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. 1 and 2 Peter Syllabus
1, 2 and 3 John—BL 572
A verse-by-verse study of John’s epistles. The primary emphases of the course are the marks of healthy Christian fellowship. Detailed consideration of the structure and theology of the books are a significant part of the course. Principles are given for personal application in believers’ lives today. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. 1, 2 and 3 John Syllabus
Revelation—BL 579
A study of this exciting book with an emphasis on holy living in light of the return of the Messiah. The prophetic culmination of history and planet Earth will be seen. Methods of interpretation, problem passages, and fulfillment of the biblical covenants will be examined. 2 hours. Instructor: Chay. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Revelation Syllabus
Biblical Literature Individualized Study—BL 580
A unique course designed by a faculty advisor and student to develop competence in the area of Biblical Literature. 1–4 hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Any Semester. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: 3.4 GPA and approved Academic Petition. May be repeated for credit as BL 581 when section content differs. Biblical Literature Individualized Study Syllabus
Biblical Geography—BL 582
Designed to give the student an in-depth understanding of the geography of Israel, archaeology and key events of biblical history. Emphasizes the importance that geography has placed in the events of the biblical texts and the modern dilemma which has occurred over the landof Israel. 2 hours. Instructor: Meade. Frequency: Every Spring. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Biblical Geography Syllabus
Developing a Biblical Theology of the Church—BL 585
An inductive, exegetical study of the various churches of the New Testament, such as the Palestinian and Roman churches, as well as the house churches of the Pauline mission. You will be given an opportunity to evaluate your own church tradition from a biblical perspective and develop a personal theology of the church. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Developing a Biblical Theology of the Church Syllabus
Jewish Literature at the Time of Jesus: Introduction and Comparison with the New Testament—BL 586
This course introduces writings that were important to various Jewish groups but were not included in either the Old or New Testament. We will read excerpts from the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls, Rabbinic Literature, Philo and Josephus. We will discuss their continuity and discontinuity with the teaching of Jesus and His apostles. Special attention will be given to those ideas that continue to separate Christianity and Judaism today. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Rare. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Jewish Literature at the Time of Jesus: Introduction and Comparison with the New Testament Syllabus
The Apostolic Fathers—BL 590
This course is an introduction to the earliest Christian writings outside of the New Testament. Through them, we shall explore the joys and challenges of the first followers of Jesus, who attempted to remain true to the teachings of the apostles. Attention will be given to the origin of the church in Syria, Rome, and Asia Minor. 2 hours. Instructor: J. DelHousaye. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. The Apostolic Fathers Syllabus
Selected Topics in Biblical Literature—BL 595
An occasional Biblical Literature elective offered as the need and opportunity arise. Course content is dependent on the expertise of available faculty (resident, adjunct, and visiting), current issues of academic and practical importance, and overall balance in regard to recent course offerings. 1–4 hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Occasional. General elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. May be repeated for credit when section content differs. Past topics include: “Galatians, Martin Luther, and The New Perspective on Paul and Justification.” Selected Topics in Biblical Literature Syllabus
