Bible and Theology Course Descriptions

Bible

BIBL 1101 Basics of Biblical Living

3 Credit Hours

This introductory course provides students with an in- depth look at the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Christian disciplines that help us grow in our faith. There is an examination of who Jesus is and what Jesus did and how that relates to godly living. Then there is a hands-on practical approach to engaging the various Christian disciplines.

BIBL 1102 Christian Belief and Scripture

3 Credit Hours

This course provides an introduction to foundational Christian theology and to Scripture. It examines the narrative and major themes of the Christian Bible. It also introduces the crucial and foundational claims of Christian theology by examining ancient consensus about theological boundaries that have historically distinguished Christian belief from other ancient religious teachings.

BIBL 1311 Old Testament Law and History

3 Credit Hours

This course surveys the content, structure, events, and theological themes of the Pentateuch and the historical books of the Old Testament (the first 17 books) in light of their ancient Near Eastern setting.

BIBL 1322 Old Testament Poetry and Prophecy

3 Credit Hours

This course surveys the content, structure, events, and theological themes of the Old Testament poetical and prophetic books (the last 22 books) in light of their historical and canonical setting.

BIBL 2001 Genesis 1-11

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 1311 Old Testament Law and History. This course is an exegetical study of the first 11 chapters of Genesis with an emphasis on the origins of creation and the events that followed. Special attention will be paid to the four key events of this section of Scripture: the Creation of the world, the Fall of mankind, the Global Flood, and the Tower of Babel.

BIBL 2002 Genesis 12-50

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 1311 Old Testament Law and History. This course is an exegetical study of the last 39 chapters of Genesis with an emphasis on the foundations of the Jewish people. Special attention will be paid to the four people chosen by God to form the roots of the Chosen People: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

BIBL 2301 Life and Revelation of Christ

3 Credit Hours

This course comprehensively studies the life of Christ as seen in the Gospels. An emphasis of the theme of each Gospel is considered, as well as, a synoptic and chronological view of the life of Jesus, with an interpretation of key events and main discourses.

BIBL 2302 Acts

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is an expositional study of the book of Acts with major emphasis on its theological arguments and New Testament evangelism. Special attention is given to the infancy, adolescence, and maturity of the church. A synopsis is given to each of the Pauline epistles in their chronological order.

BIBL 2311 Pentateuch

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is a detailed study of the first five books in their historical setting. Special attention is given to authorship, critical problems, the early history of Israel, the Mosaic laws, and to the development of the theocratic rule. Emphasis is placed on the cultural, political, and geographical background of each book.

BIBL 2312 Old Testament Historical Books

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

Students will analytically study the Old Testament books from Joshua through Esther, following Israel’s political periods of theocracy, judgeship, monarchy, divided kingdom, and the partial restoration. This study also deal with persons who made significant contributions to the nation of Israel during these periods.

BIBL 2321 New Testament History and Letters

3 Credit Hours

This course is a study of Acts, the Pauline Epistles, and the General Epistles. Attention will be given to background, structure, authorship, and doctrinal importance.

BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to study principles and procedures for interpreting Scriptures, as well as, for the provision of an inductive approach toward Bible study. It emphasizes the grammatical, historical, and cultural method of interpretation with guidelines which are applicable to any book of the Bible.

BIBL 3100 Role of Women in Scripture

3 Credit Hours

Pre- or Corequisite: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics

This course surveys some of the major women in Scripture and examines their role, leadership, and characteristics. Biblical, historical, and contemporary cultural issues are considered in an effort to help the student develop a personal philosophy of life and ministry. Special attention will be given to difficult passages of Scripture that address the role of women in ministry.

BIBL 3120 History of the Israelite Kingdom

3 Credit Hours

This course is a study of the history of the people of God in the Old Testament as that history is recorded from Genesis through Esther. It will consider God’s redemptive plan as it is expressed in His covenants with Israel. Special emphasis will be made to help the student understand the geography of the Near East.

BIBL 3205 I-II Peter

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is a detailed study of 1–2 Peter. Special attention is given to themes of suffering, hope, Jesus and His transformed people as fulfillment of Old Testament prophetic expectations, Peter’s testimony of Jesus’ transfiguration and its relation to Jesus’ second coming, and personal, familial, and public ethical demands.

BIBL 3301 General Epistles

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course provides exposition of the non‑Pauline epistles, with the exception of the book of Hebrews. Special attention is given to a general introduction to each epistle with a major emphasis on a detailed study of the book of James.

BIBL 3302 Prophetical Books (Isaiah/Malachi)

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

A careful study is given to the major and minor prophets in chronological order. Emphasis is placed upon their historical settings; contemporary kings; and political, economic, and spiritual conditions. Special attention is given to the study of prophetism.

BIBL 3303 The Post Exilic Books

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course first studies the six Old Testament books that constitute the “Post-exilic division”: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Both the content and the application of these books will be surveyed, and interpretive issues will be treated in depth.

BIBL 3233 Thinking Like Jesus: Foundations for Biblical Worldview

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to help students understand the meaning of world view, and its importance in the life of a Christian. The world views of modern culture will be examined and evaluated in light of biblical truth. Students will understand the foundations of a biblical worldview by studying appropriate passages of Scripture, especially those that relate to the life and teachings of Jesus.

BIBL 3311 Gospel of John

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

A study of the fourth gospel, this course focuses on the prologue and the unique features of this book’s presentation of Christ’s message, ministry, and passion. It uses John as a model for inductive study.

BIBL 3312 Poetical Books

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course examines the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The study examines the nature, content, structure, and the enduring lifestyle that is adequate to meet the pressures of contemporary society.

BIBL 3313 Old Testament Survey

3 Credit Hours

This course provides a survey of each Old Testament book in relation to authorship, date, purpose, and time period. The Old Testament is divided into eleven historical periods and covers the history, geography, and cultural context of each period as well as the contribution of each book to the Old Testament canon and its relationship to the fulfillment of God’s total progressive revelation.

BIBL 3314 New Testament Survey

3 Credit Hours

All twenty-seven books of the New Testament will be reviewed for an essential understanding of the linkage to the Old Testament, the working out of God’s plan for our salvation, the end times through the last days, and the glorious hope of heaven. The historical, literary, cultural, and archaeological context will also be reviewed.

BIBL 3322 Early Pauline Epistles

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course provides an analysis and exposition of I and II Corinthians and I and II Thessalonians with emphasis upon authorship, date, and place of writing, along with the occasion and purpose of each book. Special attention is given to the gifts of the Spirit as related to the pagan influence in the early church, the problems facing the church, and the hope of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church.

BIBL 3323 Biblical Ethics

3 Credit Hours

Students will become familiar with the wisdom literature of the Old and New Testaments, and of cultures and writings throughout history. Students will understand the integration of the wisdom teachings of the Old and New Testaments and what that means to modern day Biblically based ethical decision making.

BIBL 3332 Johannine Literature

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This class is a study of the Johannine literature in its historical context. An examination of the evidence that indicates that Johannine Christianity was a distinctive development with its own literature within early Christianity. An examination of the setting, literary genre, content, and theology of the Johannine Gospel and Epistles with a comparative introduction to the book of the Revelation of John.

BIBL 3345 Sermons of Jesus

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

An analytical and expository study of the Sermons of Jesus Christ, with attention to Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount and its parallel passages. Specific focus will be on the practical implications of His sermons from both a group and individual perspective.

BIBL 4301 Romans

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is an exegesis of the Roman epistle including the historical background, the theological elements of condemnation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Special attention is given to the dispensational and the practical divisions.

BIBL 4303 Daniel & Revelation: Exegesis & Theology

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course carefully examines these two major apocalyptic books chapter by chapter, investigating their historical setting, the critical questions, and their relation to one another and to the Olivet Discourse. Heavy emphasis is given to the book of Revelation.

BIBL 4311 Pastoral Epistles

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is an exegetical study of I and II Timothy and Titus. Emphasis is placed upon authorship, date and place of writing, and the occasion and purpose of writing. Special attention is given to the practical directives for pastors as well as patterns for church structure, discipline, and leadership.

BIBL 4312 Hebrews

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course is an exegesis of the book of Hebrews stressing the superiority of Christ’s person and work over the agents of the Old Covenant. Special attention is given to the quality of faith which pleases God and the need for perseverance of the believers.

BIBL 4313 Early Foundations in Christian History: Paul’s Journey

3 Credit Hours

This course is an inquiry into the life and missionary journeys of Paul as it pertains to his ministry in Greece and Italy. Special attention will be given to his historical presence and ministry in the regions of Corinth, Athens, and Rome as the student is provided with a biblical and archaeological “hands-on experience.”

BIBL 4314 Exploring the Footsteps of Christ in Israel: A Journey into History

3 Credit Hours

This course is an inquiry into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the land of Israel. Special attention will be given to his historical presence in the Holy Land, the background and cultural issues that shaped his life and ministry, and the subsequent impact that his life, death, and resurrection, and ministry has had on redemption history. The student will be provided with a biblical and archaeological “hand on experience.”

BIBL 4315 Foundations of Faith

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed as an inquiry into the foundations and context of the Judea-Christian faith, with specific emphasis on the origins (or genesis) of our world and our Bible. Further study will also include the way in which Christianity helped shape the foundational structure of the United States. A trip to the Washington D.C. (Museum of the Bible) and Kentucky (Ark Encounter, Creation Museum) will provide experiential learning along with additional coursework.

BIBL 4321 Bible as Literature

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course examines the various literary elements within the different genres of Biblical writings. The special qualities of each literary form will be discussed along with the special problems of interpretation and application.

BIBL 4322 Prison Epistles

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics.

This course contains a doctrinal, expositional, and practical study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon with special attention given to the person and work of Christ showing His pre-eminence. A careful introduction is given to each book.

BIBL 4323 Ethics in Hebrew Wisdom Literature

3 Credit Hours

A study of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs that emphasizes the genius of Hebrew poetry and the doctrinal depth, spiritual value and ethical implications of these books.

BIBL4422 The Miracles of Christ

3 Credit Hours

This course focuses on a study of the 35 miracles of Christ as recorded in the four gospels. An inductive study methodology is used, which identifies each miracle’s unique progression, and searches out the interpretation and applications intended by the divine and human authors. The role of miracles in apologetics, especially the central miracle of the resurrection of Christ is discussed along with other related historical and theological topics.

*indicates this course is included in the Statewide Course Numbering System.

Theology

THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I: Prolegomena, Bibliology, and Theology Proper

3 Credit Hours

The field of theology is introduced to the beginning student, and the major divisions of theology are explained in order to prepare students for the theological enterprise. Attention then turns to the doctrines of the Bible and the attributes of God.

THEO 3302 Systematic Theology II: Christology, Pneumatology, and Angelology

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I or its equivalent.

The study of theology is continued through a detailed examination of the doctrines of Christ (Christology), the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), and angels (Angelology). Each is examined in terms of its existence, nature, attributes, and special problems.

THEO 3304 Readings in Christian Thought/Theology

3 Credit Hours

This seminar course, based on a shared inquiry method, focuses on the timeless writings of Christian thought from the Church Fathers to the present. Selections will be read from Augustine’s “City of God,” Calvin’s “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” and C.S. Lewis’s “God in the Dock.” Students will read from an array of other authors, including John Owen and John Piper.

THEO 3305 C.S. Lewis and the Compelling Case for Christianity

3 Credit Hours

Through an encounter with key essays and excerpts from

C.S. Lewis’ writings, along with contributions from prominent C.S. Lewis scholars, students will survey a wealth of support for the Christian Faith. The course will highlight the life and thinking of Lewis, and review the rapid expansion and development of apologetics since his passing.

THEO 3306 Early Christian Spirituality

3 Credit Hours

An exploration of early Christian prayer, worship, discipleship, and sanctification during the formative 2nd through 5th centuries. This course uses a shared inquiry approach with an emphasis on extensive reading and group discussion of select classic writings about spirituality from the early Christian era.

THEO 3321 Theology of the Gospel and Its Development in Great Britain

3 Credit Hours

This course, taught in Great Britain, explores the biblical foundations and the historical development of the understanding of the Gospel in its British context. Special attention is given to the work of Thomas Cranmer, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and John Stott in clarifying and defending the Gospel message.

THEO 3322 Contemporary Issues in Theology and Ethics

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to examine a host of issues related to contemporary issues in theology and ethics, specifically those issues that have surfaced in contemporary American culture evaluated in light of traditional Judeo-Christian values and ethics. Some of the key topics that will be covered include: basic approaches to Christian ethics; current cultural trends and controversies not limited to but including: the prosperity gospel, abortion, gay marriage, bioethics, rap music, war, marriage and divorce, sexual promiscuity, pop culture, misuse of Scripture, religious pluralism, etc.

THEO 3332 Theology of Sanctification

3 Credit Hours

In order to make sense of the Christian doctrine of sanctification, diverse biblical models and theological systems have been developed and taught through the ages. Many of these are mutually harmonious and very complementary to each other. The purpose of this course is to survey these models, evaluate their Biblical theological foundations, and understand how to implement their insights into daily living.

THEO 3421 Knowing Christ in a Skeptical Age

3 Credit Hours

This course reviews the biblical teaching on the person of Christ as Messiah, who is one person with two natures: full deity and full humanity. Also, it traces the development of this understanding in three phases, beginning with the Early Church’s development of the orthodox Christology. The Medieval and Renaissance Era saw further refinement and clarification of orthodoxy, then in the Enlightenment and Modern Era, an array of skeptical attacks on the deity of Christ led to a robust defense and new clarity of Christ’s nature. Special attention is given to the doctrine of the “Logos,” and the role of C.S. Lewis and other 20th Century defenders of classic Christology.

THEO 4301 Contemporary Ethical Issues

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I or its equivalent.

This is a seminar course on current ethical debates, including abortion, euthanasia, racism, homosexuality, war and peace, genetics and cloning, and environmentalism. The course will investigate the theological and philosophical worldviews and assumptions that undergird the various positions in these debates.

THEO 4311 Apologetics

3 Credit Hours

This course studies the science of Christian Evidence, examining the reasonableness of our faith and the corroboration of findings from science, history, and philosophy. It contrasts the biblical concept with various alternative positions and considers major problem areas, such as authority, miracles, evil, and evolution. It sets a basis for a Christian apologetic which is theologically and historically sound.

THEO 4312 Advanced Apologetics

3 Credit Hours

A survey of current issues and trends in apologetics, including the work of Phillip Johnson, William Lane Craig, Alvin Plantinga, J. P. Moreland, James Sire, William Dembski, and Peter Kreeft. Topics to be covered include the extent and nature of “common ground” with unbelievers; the legacy of St. Augustine and Pascal, the role of scientific apologetics and a critique of naturalism, and currents in historical, cultural, and philosophical apologetics.

THEO 4321 Systematic Theology III: Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I or its equivalent.

The study of theology is continued with an examination of God’s created order as seen in human beings (Anthropology). The nature and consequences of sin are also examined (Hamartiology). The focus then shifts to God’s redemptive program for humanity in the doctrine of salvation (Soteriology).

THEO 4331 Systematic Theology IV: Ecclesiology, Eschatology, and Contemporary Theology

3 Credit Hours

PREREQUISITE: THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I or its equivalent.

The study of God’s redemptive plan for humanity is continued through an examination of the doctrines of the church (Ecclesiology) and last things (Eschatology). In addition, various recently developing approaches to theological questions are also examined.

THEO 4342 Foundations of the Broader Christian Theological Tradition (Patristics)

3 Credit Hours

This course examines Christian theology in the period immediately after the writing of the New Testament through the fifth century, and the development of theological consensus by God’s people concerning foundational Christian beliefs.

*indicates this course is included in the Statewide Course Numbering System.