Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

GBIB 5110
Intro Biblical Exegesis for Preaching & Teaching [Lecture] (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.

GBIB 5110
Intro Biblical Exegesis for Preaching & Teaching [On-line] (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.

GBIB 5150
New Testament Epistles:Bk/Specfic Title [Lecture] (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. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110"

GBIB 5160
New Testament Gospels:Bk/Specific [Lecture] (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. This course is cross-listed with GTHE 5160. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110"

GBIB 5170
Old Testament Narrative:Bk/Spec Title [Lecture] (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 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. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110 "

GBIB 5170
Old Testament Narrative:Bk/Spec Title [On-line] (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 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. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110 "

GBIB 5180
Old Testament Poetry:Bk/Specific Title [Lecture] (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. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110"

GBIB 5180
Old Testament Poetry:Bk/Specific Title [On-line] (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. Prerequisites/Corequisite: GBIB 5110"

GBIB 6005
Creation, Call, and Covenant: Genesis [Lecture] (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).

GBIB 6010
Psalms and Job [Lecture] (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.

GBIB 6030
Intro Judaism:Found Underst Holy Scri [Lecture] (2)
This course will examine Judaism as one of the great religions of the world. Though there are significant differences between Christianity and Judaism, we can understand the Christian faith much better when we 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.

GBIB 6050
History of Israel [Lecture] (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. Such topics 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.

GBIB 6060
Leadership & Power: Studies in I & II Samuel [Lecture] (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. We 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.

GBIB 6070
1 and 2 Kings [Lecture] (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 with GTHE 6070.

GBIB 6070
1 and 2 Kings [On-line] (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 with GTHE 6070.

GBIB 6150
The Wisdom Tradition [Lecture] (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).

GBIB 6200
Studies in Minor Prophets [Lecture] (3)
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.)

GBIB 6210
Old Testament Prophet's Cry for Justice [Lecture] (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 GSOC 6210.

GBIB 6210
Old Testament Prophet's Cry for Justice [On-line] (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 GSOC 6210.

GBIB 6250
The Life and Writings of the Prophet Jeremiah [Lecture] (2 - 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.

GBIB 6300
Isaiah [Lecture] (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.

GBIB 6390
Apocalypse Now: Daniel & Revelation [Lecture] (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 also will 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.

GBIB 6400
The Gospel According to Saint Matthew [Lecture] (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 Jesus' life and his teaching. This course will consider briefly 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. We will also reflect on what classic Christian teachers (such as Saint John Chrysostom, Calvin, and Wesley) have believed Matthew teaches us.

GBIB 6420
Jesus & the Poor: Biblical Perspectives on Economic Justice [Lecture] (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 GSOC 6420.

GBIB 6420
Jesus & the Poor: Biblical Perspectives on Economic Justice [On-line] (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 GSOC 6420.

GBIB 6440
Gospel of John [Independent Study] (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, of course, 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 with GTHE 6440. [Course is now listed under GBIB 516NE and GTHE 516NE.]

GBIB 6440
Gospel of John [Lecture] (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, of course, 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 with GTHE 6440. [Course is now listed under GBIB 516NE and GTHE 516NE.]

GBIB 6440
Gospel of John [On-line] (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, of course, 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 with GTHE 6440. [Course is now listed under GBIB 516NE and GTHE 516NE.]

GBIB 6460
Johannine Epistles [Lecture] (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.

GBIB 6510
Romans [Lecture] (2)
The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans has been formative throughout church history. Its teaching shaped major emphases on 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.

GBIB 6520
Galatians [Lecture] (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.

GBIB 6530
Studies in Prison Epistles [On-line] (2)
A careful reading of one or more of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon) 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.)

GBIB 6540
I Corinthians [Lecture] (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).

GBIB 6550
II Corinthians [Lecture] (2)
A careful reading of Second 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).

GBIB 6750
The Pastoral Epistles [Lecture] (2)
This course approaches Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus from a pastoral perspective. We will begin 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 our 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.

GBIB 6800
Studies in General Epistles & Hebrews [Lecture] (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.)

GBIB 6810
BIB Interpretation from Black Perspect [Lecture] (3)
This course provides perspectives on various initiatives in African American biblical hermeneutics and their contributions to the life of the Christian Church. Black interpretations of the Bible are shaped by African American history, traditions, culture, and experiences. Various approaches to hermeneutics are explored while addressing the specifics from the historical Black Church perspective.

GBIB 6810
BIB Interpretation from Black Perspect [On-line] (3)
This course provides perspectives on various initiatives in African American biblical hermeneutics and their contributions to the life of the Christian Church. Black interpretations of the Bible are shaped by African American history, traditions, culture, and experiences. Various approaches to hermeneutics are explored while addressing the specifics from the historical Black Church perspective.

GBIB 6950
Topics in Biblical Studies [Independent Study] (1 - 3)
"This is an independent study course in which the student will, under the guidance of a professor, donduct 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.]"

GBIB 6990
M.A. Thesis in Biblical Studies [Independent Study] (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 fee every subsequent semester until the completion of the master’s thesis.) [Prerequisite: faculty approval]"

GBIB 7010
Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics [Lecture] (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.]

GBIB 7350
Topics on Location [Online/Trip] (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.)"

GBIB 7350
Topics on Location [Trip] (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.)"

GBIB 7550
Adv Biblical Exegesis [Lecture] (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. Prerequisite course: GBIB 5110.

GBIB 7550
Adv Biblical Exegesis [On-line] (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. Prerequisite course: GBIB 5110.

GBIB 7555
Topics in Biblical Studies [Lecture] (2 - 3)
This course provides opportunity to study biblical texts that are not covered in the rest of the curriculum. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.) Prerequisite course: GBIB 5110.

GBIB 7720
Biblical Theology of Leadership [Lecture] (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.