Required Courses

BF100 New Testament Greek

Boelkins, Van Voorst, J. Brownson

An introduction to New Testament Greek vocabulary, grammatical forms, and sentence structure using inductive learning methods, with a view to New Testament Greek as a resource for ministry.

BF101 New Testament Translation and Interpretation

Boelkins, Van Voorst, J. Brownson

Continues BF100, with special emphasis upon syntax and translation. Introduces the tools and principles of biblical interpretation. Emphasis given to engaging the New Testament in its own linguistic, historical, and canonical context. Prerequisite: BF100.

BF102 New Testament Life and Witness

J. Brownson, Van Voorst

An introduction to the content, history, and theological dynamism of the writings of the New Testament. Emphasis is placed upon missiological interactions among gospel, culture, and tradition in the New Testament writings as the foundation for the church's witness.

BF103 Old Testament Life and Witness

Boogaart, Bechtel

An introduction to the content, history, and theological dynamism of the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed upon the significance of the altar, tabernacle, and temple for Israel's experience of God.

BF110 Biblical Hebrew

Boogaart, Bechtel, Boelkins

This course is designed to open the world of biblical Hebrew for those who seek to interpret the Bible faithfully and fully. Students will be introduced to basic biblical Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary through highly interactive engagements with the language and texts of the Old Testament.

BF111 Hebrew Translation and Interpretation

Boogaart, Bechtel, Boelkins

This course continues to open the world of biblical Hebrew for those who seek to interpret the Bible faithfully and fully. Students will be introduced to basic biblical Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary through highly interactive engagements with the language and texts of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: BF110.

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Advanced Courses, Old Testament

BF513 Studies in Prophets

Boogaart

The role of prophets in Israelite society, their theology, and their impact on Western culture.

BF514 Seminar in Psalms

Bechtel

An exegetical study of selected psalms in the context of both the Old Testament and the larger canon of Scripture. Attention is also given to the role of the psalms in the liturgical, devotional, and theological life of the church.

BF515 The Earth is the Lord's: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible

Bechtel

Engages Scripture through the eyes of contemporary agrarian writers with a view toward finding more faithful ways to honor God's creation. The curriculum revolves around "conversations" with authors (Ellen Davis, Norman Wirzba, Wendell Berry, Wes Jackson) and practioners (individuals who can help us think about the practical challenges and possibilities of honoring God's creation).  1.5 credits

BF517 Wisdom Literature of the Bible

Bechtel

Explores the forms, vocabulary, and concepts of wisdom in the Bible, emphasizing Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes.

BF520 Esther

Bechtel

A theological exposition of the book of Esther that looks to literary issues such as theme, character, and irony as guides for interpreting the book in the contexts of both the Old and the New Testaments. Originally intended as a model for life in the Jewish Diaspora, the book is a potentially important guide for Christians seeking to live faithful lives in a secular society. 1.5 credits.

BF522 Old Testament Narratives

Boogaart

A study of the artistry, drama, and theology of Israelite storytelling. Prereq: BF110, BF111

BF523 Old Testament Theology

Boogaart

Critical analysis of recent attempts at presenting an Old Testament theology. 1.5 credits.

BF524 Ruth

Bechtel

A literary and theological exposition of the book of Ruth. Emphasis will be placed on improving Hebrew reading and on refining exegetical skills. 1.5 Credits. Prerequisite: BF110.

BF525 Jonah

Bechtel

A literary and theological exposition of the book of Jonah. Emphasis will be placed on improving Hebrew reading and on refining exegetical skills. 1.5 Credits. Prerequisite: BF110.

Advanced Courses, New Testament

BF529 Gospel According to Matthew

Brownson

An overview of the theology and narrative shaping of the first gospel, using close readings of selected texts.  Particular attention is paid to Matthew's vision for discipleship, the church, and Christian life and witness. Prerequisite: BF102 or equivalent

BF530 Letter to the Romans

Van Voorst

An introduction and overview of the letter, together with exegetical study of selected portions. Prerequisite: BF100, BF101, BF102 or equivalent

BF531 Seminar in the Synoptics

J. Brownson

Explores the major approaches to interpreting the synoptic gospels, along with deeper study of one synoptic gospel. Prerequisite: BF100, BF101 & BF102 or equivalent.

BF532 The Gospel According to John

J. Brownson, Van Voorst

Considers important historical, literary, hermeneutical, and theological issues in the Gospel of John, with exegesis of selected passages in Greek. Prerequisite: BF100, BF101 & BF102 or equivalent.

BF533 Gospel According to Mark

Van Voorst

An exegetical and participatory reading of Mark together with translation of key passages. Prerequisite: BF100, BF101 & BF102 or equivalent.

BF534 Acts of the Apostles

Van Voorst

Introductory material combined with an understanding of the entire book and the exegesis of selected passages in Greek. Prerequisite: BF100, BF101 & BF102.

BF535 Interpreting the Parables

J. Brownson

A survey of recent approaches to interpreting the parables of Jesus provides the context for considering hermeneutical issues in preaching and teaching the parables. Prerequisite: BF102 or equivalent.

BF541 Letters to the Philippians and Galatians

VanVoorst

An exegetical study of two Pauline letters in light of modern interpretation, with attention to their use in modern theology and the preaching and teaching of the church. Selected Greek passages will be studied in depth. Prerequisite:  BF100, BF101, & BF102.

BF545 Acts

Explores the book of Acts within its historical, cultural, literary, and theological contexts.  Reads through the entire book, engaging sections of the text in Greek.  How did early Christians live and thrive in tension with the world around them, and how is their story significant to our own ministry within the Christian community? Asks basic exegetical questions concerning the author and audience, the literary structure, forms and rhetorical styles employed in the writing, and the worldviews at play in the Hellenistic world out of which Christianity grew. Prerequisite:  BF100, BF101, & BF102.  

BF546 New Testament and Christian Ministry (Distance Learning)

VanVoorst 

This course seeks to synthesize vision for proclaiming and teaching the Gospel today through the study of selected texts and themes from the New Testament.  These texts, studied in Greek, focus on the themes of unity and diversity of the Gospel message, the general ministry of the church in the New Testament, and special ministries in the New Testament.  

BF547 The Bible, Gender, and Sexuality

Brownson 

A survey of major biblical texts on sex and sexuality in general, with a view toward developing an overall  framework for understanding biblical teaching on these themes.  Within this overall framework, particular attention also will be given to exploring the questions of gender roles and homosexuality. Prerequisite:  BF100, BF101, & BF102.