Biblical & Theological Studies A division of Talbot School of Theology Faculty Dean:
Biblical Studies Challenge Exam Challenge exams are designed for those who have a working knowledge of the course content as a result of attending a Christian high school, for example, but were not able to transfer that work to Biola. Informal, personal study normally will not prepare one adequately to pass these exams. These exams may be taken only during the student ʼ s first year at Biola. Also, if the student has taken the Old Testament or New Testament class (or even a portion of it), he is not eligible to take the challenge exam. Exams are given in two parts, written and oral. Successful performance must be attained on the written and oral portions in order for the student to receive credit for the challenge exam. Grades are recorded on a credit or no credit basis only. No re-takes permitted. Degree Program A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies is offered upon the completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. Obtaining a degree with this major requires 39 units. Majors must complete general requirements (excluding the two electives) plus: • 18 units of 300/400–level Bible electives • BBST 301 - Biblical Studies Research Seminar Unit(s): 3. • BBST 311 - Biblical Backgrounds Unit(s): 3. • BBST 312 - Principles of Interpretation Unit(s): 3. • BBST 411 - New Testament Theology Unit(s): 3. • BBST 412 - Old Testament Theology Unit(s): 3. • BBST 455 - Pauline Theology—Romans Unit(s): 3. • HIST 321 - History of the Christian Church Unit(s): 3. Choose 12 units from either Greek: • BLGR 101 - Elementary Greek Grammar I Unit(s): 3. • BLGR 102 - Elementary Greek Grammar II Unit(s): 3. • BLGR 201 - Intermediate Greek Grammar & Exegesis Unit(s): 3. • BLGR 202 - Intermediate Greek Grammar & Exegesis Unit(s): 3. or Hebrew: • BLHE 101 - Elementary Hebrew Grammar Unit(s): 3. • BLHE 102 - Elementary Hebrew Grammar Unit(s): 3. • BLHE 201 - Intermediate Hebrew Grammar Unit(s): 3. • BLHE 202 - Intermediate Hebrew Grammar Unit(s): 3. In addition to the major requirement, students are encouraged to select a specialization of 12-14 units outside the department and sufficient electives to complete the minimum of 130 units for the degree. General Bible Requirements All students must complete 30 units of Biblical & Theological Studies including: • Two Bible electives • BBST 103 - Biblical Interpretation & Spiritual Formation Unit(s): 3. • BBST 105 - Foundations of Christian Thought Unit(s): 3. • BBST 109 - Old Testament History & Literature Unit(s): 3. • BBST 110 - New Testament History & Literature Unit(s): 3. • BBST 251 - Theology I Unit(s): 3. • BBST 254 - Theology II Unit(s): 3. • BBST 306 - Early Christian History - Acts Unit(s): 3. • BBST 465 - Integration Seminar Unit(s): 3.
Dennis H. Dirks, Ph.D. Michael J. Wilkins, Ph.D. Douglas Huffmann, Ph.D. Curtis, Pierce, Langer, Talley, Williams Berding, Horner, Jung, Klink, Lee-Barnewall, Lockett, Lunde, Núñez, S. Russell, Thoennes Anizor, Draycott, Lister, McKinley, Oakes, Volkmer
Dean of the Faculty:
Chair:
Professors:
Associate Professors:
Assistant Professors:
Mission & Learning Outcomes A strong emphasis in Biblical & Theological Studies has always been at the core of Biola ʼ s curriculum. It is intended that all students regardless of major will graduate with a working knowledge of the Scriptures and a Christian worldview, integrated with academic learning as well as personal and professional living. The mission of the B.A. program in Biblical Studies is to provide the student with a foundational knowledge of the history, literature, and theology of the Old and New Testaments, of systematic and historical theology, and of methods for further biblical and theological studies -- equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of this program, the student will: 1. Bible Backgrounds: Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social and cultural backgrounds of the Old and New Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with a keen sensitivity to these vital contextual issues. 2. Hermeneutics: Demonstrate the appropriate use of principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres. 3. General Biblical Knowledge: Articulate the general content, outline themes, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. 4. Research Tools: Recognize quality biblical and theological research tools that are available and be able to implement them for research in Biblical Studies. 5. Biblical Languages: Read and analyze a biblical text in either koine Greek or Hebrew. 6. Church History: Distinguish major historical movements of the church and evaluate their impact upon the development of evangelical theology. 7. Major Doctrines: Examine the issues, rationale, and biblical texts for the major doctrines of the Bible, and systematize personal positions on additional theological issues as they relate to doctrines, spiritual disciplines, ministry, and life in general. 8. Biblical Integration: Integrate biblical and theological truth into one ʼ s sense of the fulfillment of God ʼ s purpose in his or her life (“to be conformed to the image of His Son”) resulting in a greater value of worship and gratitude to God as expressed in greater love for God “with all of one ʼ s heart, soul, mind, and strength” and a greater vision for personal mission and ministry.
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