This course deals with the authority, inspiration, canonization, literary unity, and textual criticism of the biblical text. Emphasis is on Bible translations, versions, textual analysis, exegesis, and research. Upon completion, students should be able
This course deals with the authority, inspiration, canonization, literary unity, and textual criticism of the biblical text. Emphasis is on Bible translations, versions, textual analysis, exegesis, and research. Upon completion, students should be able to generate an evidence-based explanation of the formation of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament and demonstrate the fundamentals of interpretation and textual research.
The word of God, the Hebrew Scriptures and its apostolic complement known as the New Testament, is the foundation of knowledge. God's Word, the Holy Bible, is the account of God's action in the world and His purpose with all creation. The Bible, composed of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament in seven distinct parts, provides examples, admonitions and instructions that reveal a way of life for modern humankind. The writing of the Bible took place over sixteen centuries and is the work of over forty divinely inspired human authors. The Bible is the source of truth, the standard for meaningful life, the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the key to true values, freedom, and liberty. The purpose of this course is the exploration of the Word of God through detailed study of the biblical text within its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts.
Peter Nathan served as a faculty member in Theology for seven years at Ambassador College/University. As a faculty member in 1990. he led a group of students to participate in the Tel Mozan Expedition, Syria, which was directed by Giorgio Buccellati and Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati. His studies at Southern Methodist University focused largely on Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis. Most recently he has completed a Master’s program at University of Cambridge focusing on Jewish Christian relations, with an emphasis on early Church history and the “Parting of the Ways.” Subsequent to the time at Ambassador University, he focused on education of young adults within church communities, providing seminars in Biblical Studies to help lay a foundation for future roles in the ministry. In addition he has written and published numerous articles on the identity of the early church, which carefully examined and challenged many of the commonly held assumptions relating to that era of time. The place and use of the Dead Sea Scrolls in understanding the early church environment has been a special interest. Ordained to the ministry of the Church of God in 1973, he has pastored churches in diverse parts of the world and has been deeply involved in ministry to the developing world. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Schools of Oriental Research and the International Patristics Society. As well as serving on the Living University Administrative Council, Mr. Nathan serves as the University's Chair of the Theology Department, and Vice Chair of the Learning Resources Committee.
On successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:
- Demonstrate the skills necessary for effective Bible study and understanding and explaining biblical passages contextually;
- Identify aspects of the sociocultural world in which the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament were written;
- Demonstrate the inspiration, canonization, literary unity, and textual criticism of the biblical text;
- Demonstrate the skill sets needed for lifelong biblical and theological study;
- Identify contemporary issues in current scholarship relating to the study of biblical texts;
- Demonstrate the contemporary relevance of biblical texts; and
- Define key terms relating to the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.
Textbooks for this course are:
Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008.
Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.
Lutzer, Erwin W. Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible. Chicago: Moody Press, 1998.
Woodard, Lee. First Century Gospels Found! Tahlequah, OK: LaSalleMonument.com, 2008.
You may order these items through the University Bookstore. Living Universityis a participant in the Amazon Servces LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.The textbooks used in this course are commercial publications. They represent the views and ideas of their authors, editors, and publishers. Living University does not endorse these texts nor vouch for their accuracy. We simply employ them in helping you master the content of the course.
The instructor of record for this course is Peter G. Nathan. Both Dr. Michael P. Germano and Mr. Richard F. Ames serve as the supporting instructors. To contact them on course details and issues, please use the email feature in the E-Learning system (Populi). This course includes several lectures by Mr. Ames and some guests. Links to lectures are on the individual lesson webpages.
|Lesson 1: The Study of the Bible||Topic 1 The Bible As God's Word
Topic 2 Enabled to Understand the Bible
Topic 3 Inspiration of the Bible
Topic 4 Principles of Bible Study
|Lesson 2: The Torah||Topic 1 Studying the Old Testament
Topic 2 The Ancient Near East
Topic 3 The Torah
Topic 4 The Septuagint (LXX) and Masoretic Texts
|Lesson 3: The Writings (The Historical and Poetical Books)||Topic 1 Introduction to the Historical Books
Topic 2 Introducation to the Poetical Books
Topic 3 Choral Music in the City of David
Topic 4 Musical Instruments in Ancient Israel
|Lesson 4: The Prophets||Topic 1 Introduction to the Major Prophets
Topic 2 Introduction to the Minor Prophets
|Exam 1||(Lessons 1-4, Closed B