This course will focus on developing critical thinking skills while reading scripture with the purpose of understanding what the author intended the original audience to understand. We will be specifically reading the New Testament and analyzing the text in its historical and cultural contexts while understanding the ongoing relevance of scripture and the lessons it teaches.

Classes will be interactive with opportunities to have respectful dialog centered around what is being read in scripture and what is learned from the study conducted. Students will be using a study Bible to complete readings and short assignments each week for discussion in class. In addition to these weekly assignment’s, students will also work on projects and short papers in relation to analysis of scripture through the lens of history and current day.

In this course, students will learn the skills of Biblical interpretation, critical thinking, and gain deeper insight of the Bible. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” That is the goal of our class. Classes are taught from a broad (i.e., non-denominational) Christian perspective. Students are never asked to pray aloud, and they are never singled out for religious questions.