Known as the (fifth) evangelist to Christians and the prophet of consolation to Jews, Isaiah has occupied a place of prominence for the two and a half millennia since it was written. The four Gospels, Paul, Acts, and Revelation quote it more than any other book, and it is among the most quoted Old Testament …
View course details “Book of Isaiah”

In a culture that embodies long literary traditions and possesses rich classical texts that have constituted a pluralistic religious world, how is the Christian Bible read and received in China? This course aims to examine the biblical writings and commentary works made by Chinese Christians and Western missionaries in the history of Christianity in China. …
View course details “Reading the Bible in China (7th – 20th Century)”

This course introduces students to the art of biblical exegesis and interpretation. It is designed to help students gain confidence in text analysis, become self-critically aware of the challenges and opportunities of reading the Bible in modern contexts, and consider the ongoing relevance of Scripture for the Christian life while remaining open to the work …
View course details “Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation”

This course orients students to the theology, literature, and key issues in the Old Testament. It reflects on questions of how Old Testament books are best read together as part of the Christian canon of Scripture, and their ability to shape Christian life and engagement with culture. After addressing key interpretive issues, the course explores …
View course details “Old Testament Foundations”

This course is an introduction to the thirteen powerful letters attributed to Paul in the New Testament. Together we will investigate Paul’s inspiring life of faith, and the life-transforming teaching contained in his letters. We will pay special attention to the issues raised when we seek to apply Paul’s insights to our lives today. Credit …
View course details “Paul & His Letters”

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is foundational to the life and mission of the church and the experience of each Christian believer. Deepen your understanding of this while navigating questions and complexities about the Spirit’s work in a manner that reflects biblical witness and the church’s creedal heritage. Walk away with a heightened appreciation for …
View course details “Come Holy Spirit”

To introduce students to the major themes of Pauline theologies represented by New Testament texts and, where appropriate, other New Testament and extra‑canonical literature.  To situate these theologies in the social matrix of antiquity and to identify the interaction of theology and culture implicit in these theologies.  To assess the relevance of these theologies for …
View course details “Paul”

An introduction to sacred scripture and oral narrative in four traditions: Tanakh in Judaism, New Testament in Christianity, Qur’an in Islam, and Oral Stories in Indigenous Traditions. For each tradition, we will become acquainted with content, history, transmission, interpretation, and cultural significance. We will highlight oral teachings within each tradition, and overlapping story threads between …
View course details “Sacred Texts and Oral Traditions”

“To be sure, we need history. But we need it in a manner different from the way in which the spoilt idler in the garden of knowledge uses it, no matter how elegantly he may look down on our coarse and graceless needs and distresses. That is, we need it for life and for action….” …
View course details “Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity”

Description: This course is Part Two of a year-long sequence in interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. In the Fall semester we read the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, and Psalms. In the Spring semester we focus on Prophets and the remaining books of the Writings. Class periods will be divided into three sections: lecture, discussion and …
View course details “Hebrew Bible II”