Concentration in Theological and Religious Studies

If you would like to be able:

• To interpret scripture in its historical-cultural context

• To know the history of the church and how the Bible has been understood 

• To develop a thoughtful and systematic theology to guide you in life

• To see connections between theology and other fields of study

• To think in distinctively Christian ways in all areas of life

• To apply Christianity in today’s cultural context

then, perhaps you should take a look at a Bible & Religion major with a concentration in religious studies.

Students in the Bible & Religion major at Huntington University choose one of two concentrations: biblical studies or religious studies. Though both concentrations provide a solid foundation in scripture, they each have a different area of focus. The concentration in religious studies couples a solid grounding in scripture with an understanding of the history and theology of the church. Moreover, this concentration develops an awareness of the values and thought forms of contemporary society which is useful for understanding the assumptions we bring to the Bible and how to apply scripture. This concentration seeks to integrate biblical studies with other disciplines such as philosophy, history, literature, and psychology.

The religious studies concentration is flexible, enabling students to design a course of study to meet individual interests and needs. It has an interdisciplinary component requiring students to take religion courses in other departments such as English and History. Since some of the courses count towards more than one major, the interdisciplinary element allows for students in this concentration to minor or even double major in another department .

The religious studies concentration is excellent preparation for seminary, graduate school, or to provide biblical and theological background for ministries that students may enter without a graduate degree. It is also valuable for those desiring a broad and engaging liberal arts degree.

The program consists of 36 hours. Required courses: Old Testament I-II; New Testament I-II; Biblical Interpretation; Systematic Theology I-III; and History of Christianity. Students select nine hours in at least two departments from: Religions of the World; Contemporary Religious Thought; Religion and Scientific Thought; Philosophy of Religion; Early Modern Europe; History of Christianity in America; Medieval Europe; Christian Classics; C. S. Lewis; and Religion and Behavioral Sciences.

(Adviser for this concentration is Dr. Beth Felker Jones.)

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