The purposes of the Bible and religion department are to lead students to develop a better understanding of the Bible and of religious thought, to develop the skills necessary for interpretation of the Bible, to deepen their faith in God, and to prepare them for more effective service to Christ.

A major in Bible and religion is chosen by those whose work involves interpretation of the Bible. Such vocations include the pastoral ministry, evangelism, missions, and teaching Bible and religion in churches, parochial schools, colleges and seminaries. Those interested in missionary service should be aware of the various forms which such service may take besides preaching such as nursing, medicine, and agriculture. The department also welcomes those students who wish to major in Bible and religion to enrich their own lives even though they do not plan to enter some phase of full-time Christian service.

Students who plan to attend the Huntington University Graduate School of Christian Ministries or a theological seminary after graduation from Huntington may consider a major in Bible and religion. Such students lay the foundation for future ministries during their undergraduate college program and enlarge this foundation during seminary training by supplementing their college program and branching into new areas. Students wishing to attend seminary are encouraged to consult with the department whether or not they choose to major in Bible and religion.

Students majoring in Bible and religion are provided the option of including a semester of study in Israel at Jerusalem University College in either the junior or senior year. By taking an approved list of courses at the Institute, they can receive credit for 15-16 semester hours toward the bachelor of arts degree and will also be given credit for one of the three required January Term experiences.

Students selecting the major in Bible and religion with a concentration in Biblical studies will complete thirty-six hours in the department, including BR 231, 241, 251, 261, and 271; three hours from BR 331, 333, 421, 433, and 460; nine hours from BR 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, and GR 421; and nine additional hours of electives chosen from BR courses.

Students selecting the major in Bible and religion with a concentration in religious studies will complete thirty-six hours, including BR 231, 241, 251, 261, 271, 414, 415, and HS 311; and ten hours representing at least two departments chosen from BR 331, 333, 421, 433, 460, EN 331cc, 481, MI 285csl (provided it is not taken to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement), HS 322, 361, 411, PY 341 and any approved January term course.

Students who major in Bible and religion in either concentration must successfully complete GR 111. Students may complete the language requirement for the bachelor of arts degree either by completing eight additional hours of Greek beyond GR 111 or by completing eight other credits in foreign language and cultural enrichment, provided that at least six credit hours are earned in the same foreign language.

The minor in Bible and religion of twenty-five hours includes twelve hours from BR 111, 231, 241, 251, 261; three hours of BR 271; four hours of BR 414; three hours of an upper-division BR course; and three hours of an elective chosen from other BR courses, HS 311, 361, EN 331cc, MI 285csl, and PY 341.

BR 111 Biblical History and Literature (3)

A survey of the Bible with emphases on its nature and authority; its historical, cultural and religious backgrounds; its historical development; its types of literature; and its content and major themes. Does not count on the major in Bible and religion.

BR 231 Old Testament Introduction I (3)

A literary introduction to the Pentateuch and books of poetry and a study of their content. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages. Prerequisite: BR or MI major, or consent

BR 241 Old Testament Introduction II (3)

A literary introduction to the books of history and the prophets, a study of the content of these books, and a discovery of the prophetic view of history. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages. Prerequisite: BR 231 or consent

BR 251 New Testament Introduction I (3)

A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of first century Judaism, the formation of the Gospels, modern criticism of the Gospels, an introduction to each of the Gospels, and a survey of the life of Jesus. Prerequisite: BR or MI major, or consent

BR 261 New Testament Introduction II (3)

A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of the Greco-Roman world, the history of the early church throughout the first century, Gnosticism, the life of Paul, and an introduction to Acts, the New Testament epistles, and Revelation. Prerequisite: BR or MI major or consent

BR 271 Biblical Interpretation (3)

A study of the science of biblical interpretation employing inductive Bible study techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the adaptation of methods to various types of literary genre, the analysis of structural arrangement, word studies, and principles of practical application. Students will do exegetical notebooks on selected passages. Prerequisite: BR 111 or 231 or 251

BR 311 Topics in Biblical Studies (3)

The study of a selected book or literary unit of the Bible, examining its historical, literary, theological, and practical significance. Designed as an upper-level biblical literature course for nonmajors, this course does not count toward the BR major. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisite: BR 111

BR 320 Biblical Archaeology (3)

An introduction to biblical archaeology and geography from the prehistory of Israel to the end of New Testament times. The major emphasis is on the relevance of archaeology for understanding the Bible. Prerequisites: BR 111 or 231 or 251

BR 331 Religions of the World (3)

Religion as a universal phenomenon is discussed. The major religions of antiquity and modernity are discussed, with special reference to similar and disparate features. Prerequisite: one course in Bible

BR 333 Topics in Theological Studies (3)

A detailed examination of a selected topic in theology and religion. May be repeated for credit in different topics.

BR 333ch Christology is an examination of Christian understandings of Jesus ranging from the decisions of the early church councils to contemporary theologians. Major Christological models will be studied along with issues surrounding the search for the historical Jesus. Prerequisite: BR 251 and 415.

BR 333rs Religion and Scientific Thought provides a study of the nature of scientific thought and scientific method; consideration of historical and contemporary views concerning the relationship between science and religion; and of current issues resulting from the interaction of modern science and the Christian worldview. Identical with PL333RS.    Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260

BR 395 Field Work (1)

A course in practical field work involving a specific responsibility in a local church or other community institution in which the student implements principles of biblical interpretation. May be repeated for four credits total; Graded as internship. Prerequisite: BR major with one year of Bible and sophomore standing

The origin, development and distinctive reform principles of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ are studied giving attention to both theological perspective and church policy. Prerequisite: BR or MI major or consent

The study of the nature of theology, revelation and inspiration, and the nature of God. Other topics in this course include creation, providence, anthropology, and sin. MI 285 and BR or MI major or consent

The study of Christology, Christ’s work of atonement, the Holy Spirit, the church, and last things. Prerequisite: BR 414

BR 421 Contemporary Religious Thought (3)

A study of the major developments in religious thought in this century, in light of the changing intellectual and cultural situation. Topics considered will include Karl Barth, Rudolf Bultmann, process theology and liberation theology. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260

This course provides an advanced study of what philosophers and theologians have said about the nature of God. The course includes a discussion of the historical development of the "God" concept from the pre-Socratics through its apex in classical theism to the critique of this concept in modern atheism. The tools of contemporary analytic philosophy will be utilized to examine specific attributes of God. Identical with PL 433. Prerequisite: One course in Bible and PL 220

Each of these courses involves an interpretation of a selected book or literary units within the specified area. Emphasis will be placed on the practice of accepted principles of interpretation pertinent to the various types of literature and on the religious ideas and practical value of the material under consideration.

BR 441 The Pentateuch (3)

BR 442 Old Testament Poetic Literature (3)

BR 445 Gospels (3)

BR 446 Epistles (3)

BR 460 Philosophy of Religion (3)

A consideration of various attempts to provide a philosophical formulation and defense of the basic tenets of the theistic worldview, with particular attention to recent analytic philosophy. Identical with PL 460. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent

BR 490 Independent Study (1-4)

The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the Bible and religion major. Prerequisite: Consent

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