Course Descriptions

BIB 110. Survey of the Old Testament. 2 hours. Sp.

The books of the Old Testament are studied to acquaint the student with their contents, their relations to each other, and their relations to Bible and world history. This course surveys all of the Old Testament. (Text course)

BIB 111. Genesis, Exodus. 2 hours. F., Sp.
The early history of men and nations, patriarchs, Israel in Egypt, deliverance, and activities to and around Mt. Sinai are studied. Emphasis is given to God's providence and purpose as revealed in the books.  (Text course)

BIB 112. Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. 2 hours. F., Sp.
Continuation of BIB 111. The law and its institutions, the journeyings of Israel, and the events just before crossing the Jordan are studied. Obedience to God's law is stressed.  (Text course)

BIB 211. Joshua, Judges, Ruth. 2 hours. F. Even years.
This course explores the history of Israel from its entrance into Canaan until the time of Samuel. Primary texts are Joshua, Judges, Ruth and the opening chapters of I Samuel. The course emphasizes God's faithfulness despite Israel's repeated failures to keep covenant. (Text course)

BIB 212. The Life and Times of David. 2 hours. Sp.
Exploring the books of Samuel, this course focuses on the kingship of David and its continuing significance. The reign of Saul provides introduction, and that of Solomon is conclusion; the greater stress is laid on David's remarkable career. (Text course)

BIB 213. Kings of Israel and Judah. 2 hours. F. Odd years.
Beginning with the rebellion under Jereboam, this course treats the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and the exilic and post-exilic periods. Pertinent Biblical texts include Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Such outstanding characters as the prophets Elijah and Elisha, prominent righteous kings of Judah and the leaders in post-exilic restoration, Ezra and Nehemiah, are especially noted. (Text course)

BIB 310. Prophets I. 2 hours. F. Even years.
Selections from the writings of the pre-exilic prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Jonah, and Nahum. Major prophetic themes are emphasized along with the study of the nature and work of the prophets. (Text course)

BIB 311. Prophets II. 2 hours. F. Odd years.
Selections from the writings of the exilic and post-exilic prophets: Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Major prophetic themes are emphasized along with the study of the nature and work of the prophets. (Text course)

BIB 410. Critical Introduction to the Old Testament. (W) 3 hours. F.
The origin, authorship, outline, and religious values of Old Testament books. Thorough study is made of critical problems concerning the Pentateuch, Isaiah, and Daniel. Some attention is given to general introduction to the Old Testament. (Not a Bible text course.) This course includes a significant writing component.

BIB 412. Psalms and Wisdom Literature. 2 hours. F., Sp.

Selected portions of the poetical literature of the Old Testament. Attention is given to the moral and religious values to be gained from the study of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. (Text course)

NEW TESTAMENT

BIB 120. Survey of the New Testament. 2 hours. F.
The books of the New Testament are studied to acquaint the student with their contents, their relations to each other, and their relations to the Bible and world history. This course surveys all of the New Testament. (Text course)

BIB 121. Life of Christ. 2 hours. F., Sp.
Attention is given to the leading events in the life of Christ from his birth to his resurrection and ascension, all of which leads to a greater awareness of his greatness as God's Son. Moral, doctrinal, historical, and practical aspects of the life of Christ will be emphasized. (Text course)

BIB 122. Acts of the Apostles. 2 hours. F., Sp.
The early church in Acts. Attention is given to cases of conversion, the life of the early church, outstanding personalities in Acts, and the missionary journeys of Paul. This is the missions book of the New Testament. (Text course)

BIB 221. Paul's Epistles I. 2 hours. F., Sp., Su.
The Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Study is made of the greatness of the church and the Christian life. (Text course)

BIB 222. Paul's Epistles II. 2 hours. F., Sp., Su.
The Pastoral Epistles: I and II Thessalonians, I and II Timothy, and Titus. Attention is given to the work of evangelists as treated in the letters to Timothy and Titus. (Text course)

BIB 320. Paul's Epistles III. 2 hours. F., Sp.
I and II Corinthians. A study is made of these letters to early Christians, with particular attention being given to the application of Christian principles to problems and conditions in the church at Corinth and to current challenges to Christian living. (Text course)

BIB 321. Paul's Epistles IV. 2 hours. F., Sp.
Romans and Galatians. Attention is given to the teaching concerning the gospel, salvation, and man's responsibility to God as presented in these books. (Text course)

BIB 322. Hebrews. 2 hours. F., Sp.
Attention is given in this book to the greatness of the Christ, the superiority of the gospel over the law, and the need to serve God faithfully. (Text course)

BIB 420. Critical Introduction to the New Testament. (W) 3 hours. Sp.
The origin, background, authorship, and design of New Testament books. Attention is given to the synoptic problem, and some attention is given to general introduction of the New Testament. (Not a Bible text course.) This course includes a significant writing component. 

BIB 423. General Epistles. 2 hours. F., Sp.
James, I and II Peter, I, II, and III John, and Jude. Special attention is given to the purpose and content of each book. Moral and religious values of the books are stressed. (Text course)

BIB 424. Revelation. 2 hours. F., Sp., Su.
Attention is given to its background, various approaches to its interpretation, and a careful reading of the contents. (Text course)

MISSIONS 

BIB 200. Bible Basis of Missions. 2 hours. F., Sp.
The teachings of both Old and New Testaments on God, mankind, sin, Israel, the nations, and the early church as these relate to worldwide evangelization. Also included is the universal priesthood of believers and the responsibility of every Christian to determine how he or she should relate to the Great Commission. (Text course)

BIB 232. Missionary Principles and Practices. 3 hours. F.
The principles and practices which will enable one to do effective work as a missionary. Attention is given to personal, spiritual, and cultural preparations and to concerns which are related to the work of the missionary, whether at home or abroad.

BIB 236. Intercultural Communication. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
A study of the dynamics and practical applications of communication across cultural boundaries. Special emphasis will be given to missiological applications. Topics to be considered will include: understanding culture, contextualization, preparing culturally appropriate lessons, effective use of translators, and principles for language learning. Prerequisite: COM 140 Speech Communication. Same as COM 236

BIB239/339/439. Area Missions Studies. 3 hours. Sp.
Geographcal, ideological, economic, historical, cultural, and religious aspects of missions in the area (continent) in which the course teacher has done mission work.

BIB 290/390/490. Field Work. 1-4 hours. Su., F., Sp.
Students may work in campaign evangelism, youth ministry, etc. See catalog, Academics: "Courses Available in All Department." 

BIB 296/396/496. Field Laboratory. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 hours credit. Maximum 9 hours.
See catalog, Academics: "Courses Available in All Department." 

BIB 300. Vocational Ministry. 3 hours. Sp.
An examination of potential areas of ministry. Vocational ministry in both domestic and foreign mission fields will be given attention. Fundamentals of church planting, church growth, church leadership, and various aspects of ministry (benevolence, evangelism, spiritual growth) will be examined. Students will be presented with opportunities in ministry among various fields of employment in a wide range of geographical areas.

BIB 332. History of Missions. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
A survey of mission efforts from the first century church to the present-including those of the first century church, as well as those of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. Special emphasis is given to mission efforts of churches of Christ since 1900.

BIB 338. Urban Church Growth. 3 hours. F. Even years.
A study of the complex structure of the large city and what it takes to plant or have a growing church there. It is designed to help preachers and mission students face an increasingly urban world.

BIB 431. Missionary Anthropology. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
An examination of basic anthropological insights with application to the missionary enterprise. Culture change and cross-cultural adaptation will be addressed, as well as world view, urbanization, modernization, and westernization of less developed cultures. Same as ANT 431, MIN/MNT/MDV 550.

BIB 432. Missionary Strategies. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
A capstone course, building on information presented in other missions courses. This course will help the student prepare specific plans and strategies for implementation on his/her chosen mission field. Principles of church growth, time-oriented goals, team dynamics, and planting indigenous churches will be some of the topics addressed. Prerequisite(s): BIB 200 Bible Basis of Missions; BIB 232 Missionary Principles and Practices.

BIB 436. Muslim Evangelism. 3 hours. F. Even years.
The History of Islam, the Koran, basic Muslim doctrines compared and contrasted with Bible doctrine, and a study of evangelism among Muslims. Same as MIN/MNT/MDV 549.

BIB 445. World Religions. (W) 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
Study is made of such world religions as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Judiasm, Christianity, and Islam. The origin, historical development, and major doctrines of each religion are studied.

PRACTICAL

BIB 130. Personal Evangelism. 3 hours. F.
Techniques of personal evangelism. Attention is given to preparation for campaigns as well as to personal evangelism in the local church.

BIB 230. Marriage and the Family. 3 hours. Su., F., Sp. This introductory course teaches the basic principles that are needed in creating a happy and successful marriage and family life. A biblical perspective is used to consider such topics as sex roles, dating, marriageability, mixed marriages, engagement, sex adjustment, in-law adjustment, financial adjustment, life insurance, divorce, reproduction, family planning, and child rearing. Same as FAM/SOC 230.

BIB 231. Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. 3 hours. F., Sp.
The principles and techniques of preparing and delivering sermons. Logical outlining and effective presentation of various types of sermons are emphasized. Prerequisites: COM 140 Speech Communication. Same as COM 231.

BIB 233W. The Christian Woman. 3 hours. F., Sp.
This course includes a study of Old and New Testament women as well as a study of the woman's role in the home, church, and society. (This course is for women only.)

BIB235W. Message Design and Delivery for Women. 3 hours. Sp.
A course on the fundamental principles of Biblical lesson design and delivery for women within the context of Biblical authority. Prerequite: COM140 Speech Communication. (This course is for women only.)

BIB 237. Fundamentals of Youth Ministry. 3 hours. Sp.
An introduction to the role of the youth minister in the church, organization of the youth program, and activities designed for a youth group.

BIB 290/390/490. Field Work. 1-4 hours. Su., F., Sp.
Students may work in campaign evangelism, youth ministry, etc.  See catalog, Academics: "Courses Available in All Department." 

BIB 296/396/496. Field Laboratory. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 hours credit. Maximum 9 hours.
See catalog, Academics: "Courses Available in All Department." 

BIB 330. Preacher and His Work. 3 hours. F.
The life and work of the preacher with particular attention being given to his individual improvement as a servant of Christ and improved service through preaching, teaching, visitation, and guidance.

BIB 331. Organization and Administration of Bible School. 3 hours. Sp.
The principles and techniques used in organizing and administering the educational program of the local church. The relationship which should exist between the elders, preacher, educational director, and membership is considered along with some attention to curriculum building.

BIB 333W Teaching the Bible to Children. 3 hours. F., Sp.
Teaching skills of the student in conformity with scriptural educational principles of teaching and learning will be developed. Instructional methods appropriate for teaching Bible stories and concepts to children, lesson planning, preparation, and evaluation will be studied. The student will be responsible for buying some supplies for this course. (This course for women only.)

BIB 335. History of Preaching. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Study is made of the outstanding preachers in the history of Christianity by noting their lives, sermons, and methods of preparation and delivery. Same as COM 335.

BIB 336. Radio and Television Preaching. 3 hours. Offered on demand.
Basic principles of sermon building and delivery are applied to radio and television preaching. Prerequisites: BIB/COM 231 Preparation and Delivery of Sermons and BIB 441 Hermeneutics; or permission of department chairman. Same as COM 336.

BIB 337. Advanced Youth Ministry. 3 hours. F. Odd years. 
A study of how to build a Bible curriculum for a church youth group and how to effectively counsel teenagers. Prerequisite: BIB 237 Fundamentals of Youth Ministry.

BIB 433. Personal Counseling. 3 hours. F., Sp.
The principles, techniques, and procedures which aid in personal counseling. Relevant scriptural principles are utilized extensively.

BIB 435. Expository Preaching. 3 hours. F.
Study is made of the expository method; emphasis is placed on preaching from the Bible text; opportunity is given for practice, evaluation, and correction. Prerequisites: BIB/COM 231 Preparation and Delivery of Sermons and BIB 330 Preacher and His Work; or permission of department chairman. Same as COM 435, MIN/MNT/MDV 529.

BIB437. Seminar in Youth Ministry. 3 hours. F., Even years.
A study of family ministry, the personal development of the youth minister, relationships and conflicts resolution, organizational skills, and the development of interview skills and resume preparation. Prerequisites: BIB 237 Fundamentals of Youth Ministry; BIB 296 or 396 Youth Ministry Internship; and BIB 337 Advanced Youth Ministry.

BIB 497. Senior Practicum. 1- 9 hours credit.
See catalog, Academics: "Courses Available in All Department." 

DOCTRINAL

BIB140. Introduction to Christianity. 2 hours. F., Sp.
Exploration of the roots of New Testament Christianity in Judaism, its planning, prophecy, beginning, development, and crystallization in various cultures is the focus. The entire Bible is used as the basis of discussion. The class is designed to be an overview of God's plan for the church in the world. (Text course)

BIB 240. Scheme of Redemption. 3 hours. Sp.
The development of God's redemptive plan through the ages, culminating in the church and looking to eternal life. Special attention is given to the doctrine, worship, organization, and life of the church.

BIB 340. Logic. 3 hours. Sp.
Introductory principles of correct thinking. Inductive and deductive methods of reasoning are studied and application is made to religious problems. Same as IDS 340.

BIB 341. Topical Bible Studies. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Various Bible teachings with special emphasis on past controversies and current issues facing the church.

BIB 342. Denominational Dogmas. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
Common religious errors, current as well as old. The course is designed to help the Bible student meet the various issues of the day.

BIB343. Christian Worship. 3 hours. Su., F., Sp.
An introduction to the theological and practical basis for the various avenues of worship. This course would be aimed at both those who lead in worship and those who desire to gain more from worship. Prerequisite: Two (2) Bible text courses.

BIB 344. Ethics. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
Bible teaching concerning ethical conduct. Various systems of conduct which oppose Bible teaching are evaluated in light of Bible truth. Same as IDS 344.

BIB 345. Contemporary Concerns. 3 hours. F., Sp.
The application of Bible teaching to the developing questions, issues, trends, and concerns of modern culture. (Prerequisite: 8 hours of earned Bible credit)

BIB 434. Seminar for Bible Majors. (W) 3 hours. F., Sp.
Study, in seminar form, of significant issues and problems of relevance to the Bible major. Content will vary with the group in the seminar. This course includes a significant writing component. 

BIB 441. Hermeneutics. (W) 3 hours. F.
The principles and rules which make possible a correct interpretation of the Bible. Attention is given to examples of legitimate interpretation and opportunity is given for application of principles by students. This course includes a significant writing component. Same as MIN/MNT/MDV 596.

BIB 446. Christian Evidences. (W) 3 hours. F., Sp.
Evidences which prove the Christian faith is from God. Attention is given to systems of thought which oppose the Christian faith, and a response to each is offered. The arguments for the existence of God, the deity of Jesus, and the truthfulness of the Bible are considered in detail. This course includes a significant writing component.

HISTORY 

BIB 150. The Biblical World. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
An introductory study of the Old Testament geography, peoples, customs, and culture. Background information and location is studied for all major Old Testament events.

BIB 251. Church History I. 3 hours. F. Even years.
Christianity from the New Testament period until the Protestant Reformation. Attention is given to the movements and men who influenced the religious developments of the period. Special attention is given to various departures from the New Testament church.

BIB 252. Church History II. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Christianity from the Protestant Reformation until the present. Attention is given to men and movements who influenced the religious development of the period.

BIB 350. Restoration Movement. 3 hours. Sp.
The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Restoration Movement from its beginning until the present.

BIB 351. Biblical Anthropology. 3 hours. Sp.
A survey of the cultures and civilizations of Bible lands. Archaeological discoveries and ancient literature will be used to supplement Biblical understanding. Attention will be given to the cultural, social and religious environment of the Bible.

BIB452. New Testament World. (W) 3 hours. F. Even years.
The politics, society, culture, philosophies and religions of the Greco-Roman world of the time of Christ. Backgrounds of Early Christianity; its history and archeology from the 2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. This course contains a significant writing component. Same as MIN/MNT/MDV 528.

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES 

BIB 161,162. New Testament Greek I and II. 4 hours each. F., Sp.
This introductory course in the Greek of the New Testament includes a study of forms, reading and translation, vocabulary drill, and elementary syntax.

BIB 261, 262. New Testament Greek III and IV. 3 hours each. F., Sp.
Principles of syntax, translation of selected New Testament passages, and application of grammatical principles in interpretation.

BIB 461, 462. Elementary Hebrew I and II. 4 hours each. F. Odd years; Sp. Even years.
Essential principles of the Hebrew language and grammar, acquisition of vocabulary, use of parts of speech, and development of ability to read the narrative portions of the Hebrew Bible. Same as MIN/MNT/MDV 541, 542.

BIB 464. Advanced Greek Grammar. 3 hours. F. Even years.
A systematic, intensive study is made of the grammar of the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: BIB 161 and 162 New Testament Greek I and II, BIB 261 and 262 New Testament Greek III and IV.

BIB 465. Advanced Greek Readings. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
Greek reading and exegesis of various New Testament books. Specific book(s) will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: BIB 464 Advanced Greek Grammar.

TOPICAL SEMINARS 

BIB 299A/399A. Middle East Cultures. 3 hours. Sp.
A study of Biblical and historic sites, select archeological digs, Middle East cultures and customs, geographic influences on ancient and present Middle East civilizations, and related scripture references.

BIB 299B/399B. Premillennialism. 3 hours. Su.
This course gives thorough consideration of the various millenarian views current in evangelical Protestantism.

BIB 299C/399C. Intertestamental Period. 3 hours. Su.
As background study of the New Testament, this course seeks to present the religious, social, economic, and political situation of the biblical world during the period 400 B.C to A.D. 100. Same as IDS 299A/399A.

BIB 299D/399D. The Bible as Literature. 3 hours. 
This course examines the Bible from a literary point of view. It will examine Hebrew poetry in the Psalms; the "dark sayings" (proverbs, riddles, taunts, allegories) of the Wisdom books; the structure, use and interpretation of allegory, and the parable genre in the New Testament; and apocalyptic symbolism in the Old and New Testaments. It will also examine the artistic structure of Job, Lamentations, Ruth, Esther, Jonah, and the Song of Solomon. Humanities credit.

BIB 299E/399E. The Problem of Suffering. 3 hours. Su.
This course focuses on the question, "Why does God allow evil, pain, and suffering to occur?" Special attention is directed to (1) The atheist's attempt to disprove the existence of God on the basis of evil and pain, (2) Bible insights for believers, and (3) Suggestions for coping with suffering. Same as IDS 299H/399H.

BIB 299G/399G. The Gospel According to John. 2 hours. Su.
This course is a study of Christ as revealed by John in the fourth gospel. (Text course)

BIB 299J/399J. Special Ministries in Personal Evangelism. 3 hours. Su.

Students in this course will be taught about special ministries in jail/ prison evangelism, bus evangelism, Bible correspondence course evangelism, etc. Each student will select one ministry on which to write a term paper and give an oral report.

BIB 299K/399K. Rise of the Restoration Movement. 3 hours. Su.
History of men, ideas, and movements from A.D. 1300 to 1800 which contributed to the rise of interest in restoring primitive Christianity.

BIB 299L/399L. Campaigns & Short Term Missions. 3 hours. Su.
A missions course designed for those interested in less than two-year commitments to a field. Philosophy, methods and strategies of short-term missions and gospel campaigns will be evaluated. Attention will be given to the cross-cultural teaching experience, integration of work with the local church, and basic church growth principles.

BIB 299Q/399Q. Counseling for Church Leaders. 3 hours. Su.

This course is designed to help ministers, teachers, and other church leaders in their ability to understand and help people with special problems such as stress, depression, and family matters.

BIB 299S/399S. Textual Studies in Final Things. 2 hours. Su.

This text course surveys the Biblical texts relating to the Christian's hope. Millennial theories are considered with emphasis maintained upon the Bible's teaching concerning the second coming, judgment, and eternity. (Text course)

BIB299T/399T. Women in Missions. 3 hours. Su. Odd years. Women Only.
A consideration of the role of women in mission work with emphasis on their activities as teacher, personal worker, wife and mother in the context of cross-cultural living and serving. Attention will also be given to single women in the mission field.

BIB 299W/399W. The Godhead. 3 hours. Su.
A study of the Biblical teachings concerning the Godhead and a critical examination of contemporary religious views.

BIB299X/399X. Paul. 3 hours.
Taught in Verviers, Belgium, only. A study of the figure of Paul in the New Testament--Apostle, Roman citizen, and missionary. Selected passages from Acts of the Apostles and Paul's letters will be examined. Background material relating to his apostleship to the Gentiles will be examined. (Text course)