BIBL 100 Bible Survey
4 hours. This course provides an overview of the history, literature, themes, major persons, and key events in the Bible. It provides a biblical foundation for the educational experience of the undergraduate students at George Fox University and is required of all first-year students, including transfers. It may be taken either semester of the student's first year and is a prerequisite for Bible enrichment electives that follow. Alternatively, students may opt to take the two-semester, 6-credit sequence: BIBL 101 and BIBL 102, and this option is strongly recommended for majors and minors in biblical studies, Christian ministries, religion, or philosophy.
BIBL 101 Literature of the New Testament
3 hours. Using selected books and portions, the Old Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament
3 hours. Using selected books and portions, the New Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
BIBL 240 Wisdom Literature
3 hours. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament is investigated historically, literarily, and theologically. The origin and development of the biblical wisdom traditions in the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes are considered in the context of the broader, international wisdom of the ancient Near East and the intertestamental literature. Taking BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 Literature of the Old Testament first is recommended.
BIBL 250 The Psalms
3 hours. An exploration of the Psalms with special attention to their forms, themes, and original cultural settings as well as how the Psalms have been preserved and applied in the community of faith. Students will also consider approaches to interpreting and learning from the Psalms today. Taking BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 Literature of the Old Testament first is recommended.
BIBL 260 Life of Christ
3 hours. The Synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke - form the foundation for this inquiry into the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Taking BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament first is recommended.
BIBL 310 Old Testament History
3 hours. Offered 2007-08. The history of ancient Israel is studied employing the text of the Old Testament narratives in Genesis through Esther, the evidence of archaeology, and other ancient Near Eastern texts. Theological messages and developments will be explored.
Prerequisite: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 Literature of the Old Testament.
BIBL 330 The Prophetic Writings
4 hours. Offered 2008-09. This course studies the origin and historical development of ancient Israelite prophecy and its culmination in the canonical books of the prophets. The historical and social setting of the prophets will be considered, along with the spiritual themes that dominate and characterize them.
Prerequisite: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 Literature of the Old Testament.
BIBL 340 Between the Testaments
3 hours. Offered 2007-08. An introduction to history, literature, and theological developments in Israel between 400 B.C. (Ezra) and the first century A.D. (Christ), to provide the basis for understanding both the conclusion of the Old Testament period and the origins of Judaism and Christianity.
Prerequisites: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 and BIBL 102 Literature of the Old and New Testaments.
BIBL 350 Writings of John
3 hours. This course explores what it means to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as depicted in the Johannine Gospel and Epistles. Special attention will be given to John's Christology, sociological setting, and message as they relate to the lives of modern readers. Taking BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament first is recommended.
BIBL 360 Women and the Bible
3 hours. Offered 2008-09. This course will examine biblical texts often ignored. Paying attention to women characters, feminine imagery, and household codes, this course will examine the historical, theological, literary, and practical issues concerning gender in the Christian tradition.
BIBL 385 Selected Bible Topics
3 hours. The study of a book or portion of the Bible or a major biblical theme with the purpose of gaining deeper understanding of the biblical topic and of growing in the skills of studying and interpreting the Bible. Topics will vary according to the professor's expertise and research interests as well as the perceived needs of students' educational experiences. May be repeated for different topics.
Prerequisites: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 101 and BIBL 102 Literature of the Old and New Testaments or by permission.
BIBL 390 Biblical Basis for Peacemaking
3 hours. Offered 2007-08. Focusing centrally on Jesus' teachings about peacemaking, this course deals with the biblical treatment of peacemaking, including the prophetic and apocalyptic visions of the kingdom, and the interpretations of these teachings by the early church. Attention also will be given to what it means to work for peace in today's world, as co-laborers with Christ.
Prerequisite: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament.
BIBL 411, 412 Acts and the Pauline Epistles
3 hours each semester. Offered 2008-09. An extensive study of the mission and teachings of the New Testament church, as shown in the Acts and the Epistles attributed to Paul. Special attention will be given to ways early Christians dealt with struggles between Jewish and Gentile Christianity, and applications will be made for the church today. The fall semester studies Acts 1-15, Galatians, and Romans. The spring semester studies Acts 15-28 plus the other Epistles of Paul.
Prerequisite: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament.
BIBL 480 General Epistles
3 hours. Offered 2008-09. As a study of the non-Pauline letters of the New Testament - Hebrews, James, I and II Peter, and Jude - this course explores the character of Jewish Christianity and its implications for the broader church.
Prerequisite: BIBL 100 Bible Survey or BIBL 102 Literature of the New Testament.
BIBL 485 Selected Topics
2-3 hours. Occasional special courses chosen to fit the interests and needs of students and faculty.
BIBL 495 Special Study
1-3 hours. Individual research. Open to qualified students upon application.