Bible Electives

BIBL 515 Biblical Archeology

Introduction to Biblical Archaeology will orient students in the primary sources of knowledge of the world behind the Bible, including both the material evidence and epigraphic finds. While many inscriptions are discussed and studied, the course does not require knowledge nor include learning these ancient languages. The course discusses the basic techniques of field archaeology and demonstrates how any new artifacts are interpreted in the light of the existing knowledge. Graduate credit for this course involves class sessions along with reading and writing assignments in preparation for an archaeology practicum field trip to an archaeological excavation where students would be participating in an excavation.  This course will be offered in conjunction with Houghton's undergraduate May Term session. 

BIBL 520 Theological Traditions of the Old Testament

This course will explore the underlying theological traditions of the Old Testament that were part of the presuppositions of the writers of the various OT books. The course will focus on the two-fold aspects of “Creation Theology” and “Deuteronomic Covenant Theology”,  which are the two dominant underlying theological perspectives that give a theological cohesiveness to the whole of the Old Testament. Those Old Testament theological traditions will also be understood in the context of progressive revelation that culminates in the New Testament.

BIBL 521 New Testament Theology

This course will introduce the student to the content and methodology of Biblical Theology as a discipline with both academic and ecclesial aspects.  The theological outlook of various New Testament writers will be examined via directed readings in primary and secondary sources, so as to set up a conversation between the student, the text of the New Testament, and several important modern interpreters. 

BIBL 522 Exodus

An in-depth study of the Book of Exodus along with other related biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts.  Exodus will be viewed from a variety of perspectives including feminism and liberation theology.  Special attention will be afforded significant motifs such as monotheism, covenant, apodictic/casuistic laws, the cult, and the religious calendar.  Attention will be given both to the maximalist and the minimalist approaches to the Exodus.  The man Moses and his charismatic leadership will be considered.

BIBL 525 Psalms

Attention will be given to the structure and theology of the Psalms, to the various types of Psalms and to Hebrew poetry, with special attention to hermeneutical issues, relating the Psalms to contemporary concerns for the life and faith of the church, such as using the Psalms as a hymnal, as prayers, as therapy, as liturgy.  The relationship between Jesus and the Psalms as they pertain to his earthly life will be noted.  Attention will also be given to schematic terms such as “enemy” and “wicked.”

BIBL 527: Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Reading and Proclaiming OT Prophecy

 A significant juncture in Israel's history was the conquest of Judah in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians. That event needed to be theologically explained so that the people would understand how God was working in and through the current history. Such an explanation was delivered by the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel who were active during the period of 600‑580 B.C     

This course will be structured around a thematic analysis of the different prophetic literary genres in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. It will deal with the reasons for the prophetic theological perspectives of  both judgment and restoration, as well as study the methods of how the prophets proclaimed their messages.

BIBL 535 Paul’s Epistle to the Romans

An exegetical study of Romans, based on the English Bible.  Students will familiarize themselves with literary analysis, socio-historical analysis, and theological readings of the letter.  The course will also emphasize the significance of the history of interpretation within the church, and the contemporary significance of this important letter.

BIBL 537 Paul’s Letters to the Corinthians

An exegetical study of 1 & 2 Corinthians, based on the English Bible.  Students will familiarize themselves with literary analysis, socio-historical analysis, and theological readings of the letters.  The course will also deal with hermeneutical issues in interpreting and applying these letters to the contemporary church.