Biblical Area

Faculty: Brennan Breed, William P. Brown, Raj Nadella, Mitzi J. Smith, Christine Roy Yoder

B501 Essentials of Greek

Smith; Holmes, adjunct Provides intensive study of the essentials of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to reading the Greek New Testament. 3 credits

B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew

Breed Introduces the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to study of the Hebrew Old Testament. 3 credits

B520, B521 Old Testament Interpretation I & II

Breed, Brown This two-semester course (Parts I and II) studies the diverse literature of the Old Testament, considers the historical and cultural contexts of the ancient world that produced it, introduces critical methods of biblical interpretation, and highlights the significance of the Old Testament for Christian faith. 3 credits each semester. 6 credits

B530 New Testament Interpretation

Nadella, Smith This course introduces the content, major forms, and contexts of the New Testament documents, the history and development of earliest Christianity, as well as methods of biblical interpretation. 3 credits

B540 Ruth, Jonah, and Esther: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Yoder Explores the Hebrew text of the short stories of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther, with particular attention to their ancient contexts, literary features and character development, depictions of life in the Diaspora and the “foreigner,” and theological perspectives. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the stories, their reception in different communities, and how each is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B547 Pentateuch, Prophets, and Psalms: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides students through a variety of genres of the Old Testament, from narrative to poetry, covering portions of Genesis, Amos, and the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B549 Song of Songs: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Yoder A Hebrew-based biblical exegesis course focusing on the Song of Songs. Prerequisite is B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B551 Creation Texts: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Brown Students will translate and interpret various Hebrew texts that focus on creation in one way or another, from Genesis to Psalms and the Wisdom literature. 3 credits

B552 Genesis: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Brown An introduction to interpreting the Hebrew text of Genesis, particularly chapters 1-12. Participants will develop further competence in Hebrew and exegetical skills, practice various interpretive methods, and consider Genesis as a theological resource for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B553 Eighth Century Prophets: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the books of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and First Isaiah by situating them in the historical and social contexts of eighth-century Israel and Judah. Compares the different prophetic understandings of YHWH as well as theological concepts such as faith, justice, and the role of the prophet. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B555 The Book of Daniel and Biblical Aramaic: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Breed This Hebrew-based course introduces exegetical methods through study of the book of Daniel and provides an overview of Biblical Aramaic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Attention will be given to the ancient literary, historical, apocalyptic, and theological dimensions of Daniel, and to its place in traditional and recent eschatological interpretation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B557 The Book of Kings -Politics, Prophets, Worship & War: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the origin and shape of the so-called Deuteronomistic History, the nature of prophecy in Israel and the ancient Near East, and the rise and fall of Israelite and Judean monarchies. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B558 The Psalms: Hebrew-based Exegesis

Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides participants through the variety of genres featured in the book of Psalms, from lament to praise. Participants will refine their translation skills as well as broaden their exegetical toolbox by exploring various methods of interpreting the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B562 Mark and Method: Greek-based Exegesis

Nadella An introduction to the art and practice of exegesis through the study of Mark's gospel. Students will engage in close reading of the text by means of a variety of critical methods, drawing from: historical, literary, social, and cultural criticisms. Prerequisite

B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent.

3 credits

B566 Luke-Acts: Greek-Based Exegesis

Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, historical and political aspects of select texts from Luke-Acts. It will offer tools for interpreting the texts in light of current socio-political contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B568 John: Greek-based Exegesis

Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, political, and historical aspects of select texts from John's gospel. It will offer tools for interpreting gospel texts in light of current socio-political contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B570 Acts of the Apostles Galatians: Greek-based Exegesis

Smith In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Galatians and the Acts of the Apostles with consideration to literary and historical contexts, as well as the Greek texts. Particular attention will be given to the proclamation or kerygma of the early ekklesia, theological constructions, revelation, community, violence, hierarchy, ‘othering,’ and the intersection of race or ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and/or religion. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B571 Matthew: Greek-Based Exegesis

Smith In this course, students will review basic Greek grammar, learn some intermediate Greek grammar, and build Greek vocabulary while reading passages from the Greek text of the Gospel of Matthew. Students will become familiar with the content and historical context of Matthew. Students will also learn how to perform word studies of Greek words within the literary context of Matthew. This course requires that students write an ‘exegesis’ paper. Students will be expected to interpret the scripture passage/pericope on which they choose to write their ‘exegesis’ paper and to utilize their facility with Greek. In writing the ‘exegesis’ paper students will engage a contemporary social justice issue. Prerequisite: B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B572 First Corinthians: English and Greek-based Exegesis

Smith First Corinthians is addressed to the ekklesia that the Apostle Paul founded in Corinth. In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers. Readings will consider historical and literary context, as well as the Greek text. Students will discuss Paul’s reason for writing, his rhetorical responses to the problems in Corinth, ancient Roman slavery, the intersection of gender, authority, and hierarchy, as well as contemporary relevance. An English-based course, that may be taken as Greek based exegesis with permission of the instructor and prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B573 Revelation: Greek-based Exegesis

Holmes, adjunct In this course, students will engage in close and critical readings of the Greek text of Revelation. Students will explore Revelation’s distinctive rhetoric, theological vision,socio-political context, and contemporary appropriation in communities of faith. Greek-based exegesis course. Prerequisite B501 Greek. Online. 3 credits

B574 Hebrews: Greek-based Exegesis

Holmes, adjunct In this course, students will engage in a close reading of the book of Hebrews using the Greek text. credits

B605 Genesis

Yoder Explores the book of Genesis, paying particular attention to its ancient Near Eastern contexts, narrative and character development, and theological perspectives. Considers modern interpretive approaches to Genesis, the lasting influence of the book on Western art and literature, and interpretations and uses of the book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 3 credits

B607 The Little Bible: The Book of Psalms in Dialogue

Brown Considers how the book of Psalms engages God and the community dialogically, liturgically, and pastorally. 3 credits

B608 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences

Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. English based. Online. 3 credits

B610 Dialogue, Diversity, and Transformation in the Old Testament

Brown In a time of polarizing division in American culture, the possibility of mutual dialogue and understanding might seem like an impossible dream. Contrary to popular opinion, however, the Bible is itself a braided tapestry of differing perspectives preserved for critical dialogue and praxis. Participants will explore the rich theological diversity of the Hebrew Scriptures dialogically from Genesis to the Psalms and the Wisdom literature. In so doing, participants may discover ways to host genuine dialogue within their own communities in such a time as this. 3 credits

B612 Lamentations and 2-Isaiah

Yoder Explores Lamentations and Second-Isaiah (Isa 40-55) using a variety of interpretative methods. Pays particular attention the texts’ ancient Near Eastern context, diverse literary genres, descriptions of trauma and suffering, attempts at comfort, and theological significance. Considers both as vital resources for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. 3 credits

B614 The Emergence of Yahwism

Breed Explores the origins and development of the Yahwistic religion of ancient Israel, including the history of the divine name YHWH, the significance of YHWH’s remote desert origins and connections to Midianites and Edomites, various theories concerning the emergence of the ancient Israelites, Israel and YHWH’s distinctive connections with marginal socio-cultural groups, the gradual development of monotheism, the evolution of the divine council, the presence of the divine feminine in ancient Israel, and comparisons with the religious practices of other cultures in the Southern Levant. The course concludes with reflections on the implications for contemporary theology and Christian practices. 3 credits

B616 Exodus

Yoder Explores the book of Exodus using a variety of interpretative methods. Pays particular attention to the book’s ancient Near Eastern context, narrative development, diverse literary genres, and theological significance. Considers Exodus as a vital resource for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. 3 credits

B618 Women in the Bible

Hubler, adjunct This course examines the literary depictions of particular women characters in the Old Testament. The goal is to comprehend the complexity of biblical women and equip students as thoughtful, informed interpreters of their stories." 3 credits

B628 Postcolonial Readings of the Gospels

Nadella Reads selected Gospel texts in their first century colonial contexts and examines how they have been used to justify oppressive agendas such as the colonial enterprise of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries as well as neocolonial structures in various contemporary domains. Explores interpretive strategies for reclaiming Gospel texts for liberative purposes. 3 credits

B630 The Bible and Visual Art

Breed Examines the role of images within the Old and New Testaments, as well as the history of Christian and Jewish visual representations of biblical texts. Analyzes selected images that crystallize different theologies of images and modes of biblical interpretation. Considers various theological and hermeneutical frameworks that undergird these images. Students will learn how to interpret Jewish and Christian art and will develop a theological perspective on the use of visual art in the contemporary Church. 3 credits

B635 Roman Slavery, the New Testament, and Contemporary Slave Narrative

Smith The historical-political context in which Jesus lived and the biblical writers wrote was the Roman Empire, and Rome was an ancient slave society in which slavery was a pervasive reality. The course will explore slavery under the Roman Empire as a significant context for critically reading certain New Testament texts. How can Roman slavery help us understand certain NT texts? And what might the NT reveal about slavery and its authors? Focused attention will be on Philemon, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and the Gospels. The course will compare ancient Roman slavery with slavery in the antebellum South, observing the similarities and differences. The continuities allow students to place NT texts in conversation with antebellum texts and to imaginatively fill gaps in the former. Spiritual slave narratives and other historical documents demonstrate how slave masters used the NT to support slavery and how enslaved and freed Africans interpreted NT scripture based on their own experiences. 3 credits

B632 Intersectionality, Social (In)Justice and Womanist/Feminist Biblical Interpretation

Smith Explores issues of ethnicity, race, gender, class, and sexuality and how they intersect in the biblical text and/or in the lived realities of interpreters and interpreting communities. Examines how womanists (nonwhite women scholars that self-identify as womanists and who prioritize nonwhite women’s experiences, traditions, and concerns) and feminists (white and nonwhite women and men scholars who self-identify as black/feminists) biblical scholars have addressed such intersectionalities when interpreting biblical texts. Focuses on issues of social (in)justice (e.g. violence against women, police brutality, poverty and so on) and interlocking oppressions (racism, classism, sexism, and heterosexism) and how students can foreground and/or address such concerns when doing biblical interpretation. 3 credits

B637 Paul as Local Theologian

Holmes, adjunct Considers the letters of Paul as examples and resources for local theology. Explores the nature of local theology as the intersection of cultural context, tradition, and the church. Applies theory and practice of local theology to reading Paul’s letters and thinking of him as a theologian. English based. 3 credits

B638 Luke and African-American Interpretation

Smith This online intensive explorations course will critically read the Gospel of Luke from Africana and womanist perspectives with special attention to God’s visitation with the marginalized, the poor, people without homes, and/or masses ‘who stand daily with their backs against the wall,’ including women and people labeled as sinners. Reading Luke from Africana and womanist perspectives allows students to experience how people with a collective history and present existential experience with trauma based on the intersection race, gender, class, and sexuality read Luke to affirm God’s presence with them and to remain hopeful in, and faithful to, the God who is able to do all things and who visits with the most vulnerable. Particular attention will be given to Lukan material and how ‘Luke’/the author revised his sources for his purposes in the Gospel of Luke. Also, students will gain facility in reading Lukan texts within their literary contexts, with some attention to historical context. This course will also host a few guests who experienced homelessness, minister to persons who are homeless, and/or are activists. 3 credits

B692 Exegetical Research in Old Testament

Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits

B693 Research in Old Testament Criticism or Theology

Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits

B694 Independent Study in Biblical Languages

Staff 3 credits

B696 Research in New Testament Criticism or Theology

Nadella, Smith 3 credits

B699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study

Staff An independent study in Old or New Testament undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits

B702 ThM Thesis Research Biblical Area

Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits

B703 ThM Literature Review Biblical Area

Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3

B704 ThM Thesis Writing Biblical Area

Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 3 credits

B695 Exegetical Research in New Testament

Nadella, Smith 3 credits

B740J DMin Justice Core Course: Biblical Perspectives of Justice

Brown, Smith How is (in)justice characterized in biblical texts? What are the different conceptions of justice in the Scriptures? In this course students will critically and contextually explore justice in the OT and NT. Further students will discuss how biblical perspectives of justice can inform and be placed in conversation with current social justice issues. 3 credits

B801 The Tree of Life: A Study of Proverbs

Yoder Proverbs invites us into an ancient and ongoing conversation about what is good and wise and true in life. This course explores the book using various interpretive methods, and pays particular attention to how Proverbs shapes the moral and theological imagination of its readers. 3 credits

B808 The Book of Job

Breed This course explores the book of Job within its ancient Near Eastern cultural setting, carefully examines the text with comparison to various biblical approaches to the problems of suffering and divine justice, traces its history of interpretation in Jewish and Christian communities, and contemplates the theological and ethical dimensions of human suffering in our contemporary world. 3 credits

B827 Wisdom's Wonder: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes

Brown The wisdom literature of the Old Testament is rich with insight about God’s relationship to the world and humanity’s place in it. The class will explore the many faces of wisdom in the Bible, focusing specifically on Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, which together mark the journey of faith and wonder coram deo. Knowledge of Hebrew is recommended but not required. 3 credits

B832 Womanist and Feminist Biblical Interpretation and Social Justice

Smith This online course will critically engage womanist and feminist biblical interpretation with a focus on contemporary justice issues. The pandemic has highlighted and aggravated existing racialized and gendered disparities, injustices, and violence. Biblical texts and contexts will be analyzed in dialogue with scholarship on medical apartheid, history of black transexuals, and sexual violence. Conversations around gendered sexual violence will include sustained discussion of the crucifixion of Jesus and #MeToo. 3 credits

B855 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences

Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. 3 credits