Biblical Studies Major (M)
The theology department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:
“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)
The Biblical Studies major forms students to serve Christ in the church and in the world with a focus on the Bible. Students will learn the main message of the Bible and will begin to mine its depths in order to prepare for professional church work, study for graduate school in Christian theology or a related field, or be a more informed lay leader in a Christian congregation. This study is a good foundation for further work not only in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod but for all Christian denominations.
As a student, you will explain and analyze the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Through this understanding, you will apply the Christian worldview and doctrines to current situations and to historical programs and situations. Grow in your relationship with Christ and put His teachings into practice in your own life.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop an understanding of the origin of the Bible, recognize the unique qualities of God’s Word, appreciate the varied yet unified content of the Old and New Testaments, and use sound principles in interpreting Scripture.
- Students will recognize the Bible as the authoritative source for knowledge of God and humankind, articulate key doctrines of the Christian faith, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply the teachings of Scripture to the life of the individual.
- Students will develop an appreciation for how God has worked in history, recognize key figures and movements in the life of the Church, and identify the state of theology today.
- Students will grow in their relationship with Christ and will put his teachings into practice in their vocations.
- Students will observe, assess, and interpret today’s cultures and world views. Students will be familiar with various methods of delivering and defending biblical truth in a relevant and practical way to diverse groups.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of research skills in the discipline.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 45 | |
| Major Requirements 1 | 33 | |
| Electives | 48 | |
Minor: Required (minimum 18 credits) | ||
| Total Hours | 126 | |
- 1
This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Old Testament | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
| A Survey of Christian Thought | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| REL 2020 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 4900 | Senior Seminar I | 3 |
| REL 4910 | Senior Seminar II | 3 |
| 5 Courses in Biblical Content | 15 | |
At least 3 credits must be from an Old Testament upper level Bible course and at least 3 credits must be from a New Testament upper level Bible course | ||
| Select either the language track or the theology track | 9 | |
| I. Language Track | ||
| Greek I | ||
| Greek II | ||
| Greek III | ||
OR | ||
| Hebrew I | ||
| Hebrew II | ||
| Hebrew III | ||
| II. Theology Track | ||
Choose 9 credits of upper level REL courses (Biblical content courses are strongly recommended) | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| REL 2010 or REL 2020 |
Old Testament or New Testament |
3 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| REL 2010 or REL 2020 |
Old Testament or New Testament |
3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| REL 2030 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
| REL | 3 | |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| LANGUAGE/THEOLOGY TRACK | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| HHP | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| REL | 3 | |
| LANGUAGE/THEOLOGY TRACK | 3 | |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| CORE: LAB SCIENCE | 4 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| REL 3500 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL | 3 | |
| LANGUAGE/THEOLOGY TRACK | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| HHP | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| REL | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| REL | 3 | |
| REL 4900 | Senior Seminar I | 3 |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| REL 4910 | Senior Seminar II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE OR MINOR | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
Course options and schedule are subject to change.