Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical and theological studies explore the ultimate issues of life, dealing with three essential concerns: 1) our faith relationship to God; 2) our desire to discover meaning based on that faith relationship; and 3) our effort to live a life that glorifies and enjoys God forever. For this to happen, we need to take the study of the Bible and theology seriously, and thus scholarly examination is appropriate.
The biblical and theological studies department grounds you in the academic study of the Christian faith tradition for the purpose of promoting and nurturing reflective Christian life, service, and mission in the world.
- By grounding youwe intend to guide you to base your life and service on the authority of the Christian scriptures and through theological reflection on the Christian faith from a Reformed, evangelical and ecumenical perspective.
- By promoting and nurturing reflection we intend to train you to critically engage the best in the academic study of religion in the areas of biblical studies, theology, church history and missions.
- By Christian life and service we mean to train and equip you to serve God’s people, the church and the world by cultivating deeper growth in personal spirituality, which is expressed in the inseparable combination of proclaiming and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The biblical and theological studies minor is an excellent option for students majoring in other disciplines. It enables you to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and to integrate your faith into your field of study.
Biblical and theological studies department homepage
Note for religion minor:Take any combination of REL courses (excluding REL110 and REL262) to equal 24 credits. Up to 8 credits of GRE and HEB may be taken.
Minor requirements
Choose 24 credits
BTS 260 - Christian Ethics
(2 credits, offered at the discretion of the department, consult department) A biblically based, theologically and historically informed study of both personal and social moral issues from a Christian perspective.
BTS 280 - History of Christianity
(4 credits) A survey of the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the contemporary world. Themes examined will include the separation of Church and Synagogue, Christianity in the Roman Empire, ecumenical councils,
missionary expansion of the church in Europe and Asia, monasticism, the church in the High Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, Confessionalism and the Wars of Religion, Puritanism, Pietism, The Enlightenment, Christianity and European Colonialism, Revivalism, Modernism and Evangelicalism, modern missionary expansion, the ecumenical movement, and Christianity as a global religion.
BTS 290 - Christian Witness and Community Development
(4 credits) A general overview of the biblical-theological foundations and historical context of whole Christian mission, with special emphasis upon modern cross-cultural mission theories, international and community development, and the theory and practice of restorative justice. Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor.
BTS 294 - Introduction to Christian Missions
No course description available.
BTS 295 - Intercultural Communication
(2 credits) Christian ministry and mission is essentially an ongoing process of interacting effectively with others in ways appropriate to one's message and global/local contexts. By providing a progressively integrated understanding of intercultural issues, this course will enable students to apply principles of communication through their particular vocation or ministry so that they connect theory with models and practice to appropriately communicate the Gospel message across cultures and micro-cultures.
BTS 310 - Christian Spirituality
(2 credits) A study of the meaning, purpose and practices of Christian spirituality as this has been understood in the Christian tradition. The course emphasizes the practice of spiritual disciplines and the relevance of spirituality in
our contemporary world. Prerequisite: BTS250.
BTS 317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies
(2 credits) A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings, the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books. Prerequisites: BTS150 and sophomore class standing.
Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 322 - Topics in New Testament Studies
(2 credits) A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature, the Epistolary Literature, and the Apocalypse. Prerequisite: BTS150 and sophomore class standing.
Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 328WI - Biblical Interpretation and Theology
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) An examination of the past and present methods and proposals for Biblical Interpretation and Biblical Theology. The course will analyze and critique various models for hermeneutics and theological interpretation and also assist students in constructing exegetical methods that are biblically based, theologically informed and culturally relevant. In this Writing Intensive course for Religion and CE/YM majors, students will develop research and writing skills that will benefit them in a variety of vocational paths within the field of religion. Prerequisite: BTS150.
BTS 345 - Theology of Worship
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) The purpose of this course is to thoughtfully examine the biblical,
theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship, as well as the contemporary issues facing pastors and worship leaders in the 21st century. An important part of this discussion will be the exploration of worship skills and practices through reflection and participation, as well as the creation of liturgies for a variety of worship services. Prerequisite: BTS250.
BTS 370 - Calvin and Calvinism
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of John Calvin's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, as well as a survey of other varieties of Reformed theology, including later Calvinism. Prerequisite: BTS250.
BTS 375 - Topics in Theology
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of one or more standard areas of theology, (such as the doctrines of
Revelation, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Salvation, the Church, and Last Things) from a classical as well as a contemporary perspective. Prerequisites: BTS150 and BTS250.
Note: The course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 382 - Religion in America
(4 credits) Focusing on the Christian tradition, this course will examine the individual, institutions, movements and faith traditions which have shaped and contributed to the American religious experience. To understand both the variety of and unity within the pluralist religious landscape, the course will seek to evaluate the interrelationship between religion and the broader social, cultural and political aspects of the American experience.
BTS 384 - Topics in the History of Christianity
(2 credits, offered on demand or discretion of department, consult department) A historical study of a religious group, theological movement or important leader in the history of the Christian church.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 385 - Topics in Religion
(2-4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered
by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests. Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 390CC - World Religions
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) The major religions of the world are examined in the light of the Christian faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific topic related to world religions is required.
BTS 392 - Topics in Missiology
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) A topical and selective study of major missional themes, including justice
and development, permitting students to read and reflect intensively upon the nature and challenge of Christian mission. Topics may vary from year to year. Sample topics might include Reconciliation, The Finality of Christ in a Pluralistic World, Interfaith Dialogue, Contextualization, Postmodern Apologetics. A missional service learning component is required, consisting of at least 20 hours of student engagement in meeting an identified missional community need. Prerequisite: BTS290 or permission of instructor.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 472SR - Bible, Theology and Vocation: Exploring Texts and Contexts
(4 credits) This disciplinary capstone course fulfills both the NWCore Senior Seminar (SR) requirement and a requirement for Religion and CE/YM majors. Building on the basic FYS questions (Who am I? Who are my neighbors? How will we live
in the world?), this course will explore the intersection of biblical theology with one's vocation in light of scripture and Christian theological reflection. Students will complete weekly writing assignments, participate in seminar leadership through presiding and lecturing, and complete a major final paper in which they reflect on their college curricular and
co-curricular experiences, engage biblical and theological texts in light of a variety of ancient and modern cultural contexts, and reflect on their faith development and sense of vocation. Prerequisites: BTS150, BTS250 and senior class standing. The course is open to students of other majors.
GRE 101 - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) This course will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.
Note: The Greek program is offered at Northwestern College primarily as preparation for those students who plan to continue their education through seminary training. The ancient Greek taught here prepares students for biblical study in that language.
GRE 102LA - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (NWCore option under Language and Culture) This course (a continuation of Greek 101) will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world. Prerequisite: GRE101.
Note: The Greek program is offered at Northwestern College primarily as preparation for those students who plan to continue their education through seminary training. The ancient Greek taught here prepares students for biblical study in that language.
GRE 201 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture
(1 credit; alternate years, consult department) This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek
grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Gospel of Mark and its context. Prerequisite: GRE102LA.
GRE 202 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture
(1 credit; alternate years, consult department) This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Letters of Paul and selections from other Greco-Roman authors. Students will also be introduced to the sub-discipline of Textual Criticism. Prerequisite: GRE201
HEB 101 - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) This course will focus on learning the basics of biblical Hebrew (vocabulary and grammar) and the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the Old Testament. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the course work. The Old Testament writings will be studied against the historical and social backgrounds of the ancient Near East.
HEB 102LA - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (NWCore option under Language and Culture) This course will build on the foundation laid in Hebrew 101 by equipping students to grasp the basics of biblical Hebrew grammar in light of its cultural and linguistic background. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the coursework as students develop confidence in speaking Hebrew and interpreting these writings. As a course that satisfies the NWCore Language and Culture requirement, students will also explore what it means to read biblical Hebrew with sensitivity toward scholarship, culture, and faith. Prerequisite: HEB101.
