BIBL 230 Bible in its World
Learning to read the Bible through the eyes of the original author and audience is a critical skill for those who wish to understand the Bible and learn to apply it to a modern audience. Many things in the Bible seem strange to us today because they represent aspects of an ancient culture that are very different from our own. The Bible in its World offers an introduction to the discipline of biblical studies by addressing the various ways modern Bible readers can reconnect with this ancient culture to become better interpreters of the Bible. Students will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Near East, how geography shapes culture, and how archaeology can give us a window into the lives of biblical characters. Students will then practice interpreting biblical passages in a collaborative environment to gain experience applying this new information and skill set in a way that will prepare students to engage their biblical and theological studies at a more mature level.