+ INTRODUCTION TO OLD & NEW TESTAMENT

This course is an introduction to the flow and development of redemptive history as found in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Students are introduced to the history and geography of the Hebrew people, through the major persons, places, events and themes of both Testaments. This course also introduces archaeological, extra-biblical sources, and science that substantiates the authority and authenticity of the biblical presentation of history. The first semester covers the history of the Old Testament and the second semester the New Testament era.

Prerequisite: None

Eligibility: 9th grade

+ THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE

In the first semester of this course the text of the Bible is studied in terms of its literary genres and devices. Students learn to identify each genre and device, while analyzing representative examples of each. Further, students develop study strategies of the text by reading examples, analyzing them in literary, historical, cultural, and theological contexts, and then comparing diverse examples within each genre to one another. In the second semester the focus is on hermeneutics and Bible study methodology. Students are instructed in the standard principles of biblical interpretations developed from the Renaissance and Reformation, and taught how to implement them in a study of the text. Within each semester and each instructional unit there are appropriate assignments so that students are challenged to apply the wisdom of Scripture to their own lives.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Old and New Testament

Eligibility: 10th grade

+ CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL ISSUES

This course presents Jesus, and his New Testament teachings, as the interpreter and summarizer of the ethics of God’s revealed will in the Old Testament. The resulting study establishes what has been called in Western Civilization the “Judeo-Christian ethic.” Students will gain a foundational understanding of a God-centered system of moral existence. Students are introduced to the many social-ethical issues, and ethical systems, which confront the stance of biblical Christianity. From this perspective students will learn to engage other views and current issues intelligently and responsibly.

Prerequisite: The Bible as Literature

Eligibility: 11th grade

+ CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of philosophical analysis by introducing fundamental laws of reality, principles of logic and truth. In addition, students are thoroughly exposed to the historical questions presented by the text of the Scriptures and the nature of the claims of Christ, while investigating the relationship of the Christian faith to the doctrine of the bodily resurrection. An historical examination of how these issues have developed since the beginning of church history is also included. In the second semester the emphasis is on worldviews, examining Secular Humanism, Marxism, New Age and other philosophical and religious issues which confront and contradict biblical Christianity. The best of 20th century apologetics are utilized, such as the works of C. S. Lewis, in order to equip students to engage these views intelligently and responsibly. In order to address the challenges of these worldviews in a competent manner, students learn the necessary vocabulary and master the philosophical concepts which the study of worldviews requires. In addition the senior research paper is assigned and completed during the first semester.

Prerequisite: Contemporary Social Issues

Eligibility: 12th grade