Introduction to the Bible – Old Testament

This course is a general introduction to the Bible focusing on the origin, authorship, text, transmission, contents, and English translations of the Bible. Attention will be given to biblical literature and biblical integration for classroom teachers to help their students engage in ongoing learning.

The students who successfully complete this course will—whenever talking about, reading, or using the Bible—be able competently to:
1. Identify and understand the Bible’s authority and inspiration, the historical origins of the Old and New Testaments, and the process of textual transmission and criticism.
2. Recognize the various literary features of the Bible and its diverse canon of writings.
3. Recognize the various versions and translations of the Bible and explain how today’s Bibles come from ancient Greek and Hebrew texts.
4. Identify and distinguish the basic challenges of translation.
5. Appreciate more fully the wonder and mystery of God’s Word and its influences in all of life for world evangelism, spiritual multiplication, and holy living.