Version 1: Major topics are: the three worlds involved in interpreting texts (Hermeneutics); reading the New Testament writings as stories; the oral traditions of the earliest Christian movement; the writings of Paul and his followers; the Synoptic Gospels; relationships, literary genre, and interpretations; The Gospel of John; and 1-3 John; The Book of Revelation. Methods of instruction include: assignments prior to class which students are responsible for presenting to the whole class for exposition and then a general discussion of the analysis of the text, as well as its relationship to lived experience. The faculty member guides the discussion, as necessary, as well as evaluates student's progress. There are also numerous short written assignments as well as a final examination. NOTE: For the graduate level recommendation, the student must already possess a baccalaureate degree and submit a 15-20 page graduate level paper at the completion of the course. Version 2: Major topics are: the three worlds involved in interpreting texts (Hermeneutics); reading the New Testament writings as stories; the oral traditions of the earliest Christian movement; the writings of Paul and his followers; the Synoptic Gospels; relationships, literary genre, and interpretations; The Gospel of John; and 1-3 John; The Book of Revelation. Methods of instruction include: assignments prior to class which students are responsible for presenting to the whole class for exposition and then a general discussion of the analysis of the text, as well as its relationship to lived experience. The faculty member guides the discussion, as necessary, as well as evaluates student's progress. There are also numerous short written assignments as well as a final examination. NOTE: For the graduate level recommendation, the student must already possess a baccalaureate degree and submit a 15-20 page graduate level paper at the completion of the course.