Religion and Theology - Anchor Bible College
Organization
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2025 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: define key concepts, biblical foundations, and major apologetic systems; explain how Christian theology, including the doctrines of God, man, and sin, shapes the practice of apologetics; apply apologetic methods and logical reasoning to engage contemporary cultural issues and defend the Christian faith in written assignments and real-world conversations; analyze the presuppositions and worldviews underlying various religions, philosophies, and scientific perspectives in comparison to biblical Christianity; synthesize principles from theology, philosophy, and epistemology to develop coherent responses to common objections against the Christian faith; and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different apologetic systems and arguments; construct well-supported presentations and essays defending the truth of Christianity.
This course introduces students to Christian apologetics and focuses on the biblical basis for apologetics, biblical apologetic method, presuppositions, worldview, how Christian theology of God, man, and sin impacts apologetics, and practically engaging contemporary culture in defending the faith and proclaiming the truth of God. Topics include Christian evidences and a review of various apologetic systems, introductory material on epistemology (how people know things), logic, theology, philosophy, the problems of evil, various religions, science, reason, and other topics at the discretion of the instructor. Assignments consist of weekly reading and writing assignments about the reading, discussion of the readings, role-playing discussions, two exams, sharing the gospel "in the real world," short essays, comparison of beliefs of world religions, and a presentation to the class on an Apologetics subject.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
August 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify historical, cultural, literary, and geographical contexts of biblical passages; explain how these contexts influence interpretation and meaning; operate Bible study tools and software to analyze scriptural texts; apply sound exegetical methods to interpret biblical passages with attention to context and genre; differentiate between biblical genres and evaluate how they shape interpretative approaches; formulate structured strategies for interpreting challenging passages using hermeneutic principles; and assess the validity of exegetical methods based on scholarly accuracy and contextual understanding.
This course is an introduction to the best practice methods for biblical study and interpretation. This includes a focus on the historical, cultural, literary, and geographical context of a given passage. The student will learn to apply sound exegetical methods in relation to topics such as textual criticism, genre issues, and contextualization. Introduction to Bible study tools and Bible software will also be covered. The course will be structured with weekly readings, discussion boards, and quizzes. Students will also select a hermeneutically challenging passage and perform written assignments throughout the semester that will build towards a final exegetical paper.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
September 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify key historical plots and theological themes found in the narrative literature of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Esther, while listing significant motifs of Christ that emerge in these texts; explain how the historical and theological elements of the Old Testament narratives contribute to a deeper understanding of biblical revelation and discuss the relevance of these texts to contemporary ministry settings; analyze and interpret Old Testament narratives using various biblical study tools and apply the insights gained to practical life situations; differentiate between the various literary genres within the Old Testament narratives and examine how each genre informs the theological and historical contexts of the texts; formulate connections between Old Testament themes and New Testament fulfillment, constructing a coherent narrative that illustrates the continuity of biblical theology; and judge the impact of Old Testament narratives on personal faith and ministry practices, assessing their applicability and relevance in today's context through a comprehensive exegetical paper.
This course surveys the narrative literature of the Old Testament, stretching from Genesis to Esther. Students will not only engage with the historical plot of the Old Testament, but dive into the theological themes that weave throughout these books. The class will also emphasize motifs of Christ that find their seeds in the Old Testament, coming to fruition in the New. Students will learn how applicable the Old Testament is to their current ministry setting and find avenues of application for their life.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify key literary structures and theological themes present in the poetic and prophetic literature of the Old Testament, from Job to Malachi, while listing significant motifs of Christ that emerge throughout these texts; explain how the literary features and theological insights of Old Testament poetry and prophecy enhance understanding of biblical revelation and discuss their relevance to contemporary ministry contexts; demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret Old Testament poetic and prophetic texts using various biblical study tools, applying insights gained to personal and ministry situations; differentiate between the various forms of poetry and prophecy in the Old Testament, examining how each form contributes to the overall message and theological significance of the texts; formulate connections between Old Testament themes and New Testament fulfillment, constructing a coherent narrative that illustrates the continuity of biblical theology throughout both Testaments; and judge the impact of Old Testament poetic and prophetic literature on personal faith and ministry practices, assessing their applicability and relevance in today’s context through a comprehensive exegetical paper.
This course surveys the poetic and prophetic literature of the Old Testament, stretching from Job to Malachi. Students will engage with the literary structure of Old Testament poetry and prophecy as well as exploring the theological themes in each book.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: interpret the historical, theological, and practical significance of the Gospels and Acts, while listing key themes and concepts present in each book; articulate how both the didactic and narrative elements of the Gospels and Acts contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the New Testament and discuss their relevance to personal and ministry contexts; apply various hermeneutical methods to interpret the texts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts, utilizing insights gained to address practical ministry situations; distinguish between the literary styles and structures of the Gospels and Acts, examining how each contributes to the overall message and theological implications of the New Testament; develop practical applications from chapter-by-chapter studies of the Gospels and Acts, creating strategies for integrating these teachings into personal and ministerial practices; evaluate the impact of the Gospels and Acts on contemporary Christian living and ministry, assessing their applicability and significance in today’s context.
Instruction focuses on studying the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts and provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the historical, theological, and practical significance of this portion of the New Testament text, with a significant focus on chapter-by-chapter study, discussion, and application throughout the semester. Student learning is evaluated based on weekly quizzes, a midterm and final exam, and a final exegetical paper.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the historical and theological significance of the New Testament texts from Romans through Revelation, while recognizing the key themes present in the epistles; describe the lives and ministries of the apostolic writers, articulating how their contexts influenced the messages of their letters; utilize various interpretative methods to engage with the epistles and Revelation, applying insights gained to their ministry callings and practical settings; analyze the literary styles and structures of the epistles, distinguishing how each contributes to the overall message and theological implications; create strategies for integrating the teachings of the epistles into personal and ministerial practices, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary contexts; and assess the impact of the epistles and Revelation on personal faith and ministry, evaluating their significance in light of historical and theological understanding.
This course, which covers the books of Romans through Revelation, requires an in-depth reading of the New Testament text, along with textbook readings explaining the historical and theological significance of these biblical texts. There will also be an emphasis on the lives and ministries of the apostolic writers. The course will be structured with weekly lectures and personal discipleship.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
August 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the structure of the Psalter and its various collections, while recognizing key theological themes, including Messianic connections throughout the Psalms; explain the historical and contemporary use of the Psalms in worship and personal devotional practices, articulating their significance in both ancient and modern contexts; apply exegetical methods to select psalms; analyze the literary forms and structures of the Psalms, distinguishing how these elements contribute to the overall message and theological depth of the text; develop practical applications for selected psalms, creating strategies for incorporating these texts into Sunday school, children’s church, and homeschooling contexts; evaluate the impact of the Psalms on personal faith and corporate worship, assessing their relevance and significance in the life of the believer today.
This course involves an in-depth study of the book of Psalms. Topics include the structure of the Psalter, collections of Psalms within the Psalter, the theology of the Psalter (including Messianic connections), the use of Psalms in worship from ancient times to today, the use of the Psalms in personal devotional practices from ancient times to today, the exegesis of select psalms, and the practical application of select psalms to people’s lives.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (8 weeks).
May 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the theological significance of the book of Romans, recognizing key themes such as justification, God’s sovereignty, and Biblical covenants; explain the practical applications of Romans to contemporary Christian living, articulating how its teachings inform personal faith and conduct; apply exegetical methods to analyze each chapter in Romans, utilizing insights gained to enhance understanding of the text’s theological implications; analyze key passages within Romans, distinguishing how Paul’s arguments contribute to the overarching message of the epistle; develop assignments such as outlines and word studies that demonstrate familiarity with the content and structure of Romans while exploring Old Testament quotes referenced in the text; and evaluate complex theological questions raised in Romans through essay assignments, assessing relevance to topics like evangelism and authentic Christian living.
This course provides an in-depth study of the book of Romans including its theological significance and practical application to daily life. The course is structured with exegetical lectures covering each chapter in Romans along with several further theological lectures on topics such as justification, God’s sovereignty, and biblical covenants. Throughout the semester, students complete 6 homework assignments such as a Romans outline, word study, or Old Testament quotes worksheet. Students also complete 6 essay assignments answering questions such as “What about those who have never heard the gospel?” and “What does it look like to live a genuine Christian life?” Additionally, there are quizzes in each class period, a midterm, and a final exam.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2025 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recall key events, figures, and themes from the book of Genesis; explain the theological significance of Genesis and its relationship to the rest of Scripture; apply exegetical methods to interpret and teach key passages from Genesis in contemporary contexts; analyze the historical and cultural background of the Ancient Near East to assess its impact on the interpretation of Genesis; synthesize major theological themes in Genesis and trace their development throughout the Bible; and evaluate different scholarly interpretations of Genesis and construct well-reasoned theological arguments in response.
This course provides an in-depth study of the book of Genesis including its theological significance and practical application to daily life. The course is structured with exegetical lectures covering portions of Genesis along with several further theological lectures tracing the themes of Genesis throughout the remainder of Scripture, with emphasis on how to understand and teach the message of Genesis today. Over the course of the semester, students complete 9 homework assignments such as comparing creation stories in the Bible, five essay assignments answering questions such as how does knowledge of the Ancient Near East impact understanding of Genesis. Additionally, there are quizzes and discussions in each class period and three exams.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).
48 hours (16 weeks).
January 2024 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the background, structure, and key arguments of the epistle to the Hebrews, recognizing its biblical and theological significance within the broader context of Scripture; explain the major themes and doctrines of Christ and salvation presented in Hebrews, articulating how they contribute to the overall storyline of the Bible; apply practical exegesis techniques, such as outlining, diagramming, and word studies, to enhance the analysis and interpretation of the text; analyze the development of the argument within Hebrews, distinguishing how each section builds upon previous themes to convey a cohesive message; develop synthesized summaries of the content of each section of Hebrews, demonstrating an understanding of its theological implications and practical applications; and evaluate the significance of Hebrews for contemporary Christian faith and practice, assessing its relevance to discussions of doctrine and spiritual growth.
Attention is given to practical matters of exegesis (outline, diagramming, word study, cross references, etc.) and synthesis of the content of each section. Students learn through weekly lectures, class discussions, homework, and quizzes, along with several exams.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Religion, or as a general elective (3/25).