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Title: BIB 804: Biblical Theology and Contemporary Issues
Subtitle: Exploring the Intersection of Theology and Modern Society
Course Name & Level: Biblical Theology and Contemporary Issues, Doctorate Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Biblical Theology, Contemporary Issues, Modern Society
1. Introduction:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of biblical theology in relation to contemporary issues. Students will examine how biblical principles apply to and inform modern societal challenges.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course focusing on the intersection of biblical theology and contemporary issues. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying biblical principles to address modern societal challenges and ethical dilemmas.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply biblical theology to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of how biblical principles can inform and guide responses to modern societal challenges.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and analyze the application of biblical theology to contemporary issues, enhancing students’ ability to integrate biblical principles into modern societal contexts.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Biblical Theology: The study of the themes and teachings of the Bible as a unified whole.
- Contemporary Issues: Modern societal challenges and ethical dilemmas that require theological reflection and response.
- Ethics: Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.
- Social Justice: The concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society, including issues of equity and human rights.
- Cultural Engagement: The process of interacting with and addressing cultural trends and issues from a biblical perspective.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Biblical Theology: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- Theological Foundations for Contemporary Issues: Examination of key theological principles that inform responses to modern societal challenges.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Study of biblical ethics and their application to contemporary issues.
- Social Justice and the Bible: Exploration of biblical teachings on justice, equity, and human rights.
- Environmental Stewardship: Examination of biblical principles related to creation care and environmental responsibility.
- Gender and Sexuality: Analysis of biblical perspectives on gender and sexuality in the context of contemporary debates.
- Technology and Faith: Study of the impact of technology on society and how biblical theology addresses technological advancements.
- Economic Justice: Exploration of biblical principles related to wealth, poverty, and economic justice.
- Cultural Engagement: Strategies for engaging with and addressing cultural trends and issues from a biblical perspective.
- Globalization and Mission: Examination of the implications of globalization for Christian mission and ministry.
- Religious Pluralism: Analysis of biblical responses to religious diversity and interfaith dialogue.
- Public Theology: Study of the role of theology in public life and societal discourse.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and principles in biblical theology and contemporary issues.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios and application of biblical principles to contemporary issues.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen aspect of biblical theology and contemporary issues.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant contemporary issue and its biblical theological implications.
8. Research References:
- Theology for the Community of God by Stanley J. Grenz. eBook format. MLA Citation: Grenz, Stanley J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000.
- Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos. eBook format. MLA Citation: Vos, Geerhardus. Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Banner of Truth, 2002.
- The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission by Christopher J.H. Wright. eBook format. MLA Citation: Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission. Zondervan, 2010.
- Engaging with Contemporary Culture: Christianity in a Pluralistic Society by Martyn Percy. eBook format. MLA Citation: Percy, Martyn. Engaging with Contemporary Culture: Christianity in a Pluralistic Society. Ashgate, 2005.
- The Bible and Contemporary Culture by Gerd Theissen. eBook format. MLA Citation: Theissen, Gerd. The Bible and Contemporary Culture. Fortress Press, 2007.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the application of biblical theology to contemporary issues, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
