This introductory course provides an overview of the Bible’s origins, development, and key theological concepts. Focusing on the Bible as both a historical and religious text, the course will explore central themes such as divine revelation, biblical inspiration, the formation of the biblical canon, and textual criticism. Students will engage with the processes through which the Bible was written, compiled, and transmitted over time. Through online lectures and selected reading material, participants will develop a foundational understanding of how the Bible has been interpreted within different historical, cultural, and religious contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of divine revelation.
- Explain biblical inspiration.
- Describe the formation of the biblical canon.
- Engage with textual criticism.
- Analyse the historical and cultural contexts of the Bible.
- Evaluate the Bible’s significance for religious and secular traditions.
This course is ideal for beginners seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible’s origins and theological foundations, as well as for those interested in the historical-critical study of biblical texts.
Course Features
- Lectures 24
- Quiz 0
- Duration 16 weeks
- Skill level Beginner
- Language English
- Students 4
- Certificate Yes
- Assessments Yes
Curriculum
- 6 Sections
- 24 Lessons
- 16 Weeks
- Course Introduction2
- Lectures11
- 2.1Printed Lecture – What is Revelation? – Calvin Smith
- 2.2Why and how God speaks to us?54 Minutes
- 2.3PowerPoint File – How and Why Does God Communicate with Us? – Calvin Smith
- 2.4The Bible as Revelation part 128 Minutes
- 2.5The Bible as Revelation part 247 Minutes
- 2.6How and Why the Bible was written1 Hour
- 2.7Printed Lecture – The Canon of Scripture: Authoritative or Arbitrary? – Julian Spriggs
- 2.8The New Testament Canon1 Hour
- 2.9Textual Criticism 128 Minutes
- 2.10Textual Criticism 228 Minutes
- 2.11Textual Criticism 31 Hour
- Assignment2
- Reading Material4
- 4.0Biblical Inspiration – I. Howard Marshall
- 4.1Holman Bible Dictionary (Read entries: Authority – Bible, History and Interpretation – Inspiration of Scripture – Revelation of God)
- 4.2Article – Inspiration – B. B. Warfield
- 4.3Article – The Main Theories of the Inspiration of Scripture – Robert Bradshaw
- Journal Articles2
- Further Materials3