Page 73 - 2019-2020 Academic Catalog - Providence Christian College

exegete the Bible in these original languages, and thus be best equipped for graduate level biblical and theological studies.
Students may supplement a BTS concentration, or any other concentration in the Liberal Studies major, with this course of study. They take either 2 years of Greek (Beginning and Intermediate) and 1 year of Hebrew (Beginning), or 2 years of Hebrew (Beginning and Intermediate) and 1 year of Greek (Beginning).
Learning these languages greatly enriches one’s study of the Bible. Familiar texts come alive in new ways, and the student gains a deeper understanding of key concepts and themes. This study will thus enhance all other study in the Biblical and Theological Studies department, as well as application of the biblical perspective in each other discipline, and the student’s personal Christian life and calling.
For those who are pursuing Christian ministry or teaching, or further biblical study, learning the biblical languages is a prerequisite for responsible interpretation.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Biblical and Theological Studies and Biblical Languages department is to equip students with the content of the Bible, its historical context and proper methods of interpretation, and the Reformed theology which summarizes its teachings. Students also learn to apply this biblical content and theology to contemporary life and culture, and to their own personal lives, leading to spiritual growth and ministry in the church and the world. Students also develop the skills to communicate this biblical and theological reasoning and conclusions effectively in both speaking and writing.
BTS Learning Outcomes:
After active participation and completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the entire Bible (Old and New Testament Scriptures), including its diverse historical, cultural, and literary contexts.
2. Employ proper methods of interpretation in their study of Scripture (hermeneutics), including critical and analytical reasoning, contextual exegesis (grammatical-historical), and theological (comparative scriptural, canonical), as well as make use of the appropriate tools for this study.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the systematic teaching of Scripture, especially with reference to the theology of the orthodox creeds and the Reformed tradition, as well as an ability to fairly evaluate alternative perspectives, sensitive to the role of presuppositional commitments.
4. Apply this teaching to our contemporary global context, relating it to the full range of current culture and concerns (in terms of the biblical and Reformed framework of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation), and apply it personally, leading to spiritual growth and ministry within church and society.
5. Communicate effectively both the process and conclusions of biblical and theological study, in both oral and written venues.
BL Learning Outcomes:
Students pursuing biblical languages will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a proficiency in the basic elements of grammar and syntax for both biblical Hebrew and Greek, showing an understanding of the linguistic categories, as well as mastery of a basic vocabulary sufficient for reading Hebrew and Greek biblical texts.
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