Biblical and Theological Studies Major: Religious Studies Emphasis B.A.

Program Director: Laura Schmidt Roberts, Ph.D.

Overview

The biblical and religious studies major nurtures faithful and critical reflection on Christian tradition through three primary lenses: the study of Scripture; the study of theological and ethical discourse; the study of religious traditions, both Christian and other. Students are invited to delight in a richer understanding of and witness to the Scriptures in conversation with both the Christian church and the world. A majority of graduates pursue careers in church or church-related ministry; some pursue graduate studies in Bible, theology or religious studies.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Academic Skills:

1. Students will exhibit competence in fundamental academic skills, including communication, information literacy and research.

Exegetical Competence:

1. Students will accurately summarize the contents of a selection of biblical texts.
2. Students will describe basic elements of the literary, historical and social contexts of the Old and New Testament.
3. Students will use the tools and the methods of academic biblical exegesis.

Theological Reflection:

1. Students will generate theological syntheses from biblical texts.
2. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the disciplines of Christian theology and ethics by accurately describing major figures and themes.
3. Students will critically assess theological and ethical approaches and the contexts out of which these emerge.
4. Students will formulate coherent perspectives on moral and ethical issues.

Church and Religion:

1. Students will articulate Anabaptist theological and ethical principles for faith and life.
2. Students will summarize major issues and events in the history of the church.
3. Students will demonstrate understanding of and respect for different cultural and religious traditions.

Integration:

1. Students will describe the integration of their academic biblical and theological learning, their faith commitments and their lived practice.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno