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Biblical Studies
As a Christian university, Dordt infuses God into every inch of our framework. By studying biblical studies, you’ll build a solid foundation for ministry based on God’s word. You’ll also discover the impact of Christ’s ministry, the developments of the early church, and what ministry looks like today.
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Program Overview
By getting an emphasis in biblical studies, you’ll have opportunities to dive into the Old and New Testament, and learn the fundamentals of biblical languages. You’ll also study the Bible through historical and contextual exploration of scripture. And you’ll learn how God can best use your passion and knowledge of Scripture for His purposes.
Our theology program seeks to lead students into more faithful service to God and his mission. Our dedicated faculty brings a variety of passions, emphases, and experiences in ministry to the classroom. We’re committed to engaging contemporary culture with discernment and wisdom. And our proud alumni serve God's mission through church ministry, kingdom service, and sharing God’s light in the secular working world.
What You'll Learn
This emphasis will help you discover your calling in ministry and will possibly pave the way for seminary, social service, spiritual development, missions, and more. You’ll gain insight and experience through a mix of core theology courses and electives such as Theological Methods, Spiritual Formation, and Biblical Language.
What You Can Do With A Biblical Studies Emphasis
With a biblical studies emphasis from Dordt, you’ll leave school equipped to thrive in multiple career choices. You could become a pastor, whether it’s a youth pastor, a teaching pastor, or any other type of pastor. You’ll be better prepared to serve as a missionary. You may even enjoy teaching, writing, or editing. Whatever you pursue, you’ll develop skills at Dordt that will prepare you for God’s calling on your life.
Pastor
A Pastor is tasked with putting together and leading a ministry.
Christian Counselor
A Christian Counselor incorporates scripture and aspects of the bible into their practice to provide support and advice to their client based on their goals, problems, and needs.
Theologian
A Theologian questions the meaning of religion and debates the nature of God.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Students who choose the biblical studies emphasis will complete three courses from a selection of old testament and new testament topics in addition to completing the general requirements for a biblical studies degree. Students are also encouraged to take some biblical Hebrew and Greek courses.
- Old Testament: Pentateuch: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Pentateuch and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- Old Testament: Prophets: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Book of the Twelve), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Prophets and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- Old Testament: Wisdom and Writings: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Wisdom books and Writings (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of these writings and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- Old Testament: Historical Books: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Historical Books (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah; as well as 1-2 Maccabees), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of these books and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- New Testament: Gospels: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of each of the four canonical Gospels, as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Gospels and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- New Testament: Epistles: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of Paul’s letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon) and the General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, Jude), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the letters and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- New Testament: Acts, Revelation: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of Acts and Revelation, as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of Acts and Revelation and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
- Biblical Greek I: Students are introduced to the basics of biblical Greek and learn the basic forms of the Greek language, a foundational vocabulary, and elementary grammar. The focus of this course is on Greek nouns.
- Biblical Greek II: Even Continues Biblical Languages 111. Students continue to work on the basic forms of the Greek language, a foundational vocabulary, and elementary grammar. The focus of this course is on Greek verbs.
- Biblical Hebrew I: Students are introduced to the basics of biblical Hebrew and learn the basic forms of the Hebrew language, a foundational vocabulary, and elementary grammar.
- Biblical Hebrew II: Continues Biblical Languages 113. Students continue to work on the basic forms of the Hebrew language, a foundational vocabulary, and elementary grammar.
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