Undergraduate Certificate in Bible

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians. While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated throughout.

This unit seeks to introduce the content of the books of the New Testament while providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its historical-cultural setting with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the New Testament as a whole.

The Pastoral Epistles show us that intrigue and controversy are not new to the church. The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and are located towards the end of Paul’s life and ministry career. These letters give insight into the need for stabilisation and structure within the emerging Christian communities in Ephesus and Crete.

This subject provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues for the New Testament. Students will engage with this historical context during an on-site field study program in the location of modern-day Turkey and Greece, formative for study of the biblical text.

The Corinthian Correspondence is a fascinating exchange between the Apostle Paul and the troubled church in Corinth and is a worthwhile study for those who are interested in Paul’s role as pastor and apostle. This unit addresses a variety of ethical and theological issues, such as sexual sin, drunkenness, Christians taking each other to court, dissatisfaction with style of leadership and much more.

Have you ever wondered why Christians don’t follow the full Mosaic law? Have you ever asked what sets Christianity apart from Judaism? Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians answer these questions and more, and in many ways these letters reveal the heart of his theology. This unit will also synthesise Paul’s thoughts into a storyline of history that informs his pastoral and theological reflections.

Do you want the places of the Bible to come alive? Then join us for this Field Study Trip subject to Israel and its surrounding lands. We will walk through biblically significant places and link the geography of the land to the message of biblical stories. Your reading of the Bible will never be the same again!

A deep dive into the Acts of the Apostles provides essential insights into the spread of the early church. In this unit, students examine the socio-historical settings, interpret key passages, and identify how these ancient narratives resonate within modern Pentecostalism. The unit offers practical skills in textual analysis and application, preparing students to understand and discuss complex theological concepts within both historical and contemporary frameworks.

This unit enables students to evaluate the identity and mission of Jesus through diverse scholarly perspectives, set against a detailed socio-historical backdrop. By analysing primary and secondary texts and applying Jesus' teachings to contemporary contexts like Pentecostalism, students develop a nuanced understanding of these foundational narratives and their relevance in modern religious discourse.

The time between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament is sometimes erroneously referred to as the "400 Years of Silence." In this course, students enter a world of imperial conquest and theological development to explore how the Jewish people wrestled with faith and survival under foreign rule. Figures such as Daniel, Esther, Tobit, Judith, and Susana teach us faithful resilience in the diaspora, while Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah, and Malachi deal with theological and cultural issues back in the land of Israel. This course unpacks the historical context of the neo-Babylonian, Persian, Hasmonean, and Greek/Roman empires to see how the exile reshaped Jewish culture, theology, and communal identity into the Judaism of Jesus' day

The books of Proverbs and Psalms are two of the most well-known and loved texts within the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. In addition to Proverbs, the books of Job and Ecclesiastes comprise what is known as Wisdom Literature, a genre of writings from the ancient Near East comprised of sayings and teachings by sages and the wise about the breadth of the human experience. Psalms is an anthology of Hebrew hymns to be used either in collective liturgical settings or for personal expression. Throughout this course, we will engage with tools of exegesis to reflect on how to read the Wisdom and Psalms text, as well as the Song of Songs, which is neither part of Psalms or Wisdom Literature, yet is Hebrew poetry and considers wisdom in relationships.

Isaiah was a prophet consumed with the vision of God as the sovereign Lord over the nations. The Book of Isaiah speaks to a crucial time in the history of ancient Israel both prior to the exile as well as re-building after the devastation. It about how to live faithfully as the people of God in a hostile environment and presents a vision of a holy people.

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians. While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated throughout.

Why would Paul, a Hebrew speaking Jew, writing to Latin speaking Romans, use Greek? Why was the liberating message of the crucified messiah considered "foolish?" This unit examines the culture, customs, and values of the first century. It shows how radical the Christian minority group was in the face of the Roman Empire and invites you to assess your own convictions and values as a 21st century Christian.

The letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written from prison and yet deal with some of the most liberating concepts imaginable. Time spent with these letters will be richly rewarded and equip us for life in multiple dimensions; spiritual, relational, personal and corporate. We will examine how these four letters from captivity have the power to free readers from unconscious imprisoning ideas.

This unit offers a detailed analysis of the socio-historical backgrounds and diverse perspectives within John’s Gospel and Revelation. Students will engage critically with primary and secondary sources, interpreting passages with particular attention to eschatology and applying insights to modern contexts. The unit is designed to develop and equip you with critical thinking and analytical skills in theological studies.

This subject explores various perspectives on the Spirit of God in the Old Testament. Primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives will be analysed. Students will also examine the socio-historical background relevant to the functions of the Spirit in the Old Testament and will apply passages on the Spirit to modern Pentecostalism.

Understanding the Old Testament offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the ancient world, helping you to gain more wisdom and understanding when engaging with these texts. In this subject, students examine the Old Testament's historical, geographical, and social contexts, analyse its passages and themes, and learn how everyday life and cultural settings in biblical times inform contemporary interpretations.

Many of the Old Testament books are dedicated to the history of Israel from the time of conquest through to exile. This subject will examine the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra and Nehemiah—a vast array of books and times! It will also specifically investigate the major events and people in Old Testament history.

At the beginning of the Bible, we find the Pentateuch. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, these books are essential for understanding our faith today. In this unit, we will explore the foundational themes of creation, faith, salvation, covenant, worship, land and journeying present in the Pentateuch. We will also survey how the Pentateuch sets the stage for what follows in the rest of the biblical canon.

Learning to interpret the Bible effectively enhances your ability to analyse and apply scripture in contemporary settings. This subject explores the evolution of interpretative methods, the crucial role of the reader, and the importance of historical and cultural contexts. You will learn to navigate various biblical genres and apply guiding principles to make relevant theological conclusions, equipping you for informed and thoughtful engagement with biblical texts.

This unit seeks to introduce the content of the books of the New Testament while providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its historical-cultural setting with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the New Testament as a whole.