Biblical theology

Introduction to Old Testament

Course Code BT151

 

Contextual studies that revolve around the historical, political, social and linguistic backgrounds of the various literary genres/forms of the Old Testament (and their structures) as well as their manuscripts, providing students with an excellent overview of the books, forming the framework for exegesis in later units. Other issues are raised such as its Canon and the history of its formation. Theological themes in the books will be briefly touched on.

Introduction to New Testament

Course Code BT171



Like the Introduction to the Old Testament’s approach, this course introduces the political and social world of first century Christianity. A survey study of the books is carried out, familiarising students with the methods of interpretation in the process. A general overview of the Gospels is taught, following the footsteps of Christ, highlighting His teachings and divine salvation. Emphasis is also placed on the main theological themes in the Epistles and ministry in the early Church. Finally, issues concerning the Book are also dealt with such as questions about authorship and the formation of the New Testament canon.

Introduction to Old Testament Hebrew

Course Code BT200

This course is split into two “parts”. Part one builds the student’s vocabulary/terminology, grammar and other linguistic mechanics in preparation for the latter part which deals with basic exegesis of selected pericopes.
(Pre-requisites: – BT151 )  

– Students are given a short course on the Hebrew language and supplied with written material to prepare them for a placement test in which they must score at least 15 points out of 30 to qualify.

Introduction to Old Testament Coptic

Course Code BT210

 

This course is divided into four main “parts”. Part one further builds the student’s vocabulary/terminology, grammar and other linguistic mechanics (after Sahidic Coptic) in preparation for the second part which deals with some exegesis of selected pericopes. Part three introduces students to Coptic Old Testament manuscripts and the final part focuses on the canon of the Old Testament Book in the Coptic Orthodox Church and its use from a historical, liturgical and theological perspective

(Pre-requisites: – BT151 -OS270 )

Introduction to New Testament Greek

Course Code BT240


This course is split into two “parts”. Part one further builds the student’s vocabulary/terminology grammar and other linguistic mechanics (after Orthodox Greek I) in preparation for the latter part which deals with some exegesis of selected pericopes. It is worth noting that this course involves more detail and depth than “Introduction to Old Testament Hebrew”.

(Pre-requisites:BT171- OS280 )

Introduction to New Testament Coptic

Course Code BT250


This course is divided into four main “parts”. Part one further builds the student’s vocabulary/terminology, grammar and other linguistic mechanics (after Bohairic Coptic I) in preparation for the second part which deals with some exegesis of selected pericopes. Part three introduces students to Coptic New Testament manuscripts and the final part focuses on the canon of the New Testament Book in the Coptic Orthodox Church and its use from a historical, liturgical and theological perspective.

(Pre-requisites:BT171- OS200 )

Pentateuch

Course Code BT300

 

This course analyses the literary structure of the Pentateuch, exploring the context and contents of the five books in terms of language, history and symbolism, dealing also with the theological themes in detail.  Canon, interpretation problems and exegesis are also addressed.

(pre-requisites – BT151)  

Prophetic literature

Course Code BT310



Students will gain good insight into the nature of this literary genre, special concepts such as prophetic message and call, in addition to studying the reception of these texts in Judaism and Christianity. The course will further examine the historical and cultural background, social setting and the theological themes involved. Selected passages from both the major and minor prophets will be chosen for exegesis.

(pre-requisites – BT151)  

Historical books

Course Code BT320


This course begins by reviewing some of the main historical elements and events of the Old Testament before delving deep into the history of the people of God, focusing on making students comfortable with working on Old Testament historiography. Major events and key characters are examined very carefully.

(pre-requisites – BT151)  

Wisdom literature

Course Code BT330


The major theological themes and hermeneutical implications of the wisdom books are dealt with in this course. Fundamental concepts revolving around this literature such as the meaning and scope of wisdom are examined. Students are introduced to the different groupings of the psalms and their characteristics. After acquiring a good understanding of the genre in general, many of the notable passages from all the books are selected for thorough exegetical work.

(pre-requisites – BT151)  

Synoptic Gospels

Course Code BT340


Work done in the Introduction to New Testament BT171 course is built on, as students analyse the structure of the Gospels and form a deep understanding of the main events and passages using numerous exegetical approaches. This is also achieved by furtherly examining aspects of historical context and linguistic analysis for some pericopes. Furthermore, the students will study each Gospel individually, pointing out areas of distinctness and then their common features will be contrasted with the Gospel of John. The course also addresses problems related to the Gospels such as the “Synoptic problem” and the “Q source”.

(pre-requisites – BT171)  

Johannine literature

Course Code BT350


This course introduces the historical background of the Gospel, paying very close attention to the theological themes especially Christology, eternal life, eschatology and the Sacraments, exploring Christ’s divine Salvation. The Gospel’s use and place in the writings of the Church fathers particularly in relation to the refutation of heresies is explored. Some key texts of the Apostle John’s epistles are also examined as supplementary texts. The Gospel will be contrasted to the Synoptic Gospels in this study.

(pre-requisites – BT171)  

The Church in the age of the Apostles

Course Code BT360


A closer look at the book of Acts with respect to its historical background, sections and structure. The unit discusses the main events, key characters and themes of evangelism and ministry, from the day of the Pentecost to the martyrdom of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

(pre-requisites – BT171)  

Pauline corpus (literature)

Course Code BT370


A focused study that begins by briefly reintroducing the fourteen epistles before concentrating on the exegesis of selected passages, highlighting St.Paul’s theological thought and its role as a cornerstone for developing and explaining theology later in the writings of the fathers. Other dimensions examined are the pastoral necessity of writing some of these epistles, issues pertaining to the Pauline communities and the features of the Apostle’s ministry.

(pre-requisites – BT171, BT360, ST151)  

Apocalyptic literature

Course Code BT380



Students are introduced to the literary genre’s structure and features, exploring its historical background with reference to Jewish apocalyptic literature. Methodology of interpretation of this literature is covered, using knowledge acquired about its characteristics to study the Book of Revelation.

(pre-requisites – BT171, BT151)