Introduction to Biblical Studies: Content, History, and Theology

Understanding the Bible from an academic perspective requires looking beyond the surface text to explore its historical, cultural, and literary origins. This text-only course offers a comprehensive introduction to biblical literature, helping you navigate the complex world of ancient texts with confidence. By reading through our structured lessons, you will transition from a general reader to an informed student of biblical literature. You will develop the analytical skills needed to examine the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament through a scholarly lens, understanding how these texts were formed, preserved, and interpreted over centuries. What you'll learn: - Understand the historical, socio-political, and cultural backgrounds of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world. - Explore the primary literary genres of the Old and New Testaments, from historical narratives and poetry to letters and apocalyptic writings. - Analyze major theological themes and how they evolve across different books and historical periods. - Learn the basics of biblical languages, translation challenges, and manuscript transmission. - Apply modern academic methods of biblical criticism, including historical-critical and literary approaches, to textual analysis. The course begins with essential terminology, foundational concepts of canonization, and historical backgrounds before guiding you through a systematic reading of the biblical text and its theological frameworks. You will engage with written analyses and textual exercises designed to deepen your critical thinking. This course is designed for absolute beginners, requiring no prior knowledge of the Bible, theology, or ancient history. Begin your journey into scholarly biblical analysis today.