Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration
The Bible is God’s written word, his special revelation about himself, his world, and how we are to live in it. A biblical perspective thus profoundly shapes everything else we study at Providence, and this means that students must know the Bible and what it teaches. The four semesters of Old and New Testament Studies in the Core enable students to study the entire Bible, its historical background, theological teaching, and relevance for living in today’s world.
With a Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration, students are able to build on this foundation and pursue in-depth biblical study, as well as systematic and historical theological study, drawing in particular on the riches of the Reformed heritage. Students also study hermeneutics, that is, the principles and history of biblical interpretation. This concentration equips students to rightly handle the word of truth, to meet contemporary challenges, and to understand the difference theology makes for our service in the church and the world. Most of all, we seek by this study to know God better, and thus to be better ambassadors for Christ in a broken world.
Students may also supplement a BTS Concentration with a Biblical Languages Concentration. This enables students to read and study the Scriptures in the original Hebrew and Greek languages.
A Concentration in Biblical and Theological Studies Equips Students To:
Effectively and faithfully serve the Lord in many different callings in the church and society. The ability to think carefully with biblical principles is crucial for entrepreneurial careers in the business world. The concentration is also valuable for Bible teaching, missions, counseling, social work, international relief and refugee work. For those contemplating seminary training, broad exposure to the liberal arts (in the major), along with BTS and Biblical Languages concentrations, is an ideal path to prepare for such graduate study.
Department Chair:
Scott A. Swanson, PhD., Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration (18)
BTS Required Course (3):
BTS 205: Hermeneutics
BTS Concentration Electives (15):
Students must take at least one course from each of the following three areas:
Biblical Studies:
BTS 321A Genesis
BTS 323 Psalms
BTS 327 Isaiah
BTS 326 Apocalyptic Literature
BTS 332 Johannine Literature
BTS 333 Pauline Literature
BTS 334 General Letters
BTS 4XX Special Topics in Biblical Studies
Theological Studies:
BTS 360 Doctrine of God
BTS 362 Christology
BTS 363 Pneumatology & Soteriology
BTS 370 Ecclesiology
BTS 4XX Special Topics in Theological Studies
Historical & Philosophical Studies:
BTS/HIS 215 History of Christianity I
BTS/HIS 216 History of Christianity II
BTS 340 Christian Ethics
BTS 342 Atheism and Apologetics
BTS 245 Major World Religions
BTS/SOC 325 Sociology of Religion
BTS 348 World Missions
BTS/HIS 345 Religion inAmerica
BTS/HIS 386 John Calvin
BTS 4XX Special Topics in Historical/Philosophical Studies
- Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration
- Business, Economics, and Society Concentrtation
- Communication Arts Concentration
- Biblical Languages Concentration
- Education Concentration
- English Concentration
- History Concentration
- Liberal Arts Degree
- Social Science Concentration
- May Term
- Avodah Program
- Academic Support & Career Planning
