Course Summary

The story of the Old Testament in view of the activity of God

The study deals with core Old Testament concepts, where God is the central figure. Assuming a unified view of God, the course considers the function of Scripture, ways God works, and how God’s activity interfaces with culture. Included is the faith of Israel, essential elements of Old Testament theology, the theological relationship of the Old and New Testaments, and the relevance of the Old Testament to modern life. The three modules of the course are designed to increase the student's knowledge of the basic elements of Old Testament theology and build on the student's general acquaintance with the Scriptures. Moreover, the course further develops the student's critical thinking and writing skills. The study is organized in three modules: (1) Discovery, (2) Themes in Old Testament Theology, and (3) Messianic Themes. 3 semester hours of undergraduate credit. BRS 121 and 122 are recommended prerequisites.

Objectives

1. Formulate conclusions about the theological content of specific biblical texts

2. Appraise the theological relationship of the Old and New Testaments

3. Determine the application of Old Testament theology for Christians

Credit

Credit for the course requires a score of 70% or greater on each of three multiple choice examinations, an essay, and an activity summary.  The exams and writing assignments are valued at 20 percent each toward the final grade. A sample multiple-choice exam problem is given below:

A unique characteristic of the God who reveals himself in the Old Testament is his (A) benevolence,
(B) identification with prayer, (C) demand for sacrifice, (D) association with a specific place.

Resources.  The course syllabus and a Bible.  An online discussion of Old Testament Theology by Paul House presented by BibleTraining.org is highly recommended.