Bible, religion and philosophy

Jo-Ann Brant, Professor of Bible, Religion & Philosophy/China SST FA/Dept Chair SP
Keith Graber Miller, Department Chair, Professor of Bible, Religion & Philosophy, Sabbatical
Paul Keim, Professor of Bible & Religion, Dept Chair-FA
Regina Shands Stoltzfus, Assistant Professor of PJCS
Bob Yoder, Youth Ministry Director

Introduction

The Bible, religion and philosophy department offers the following programs:

More information is available at the department Web site at www.goshen.edu/bibrelphil.

The Bible and religion and youth ministry majors are designed to provide students with an introduction to biblical studies and the academic study of Christian and other religious traditions, while affirming their faith and orienting them toward the value that the Anabaptist tradition places upon the Bible and the church. The major requires courses on the content and methods of biblical study, church history, theology, ethics and philosophy, and culminates in a senior seminar in narrative theology.

Career and post-graduate opportunities

A major in Bible and religion is of particular value to students contemplating graduate study in Bible, religion or theology, mission and service occupations in the church or broader pastoral work. A major in youth ministry is designed as pre-seminary preparation for work in youth ministry or other church ministries

Recent graduates have gone on to become pastors, service workers, professors, hospital chaplains, teachers, journalists, public relations consultants, lawyers, farmers, computer analysts, musicians, artists, business executives, translators, and church administrators.

Regardless of their future occupations, majors are given a strong foundation for careful reading of texts, thinking theologically, considering the relevance of faith for their daily lives, and active participation in congregational life.

Major in Bible and religion

39 credit hours

  • Bibl 300, Jesus and the Gospels 3
  • Bibl 301, Hebrew Scripture 3
  • Elective in Bible 3
  • Rel 320, Christian Faith 3
  • Phil 200, Introduction to Philosophy3
  • Phil 302, Ethics and Morality 3
  • One of the following: 3
    Rel 318, Anabaptist/Mennonite History
    Hist 321, History of Mennonites in America
  • One of the following: 3
    Rel 220, World Religions
    Phil 307, Asian Thought
    Rel 317, Islam
    Rel 323, Judaism
  • Other courses in department or related courses such as Hist 304, Psyc 314, or courses at AMBS, in consultation with adviser 9
  • Bibl/Rel 409, Internship 3
  • Bibl/Rel 410, Seminar 3

Major in youth ministry

40 credit hours

  • Bibl 300, Jesus and the Gospels 3
  • Bibl 301, Hebrew Scripture 3
  • Rel 210, Introduction to Youth Ministry 3
  • Rel 320, Christian Faith 3
  • Rel 374, Contemporary Issues in Youth Ministry 3
  • One of the following: 3
    Rel 318, Anabaptist/Mennonite History
    Hist 321, History of Mennonites in America
  • Course on worship selected from the following: 3
    Rel 322, Worshipping Communities
    Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature: Church Music
    AMBS course in worship
  • Rel 405, Spiritual Care and Healing 3
    or AMBS course in spirituality or pastoral care
  • PJCS 210, Transforming Conflict and Violence 3
    or PJCS 325, Mediation: Process, Skills and Theory
  • Educ 309, Educational Psychology: Secondary 3
    or Psyc 210, Developmental Psychology
  • Course on sexuality selected from the following: 3
    Rel 330, Religion and Sexuality
    Soc 210, Sociology of the Family
    Soc 260, Human Sexuality
  • PhEd 102, First Aid and CPR 1
  • Rel 409, Internship 3
  • Rel 410, Seminar 3

Planning guide

First year Goshen Core
Engaging the Bible
Second year Goshen Core
SST
200-300 level courses in major, Bibl 301
Third year Goshen Core
Upper-level courses in major, Bibl 300
Related courses
Fourth year

Balance of Goshen Core
Balance of major
Course at AMBS
Internship
Seminar

Planning and advising notes

CORE 120 may not be applied to the Bible and religion major. Students are encouraged to focus their plan of study by selecting electives in the following areas: ministry inquiry, religious studies, theology, biblical studies, philosophy. Suggestions are available from Bible, religion and philosophy department faculty advisers.

Bible and religion majors are strongly encouraged to take at least one course at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, IN. One course per semester may be taken there as part of a full-time Goshen College registration. For AMBS course listings, see http://www.ambs.edu/academics/courses  

Youth ministry majors are strongly encouraged to take one of the following: Rel 220, Introduction to World Religions; Rel 317, Islam; Rel 323, Judaism; or Phil 307, Asian Thought.

Minor in Bible and religion

18 credit hours

  • Bibl 300, Jesus and the Gospels 3
  • Bibl 301, Hebrew Scripture 3
  • Elective in Bible 3
  • Phil 302, Ethics and Morality 3
  • Rel 320, Christian Faith 3
  • Elective in religion or philosophy 3

Minor in youth ministry

18 credit hours

  • Rel 210, Introduction to Youth Ministry 3
  • Rel 374, Contemporary Issues in Youth Ministry3
  • PJCS 210, Transforming Conflict and Violence 3
  • Two courses selected from the following: 6
    Rel 320, Christian Faith
    Bibl 300, Jesus and the Gospels
    Bibl 301, Hebrew Scripture
  • One course selected from the following: 3
    Educ 309, Educational Psychology: Secondary
    Psyc 210, Developmental Psychology
    Rel 330, Religion and Sexuality
    Soc 210, Sociology of the Family
    Soc 260, Human Sexuality

Bible courses


BIBL 100 Knowing the Bible 3
This course will cover the basic narrative structure of the Bible, the main characters and themes and will address the following questions: How did the Bible come to be? How does one understand Scripture? In what contexts does one read Scripture? This course is for people with very little or no formal background in the Bible. Bibl 100 or 200 fulfills the lower-level Bible literacy general education requirement. Students who do not know which level to take are encouraged to take the placement test scheduled at the beginning of each semester or to consult with either Professor Brant or Keim.

BIBL 200 Reading the Bible 3
This course will focus upon questions of genre and composition and interpretation of the Bible and will address the following questions: How does genre affect how we read? How is doctrine derived from Scripture and how does it influence our own readings? How are various modern methodologies used to understand the Bible? How does one distinguish between opinion and reasoned interpretation? This course is for students who have studied Scripture in a formal setting such as in high school, Sunday school or academic courses and who know the basic narrative structure and main characters. Note: Students who take Bibl 100 cannot use Bibl 200 to satisfy the additional general education Bible and religion requirement. Bibl 100 or 200 fulfills the lower-level Bible literacy general education requirement. Students who do not know which level to take are encouraged to take the placement test scheduled at the beginning of each semester or to consult with either Professor Brant or Keim.

BIBL 201 Elementary New Testament Greek 3
Basic vocabulary, verb structure and grammar of New Testament Greek; reading and translation in first chapters of the Gospel of John. This course does not meet the Bible/religion general education requirement. It may, however, meet the basic Bible literacy requirement for students who place out of Bibl 200 on the Biblical Literature placement test. Prerequisite: Bibl 100, Bibl 200 or equivalent.

BIBL 204 Hebrew Language and Culture 3
Students will work through a standard grammar of biblical Hebrew, building a working vocabulary of 600-800 words. Representative selections from the major genres of biblical Hebrew literature will be introduced. Attention will also be devoted to the cultural settings reflected in the texts. Offered alternating years with Bibl 201. This course does not meet the Bible/religion general education requirement. It may, however, meet the basic Bible literacy requirement for students who place out of Bibl 200 on the Biblical Literature placement test.

BIBL 209 Field Experience 3
A field placement in applied ministry or discipleship at a camp, retreat center, congregation or religious organization.

BIBL 300 Jesus and the Gospels 3
Study of the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on the proclamation of the reign of God and Jesus' messianic identity as the Son of God. Examination of Jesus in his historical setting will be balanced with discussions of Jesus' call to discipleship and theological interpretations of the Gospels. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor. BRP majors are encouraged to add a one-hour depth credit.

BIBL 301 Hebrew Scripture: 3
Content of this course will alternate every other year with one of the following topics.
Prophets. A study of the important corpus of prophetic literature from the Hebrew Bible. Attention is given to historical, social, literary and theological features of the texts. Broad surveys of the prophetic writings will set the stage for close reading of selected oracles. Balancing the ethos of the Hebrew prophets with the demands these texts place on the contemporary audience keeps the Scriptural nature of this foundational material constantly in view.
Wisdom and Psalms. Alongside law, history and prophecy, the wisdom and poetry sections of biblical Hebrew writings give expression to the formative power of this significant literary, theological and social movement in ancient Israel. Primary attention will be given to the universal perspectives reflected in the books of Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Job, with selective attention given to the wisdom corpus of the Apocrypha. Significant time will also be devoted to the laments, hymns, and pilgrimage songs of the book of Psalms. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200.

BIBL 303 The Story of the Early Church 3
Students will follow the story from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to the decisions of the fourth-century Church councils. Attention will be given to the factors that account for the growth of the early church, such as its proclamation of Jesus' reign as a universal Lord, its offer of a happier and more secure life, and its invitation to become children of God. Students will also explore the rise and meaning of its various institutions including creeds, baptism, the Lord's supper, the clergy, and places of worship. Texts will include the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's letters as well as second-century Christian writings and the works of the early Church Fathers. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200.

BIBL 304 Writings of John 3
A study of the theology, themes, literary structure and social world of the fourth Gospel. Special attention is given to unique contributions of the fourth Gospel to the New Testament canon, to our understanding of the Christ event and to Christian thought. Other Johannine writings are examined in relation to the Gospel. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor.

BIBL 309 Major Book 3
A study of a major biblical book as announced. Possible offerings include: Genesis, Gospel of John, Revelation of John. The course will examine the theology, major themes, literary structure and social world of the book being studied. It will introduce students to various methodological approaches to the book, current scholarship, as well as the place of the book within both the canon and contemporary religious thought. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200.

BIBL 310 Topics in Biblical Studies 3
Lecture, research and discussion oriented around specific biblical studies themes such as leadership in ministry, spiritual and pastoral care. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200.

BIBL 321 Biblical Themes of Peace 3
A study of the themes and concepts that provide a biblical basis for nonretaliation and peace making. Particular attention is given to the nature of God's sovereignty, forgiveness versus vengeance and love of enemies. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200.

BIBL 324 Women in the Bible 3
An examination of the characterization of women in Old and New Testament narratives, their role in biblical societies and the early church and their representation in Judeo-Christian culture, particularly our contemporary culture. The course draws upon current research and exegetical strategies in Biblical studies. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200

BIBL 409 Bible Internship 3
An approved internship or work experience related to biblical studies. Examples are: Ministry Inquiry Program, supervised work in local campus ministries, church agencies or hospital chaplaincy.

BIBL 410 Bible Senior Seminar 3
(Cross-listed from Rel 410) Advanced work in principles and problems of biblical studies through the examination and assessment of narrative theology and ethics. Constant attention is given to meaningful articulation of faith.

Religion courses


REL 203 Jesus at the Movies 3
How does retelling the story of Jesus in film either enhance or diminish our understanding of the gospel stories? Students will become literate in filmmaking techniques as well as narrative and dialogue and will evaluate the artistic and theological value of a selection of films. We will examine a range of Jesus films and also some Christ films (in which the main character is a self-sacrificing redeemer) and second coming films. A Religious World Perspectives course in the Goshen core.

REL 205 Religion in America 3
Given competing truth claims, how do we learn to appreciate religious diversity, open ourselves to new learning, and yet remain relatively grounded in faith? With a focus on the United States, this course examines religious life in the Americas, with attention to conflicts that have arisen from the first European explorers to the present day. A Religious World Perspectives course in the Goshen core. Prerequisite: Engl 105 or equivalent.

REL 209 Field Experience 3 (1-3)
A field placement in applied ministry or discipleship at a camp, retreat center, congregation or religious organization. Appropriate for credit by experience registration.

REL 210 Introduction to Youth Ministry 3
Focuses on aspects of pastoral identity formation, theological understanding for and history of youth ministry, various models of youth ministry and issues related to spiritual development of youth. Attention will also be given to issues regarding size of youth groups, organizational nature of ministry, mentoring, abuse, suicide, evaluation, self-care, humor and recreation. Includes attending a national or regional youth ministry training event.

REL 220 Introduction to World Religions 3
This survey will focus on a particular theme or area of religious experience as a window into the world's major religious traditions. Possible themes include: death, the human condition, or worship and ritual. This course is designed to provide students with a basis for more advanced study of particular traditions or a place to begin making sense of religious diversity or different expressions of spirituality when they encounter them.

REL 225 Spiritual Formation 1
Various topical courses based on student and faculty interest aimed to foster spiritual growth among students for general life application or ministry skill development. Course examples include Prayer Disciplines, Wrestling with the Biblical Text, Leading Small Groups, Preaching, and Preparation for Inquiry (a strong recommendation requirement for participation in Camping, Ministry and Service Inquiry Programs).

REL 310 Topics: 3
Lectures, research and discussion of specific topics in religion such as politics and religion, spirituality, religion and the media.

REL 312 War Peace & Nonresistance 3
(Cross-listed with PJCS 312) A survey course that examines the development of warfare ideologies and religious responses to warfare. Includes examination of just war theory, Anabaptist doctrines on nonresistance, pacifism and nonviolent activism.

REL 315 Religion in Culture & Society 3
(Cross-listed from Soc 315) An analysis of the social, cultural and political contexts that profoundly affect religious institutions and expressions, and upon which religion has an influence. Course includes such topics as meaning and belonging, modern individualism, dynamics of religious collectives and the impact of religion on social change.

REL 316 Liberation Theologies 3
Focuses on three contemporary theologies of liberation (Latin American Liberation Theology, North American Black Theology and North American Feminist Theology) as they are developing in the Americas. The course examines similarities and differences among these three theologies - in conversation with Womanist and Latina theologies - as each addresses specific theological questions raised by the people of God in actual contemporary situations of exploration and oppression. The course also has a praxis component in which students move outward into the community.

REL 317 Islam 3
An introduction to Islamic religion, culture and civilization. An historical survey will introduce the origins and early development of Islam, its rapid spread and flourishing and its interactions with the Western world. A thorough understanding of the core religious beliefs of Islam will be emphasized, through the examination of primary and secondary texts, rich media resources, guest speakers, and a field trip to a local mosque, with an opportunity to speak with the imam and other members of the community. Some of the contemporary issues facing Muslims around the world and in North America will be discussed.

REL 318 Anabaptist/Mennonite History 3
(Cross-listed from Hist 318) Introduction to Mennonite history and thought. About one-third of the course is devoted to Anabaptism. Special attention given to distinctive Anabaptist religious ideas, changes in Mennonite religious ideas and practice in Europe, migrations, contrasts in social-communal practices among Mennonites and related groups.

REL 320 Christian Faith 3
An introduction to theology, examining the character of Christianity by identifying and defining basic features and themes (e.g. Christology, atonement, church, eschatology). Careful attention will be paid to both historical development of theology as well as contemporary credibility. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor.

REL 321 History of Mennonites in America 3
(Cross-listed from Hist 321) Emphasis on Mennonites as a people developing and interacting with the larger American society, using themes such as migration, community formation, beliefs, acculturation and pacifist citizenship in war and peace.

REL 322 Worshiping Communities 3
An introduction to the forms, styles, and history of Christian worship. Content includes a survey of the liturgical year and the major traditions of Christian spirituality. In addition, students will reflect on themes ranging from public and private forms of worship to the aesthetics of worship spaces. Students will also have the opportunity to actively reflect on how social realities and political concerns can be resources for discipleship, spiritual growth, and corporate worship.

REL 323 Judaism 3
An introduction to the essential beliefs, texts and religious practices of Judaism. The course will survey biblical and talmudic foundations, sketch historical development in Jewish life, thought and religion, and explore Jewish identity. Central concepts such as God, Law and Israel will illuminate the customs, rituals and values of contemporary Judaism. The class will visit a local synagogue and engage in conversation with the rabbi and members of the Jewish community. Special attention will be devoted to an appreciation of the deep continuities that exist among the "peoples of the book" as well as recognition of the unique contributions each has made to contemporary world culture.

REL 328 Spiritual Writings of Women 3
A survey of women's writings about the spiritual journey. Includes a range of medieval through 20th-century women. Examines women's use of their experiences as one source of theologizing.

REL 330 Religion and Sexuality 3
An exploration of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality in the context of Christian (and other) religious faith(s) and in relation to culturally based attitudes. Topics addressed will include body phenomenology, body theology, gender issues, historical developments, sexuality and spirituality, singleness, marriage, friendship, sexual violence, and a variety of other theological, ethical and relational issues. The course draws extensively on feminist models, themes and authors.

REL 374 Contemporary Iss in Youth Ministry 3
This course considers the challenges of our ever-changing world and explores the pastoral care issues of adolescent youth that result from these dynamics. We will also examine programmatic ways for us to respond in our youth ministry settings that appropriately seeks to strengthen youth in their faith journey. Students will also engage in various prayer exercises and develop a list of practical ministry resources.

REL 402 Christianity & Modern Thought 3
(Cross-listed from Rel 410) A seminar examining and assessing narrative theology and ethics. An attempt to state faith in meaningful terms by understanding the principles and structures of narrative and habitually using them. This course also serves as the senior seminar for Bible and religion majors, and only seniors are allowed in the course. Participation for non-Bible and religion majors requires the consent of the professor.

REL 405 Spiritual Care and Healing 3
Especially oriented towards the professional caregiver, this course emphasizes the interaction of spiritual factors with physical and emotional ones in the lives of helpers and their clients. Course enrollment includes a commitment to regularly practice one of the classical spiritual disciplines as a source of spiritual renewal and healing.

REL 409 Religion Internship 3 (1-3)
Approved intern or work experience related to studies in religion. Examples are Ministry Inquiry Program, supervised work in campus ministries, church agencies, chaplaincy or congregational programs.

REL 410 Religion Senior Seminar 3
Advanced work in principles and problems of religious studies through the examination and assessment of narrative theology and ethics. Constant attention is given to meaningful articulation of faith. (See Rel 402, Christianity and Modern Thought)

 

Philosophy courses


PHIL 200 Introduction to Philosophy 3
An introduction to the major problems of philosophy such as the nature of knowledge and reality, the relation of faith and reason, moral reasoning, politics and aesthetics. Discussion of the problems is driven by self-examination of each student's reasoned ideas and the contributions of major philosophers from a variety of traditions.

PHIL 302 Ethics and Morality 3
A study of the nature of moral claims and the bases for ethical principles.The course draws on both moral philosophy and on Christian ethical reflection, addressing the development of character as well as the patterns and methods for both individual and corporate decision-making.

PHIL 307 Asian Thought 3
The main aim of this course is to introduce the student to the questions, methods, goals and character of Asian philosophies and to instill in him or her a sensitivity to the profundity of thought that informs Asian history and culture.

PHIL 310 Topics in Philosophy 3
Study in specific areas of philosophic thought such as ancient/medieval, logic, modern philosophy, theory of knowledge, theory and problems of reality.

PHIL 400 Individual Readings in Philosophy 1
Students take initiative to develop a plan with a department faculty member. By consent of the faculty member only.