Course Description

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of biblical hermeneutics and exegesis.
• Identify and evaluate the historical, cultural, literary, and theological context of a biblical passage.
• Recognize different biblical genres and understand how genre influences interpretation.
• Become much more comfortable reading and studying the Bible, without feeling lost or overwhelmed by such a large and complex book.
• Apply the different levels of Bible study: observation, interpretation, and application.
• Avoid common interpretive errors, including eisegesis, proof-texting, and taking verses out of context.
• Use Bible study tools and resources correctly and effectively.
• Apply the principles learned in the course through an Bible study of the book of Galatians.

Transferrable Skills

Through the course, you will be able to:

• Read like a detective – ask the right questions, notice details, and look deeper.
• Read with an open heart – let the Bible speak to us before we try to speak about it.
• Connect more to the text– understand context, culture, genre, and the bigger story.
• Use the right tools – know how to find and use helpful Bible study resources.
• Think for yourself – recognize assumptions and test different interpretations.
• Share what you discover – explain the Bible clearly and help others discover it too.
• Make it personal – move from “What does it say?” to “What does this mean for my life?”