Course Outline
DP 0223 - Sacred Scripture: This two semester course for sophomores studies the Sacred Scriptures of Christianity within an historical/critical framework with a view to their contemporary application. In the first semester, the student reads and analyzes the major stories of the Hebrew Scriptures in order to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the roots of the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the second semester, the course focuses on the writings of the New Testament. Emphasis is placed on ascertaining the background of the audience and the author, along with form, source and redaction criticism of the texts in order to help the student to gain a better understanding of how to apply their message to his life today.
Prayer and ritual will be an integral part of the course throughout the year. On Fridays throughout the year students will participate in a reading and discussing the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday. This religion course will be treated both as an academic endeavor and as a spiritual journey.
Concepts to be Explored
- Overview of the development of the Christian Bible
- Introduction to methods of Biblical interpretation
- The Torah (Biblical Prehistory, the Patriarchs, and the Exodus)
- Establishment of the Kingdom of Israel and the ministry of the Prophets
- Wisdom Literature and the later historical writings
- The World of the New Testament
- Jesus of History - Christ of Faith
- The Ministry of the Apostles




