Foundations of Faith

# Foundations of Faith

Course Description

**Foundations of Faith** is an introductory Biblical Studies course designed to help students develop a strong foundation for understanding the Bible and the essential beliefs of the Christian faith.

In this course, students will learn how to approach the Bible through careful reading and study, while considering its literary, historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Students will explore the major sections of the Bible, including the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the early Christian writings of the New Testament.

The course uses the free university-level textbook ***Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings*** as a primary reading resource. Students will be guided through important concepts from the textbook and encouraged to read the assigned material directly, take notes, answer assessment questions, and complete written assignments.

Topics include the nature and structure of the Bible, literary forms, historical and cultural contexts, the Hebrew Bible, the Gospels, Acts, Pauline letters, General Letters, and other important areas of biblical study.

The goal of this course is not simply to memorize biblical information, but to help students become thoughtful and responsible students of Scripture. By the end of the course, students should have a better understanding of how the Bible was written, organized, preserved, and interpreted, and how careful Bible study can strengthen their understanding of Christian faith.

**Course Level:** Introductory

**Subject:** Biblical Studies / Christian Faith

**Primary Resource:** *Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings*

**Format:** Online self-paced study with reading, multiple-choice assessments, and written assignments