Biblical and Religious Studies (B.A.) with Religion Concentration

Program Overview

The Biblical and Religious Studies major equips students to interpret biblical texts responsibly and to reflect on religious beliefs and practices. By acquiring tools for biblical interpretation, theological reflection, and religious understanding, students gain insight into their own faith as well as resources for becoming leaders, servants, and reconcilers in church and society. Students choose a concentration in one of four areas: Bible, Religion, Theology, or World Christianity. With its emphasis on the development of reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills, the major prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, as well as seminary or graduate school. In addition to serving students who pursue this major as their primary field, the Biblical and Religious Studies major serves as an excellent double major for students in other departments who wish to be responsible members of church and society.

The Bible concentration focuses on the biblical text, examining the Bible’s contents and backgrounds while introducing students to various methods of interpretation. Students in this concentration are encouraged to take Greek and/or Hebrew to meet their QuEST language requirement.

The Religion concentration examines a variety of world religions and the ways scholars study them.

The Theology concentration emphasizes careful reflection on Christian belief and practice, examining the commonalities and differences that have been evident within the life of the church past and present.

The World Christianity concentration introduces students to the dynamics of Christianity as a global faith. Representative forms of Christianity as it exists in the world and Christianity as a missionary religion for the world will be analyzed. Students choosing this concentration are encouraged to spend a semester in a cross-cultural setting.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biblical and Religious Studies program can:

1. Know the basic contents and major themes of the Old and New Testaments
2. Recognize the historical backgrounds and contexts of the biblical writings
3. Recognize historical development of Christian doctrine, practice, and theological reflection
4. Develop academic skills necessary for interpreting and applying the biblical text
5. Develop skills for constructing and evaluating theological arguments
6. Describe the church as a historically diverse and global body.
7. Describe the basic beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions.
8. Write proficiently while engaging in scholarship, utilizing research methods, journal guidelines, and proper citation techniques.
9. Respond to theological questions raised by the reality of religious pluralism
10. Pursue employment, voluntary service, and/or graduate opportunities in their chosen discipline
11. Articulate the connections between Christian faith commitments and the academic study of faith and/or ministry.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Religion Concentration (15)

Six credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from following:

QuEST Requirements