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:

BIBL 202Encountering the Bible for Majors

3

BIBL 233Old Testament Literature for Majors

3

BIBL 237New Testament Literature for Majors

3

RELI 206Religions of the World for Majors

3

RELI 344History of Christianity

3

THEO 205Introduction to Christian Theology

3

THEO 305Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism

3

THEO 487Biblical and Religious Studies Seminar

3

THEO 305: Fulfills Writing Enriched course requirement for Major.

Religion Concentration (15)

RELI 366Topics in Religion

3

Six credits from the following:

RELI 228Judaism

3

RELI 229Islam

3

RELI 333Religions of India

3

RELI 334Religions of China and Japan

3

Three credits from the following:

RELI 321Christianity in Latin America

3

RELI 329Christianity in Africa

3

RELI 332Christianity in Asia

3

Three credits from following:

RELI 342Religious Pluralism in America

3

RELI 355Christianity in North America

3

SOCI 341Religion and Society

3

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences 3 or 4
Laboratory Science 3 or 4
Science, Technology & the World 3
Two of the following (6 credits total):
   Social Science
   European History
   United States History
6
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion (RELI 206) met/major
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies (RELI 321, RELI 329, RELI 332, RELI 333, or RELI 334) met/major
Bible (BIBL 202) met/major
Christian Beliefs (THEO 205) met/major
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 43-45
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration) 39
Concentration requirements 15
Free electives 41-39
Total credits 123