Theology 01

Intro to Theology I is the companion course to 2025 Essentials Introduction to Ministry course that taught about the Call and Qualifications of Christian Ministry: Basics of Hermeneutics, Apologetics and Homiletics. Plus, Old & New Testament Survey.

In Theology I, Drs Tim Rivers and Craig McMullen will offer practical instruction on how to study the Bible by answering 40 questions about interpreting the Bible. This course will explore such questions like: Who wrote the Bible? Does it contain errors? Who determined which books would be included in the Bible. Drs. Tim & Craig will teach general principles for interpretating the Bible. 

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in determining meaning? Why does the Bible use different literary genres like history, poetry, prophecy? How do you study the Old Testament that is different than the New Testament? 

This interactive course will cover the following topics: 

  • What is the Bible: Text, Canon, and Translation?

    Introductions and Expectations.

    1. What Is the Bible?

    2. How Is the Bible Organized?

    3. Who Wrote the Bible – Humans or God?

    4. Does the Bible Contain Error?

    5. Were the Ancient Manuscripts of the Bible Transmitted Accurately?

    6. Who Determined What Books Would Be Included in the Bible?

    7. Which Is the Best English Bible Translation?

  • Biblical Interpretation

    1. Why Is Biblical Interpretation Important?

    2. How Has the Bible Been Interpreted Throughout Church History?

    3. What Are Some General Principles for Interpreting the Bible (1)

    4. What Are Some General Principles for Interpreting the Bible (2)

    5. How Can I Improve as an Interpreter of the Bible?

    6. What Are Some Helpful Books or Tools for Interpreting the Bible?

  • The Meaning of the Biblical Text

    1. Who Determines the Meaning of the Text?

    2. Can a Text Have More Than One Meaning?

    3. What Is the Role of the Holy Spirit in Determining Meaning?

    4. What Is the Overarching Message of the Bible?

    5. Is the Bible Really All About Jesus?

    6. Do All the Commands of the Bible Apply Today?

    7. Why Can’t People Agree on What the Bible Means?

  • How to Approach Specific Texts

    1. How Do We Identify Literary Genre – and Why Does It Matter?

    2. How Do We Interpret Historical Narratives?

    3. How Do We Interpret Prophecy? (General Guidelines)

    4. How Do We Interpret Prophecy? (Typology)

    5. How Do We Interpret Apocalyptic Literature?

    6. How Do We Interpret Exaggerated or Hyperbolic Language

    7. How Do We Interpret Figures of Speech?

  • How to Study the Old Testament

    1. How Do We Interpret Proverbs?

    2. How Do We Interpret Poetry

    3. How Do We Interpret Psalms? (Classification of Psalms)

    4. How Do We Interpret Psalms? (Principles of Interpretation)

  • How to Study the New Testament

    1. How Do We Interpret Parables? (History of Interpretation)

    2. How Do We Interpret Parables? (Principles of Interpretation)

    3. How Do We Interpret Letters or Epistles? (Structure and Nature)

    4. How Do We Interpret Letter or Epistles? (General Guidelines)

Register Here