Introduction to Biblical Studies: Context, Content, and Theology

Understanding the Bible requires navigating rich historical contexts, diverse literary genres, and complex theological themes. This text-based course provides a structured introduction to academic biblical scholarship, equipping you to read, analyze, and interpret both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament with historical awareness and critical insight. You will gain a clear foundation in the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman worlds, examine how texts were composed and transmitted, and learn to apply modern interpretive methods to foundational scriptures. What you will learn: Understand foundational terminology, historical timelines, and the ancient cultural settings of biblical literature; Analyze the major literary genres, narratives, and theological themes across the Old and New Testaments; Apply contemporary hermeneutical tools and historical-critical methods to examine written passages; Explore the linguistic origins, textual transmission, and history of biblical translations; Evaluate the development of core theological concepts across different historical periods; Practice contextual reading through guided textual analysis and written exercises. The course begins with core terminology and historical frameworks before progressing into close textual analysis and thematic evaluation. This course is created for beginners, students, and curious readers with no prior academic background in religious studies or ancient history. Begin reading today to build a solid foundation in biblical studies.