Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST)

BBST 103 - Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation Credits 3

Equipping to interpret and apply the Bible in accurate and dynamic ways for spiritual transformation and character formation. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Must be completed during the first year. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 165 - Foundations of Christian Thought Credits 3

Introduction to theology with special emphasis on learning to do theology, understand the doctrine of Scripture, introduce the integration of various fields of knowledge with the Bible, and see the importance and development of a Christian worldview. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Formerly BBST 105; must be completed during the first year. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 209 - Old Testament History and Literature Credits 3

An overview of the Old Testament with emphasis on the purpose of the writers; history and culture; literary genre, structure, and themes; persons and events, and practical application for Christian living. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Formerly BBST 109. Grade Mode: A, C.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 210 - New Testament History and Literature Credits 3

An overview of the New Testament with emphasis on the purpose of the writers; history and culture; literary genre, structure, and themes; persons and events; and practical application for Christian living. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Formerly BBST 110. Grade Mode: A, C.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 220 - Guided Study Credits 1-3

For those needing credits to complete their Bible requirement. Reading with written reports on biblical and/or theological subjects. Note(s): May be repeated with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.

BBST 251 - Theology I Credits 3

The biblical doctrines of God, Christ, man and sin, with reference to the history and development of Christian theology. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 260 - Christian Theology Credits 3

The biblical doctrines of God, Christ, man, sin, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church and last things with reference to the history and development of Christian theology. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165; Applied Psychology (APSY), Business Management (BMNG), Communication (COMS), Early Childhood (LEEC), Engineering (ENGR), Entertainment Business (CNEN), Interdisciplinary Studies (ITPS), Organizational Leadership (BUOL), Psychology (PPSY), or Robotics (ROBO) major, or transfer student with 45 or more approved transferable credits.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 306 - Early Christian History - Acts Credits 3

Study of the Book of Acts from a missions perspective, dealing with the activity of the early church and its current expression in evangelism and missions. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 311 - Biblical Backgrounds Credits 3

Contributions of archeology, geography, culture, and history to biblical interpretation. Note(s): May include abroad-study in lands of the biblical world. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM), Biblical Ministries (BBMN), or Bible, Theology, and Apologetics (BBTA); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 312 - Principles of Interpretation Credits 3

Methods and principles for interpreting Scripture throughout church history and the present era. Theory is applied to texts with an emphasis on the grammatical-historical method. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 316 - Gospel of John Credits 3

Study of the Gospel of John from a missions perspective, dealing with the activity of the life of Jesus and its current expression in evangelism and missions. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 320 - Methods of Bible Study Credits 3

Essentials of inductive Bible study will be applied to Old and New Testament genres of literature in order to equip the student with skills for observation, interpretation, application and edification. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103.
Restriction(s): Must not be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 321 - Historical Theology Credits 3

Historical survey of people and movements which have shaped the faith of the Christian Church from post-biblical times to the present. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 326 - Lukan Writings Credits 3

An exegetical examination of the New Testament books of Luke and Acts that focuses on evangelism and missions to encourage the ability to articulate the gospel and to formulate a growing personal vision for missions. This expositional study also encourages students to reflect upon the unity and diversity within the community of the Christian church and to be prepared to interact on behalf of the gospel in a diverse world. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 330 - Jesus' Life and Ministry Credits 3

Chronological study of the gospels, similarities and differences between the writers, as well as the historical, cultural and theological factors aiding in interpreting events and teachings. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 336 - Synoptic Gospels Credits 3

Study of the Synoptic Gospels from a missions perspective, dealing with the activity of the life of Jesus and its current expression in evangelism and missions. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 340 - Guided Study Credits 1-3

In-depth study of a specific book or books of the Bible including written report on the relevance of the book to the student's life. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 341 - Life and Letters of Paul Credits 3

Authorship, occasion of writing, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content of Paul's writings set in the context of Paul's life and mission. May focus on a smaller unit such as Prison or Pastoral Letters. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 343 - General Letters Credits 3

Authorship, occasion of writing, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content of non-Pauline letters. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 344 - I Corinthians Credits 3

An in-depth analysis of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing the historical and cultural background of the letter, its author, and its recipients; the theology of the letter; and the relationship between theology and ethics in Paul's instructions to the church. Focuses particularly on how Paul's ethical method can be appropriated in a twenty-first century context. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 354 - Theology II Credits 3

The biblical doctrines of salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church and last things, with reference to the history and development of Christian theology. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Formerly BBST 254. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 360 - Pentateuch Credits 3

Mosaic authorship, historical and cultural backdrop, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 365 - Gospel, Kingdom, and Culture Credits 3

An exploration of how Christians can have a redemptive, articulate, and transformative presence in contemporary society. Attention is given to how to meaningfully share the gospel (Matt. 28:19), defend a Christian worldview with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15–16), and think biblically about the major social issues of our age (Romans 12:2). Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 371 - Early History of Israel Credits 3

Selected biblical books or topics from the period of the conquest through the establishment of David's kingdom, focusing on historical, cultural and theological issues that aid in interpreting events and texts. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 372 - Later History of Israel Credits 3

Selected biblical books or topics from the period of the kings and prophets from Solomon through the return from exile, emphasizing historical, cultural and theological issues that aid in interpreting events and texts. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 380 - Wisdom and Poetic Literature Credits 3

Authorship, date of writing, historical and cultural backdrop, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content of Job through Song of Songs. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 381 - Selected Psalms Credits 3

A study of the book of Psalms with a view toward understanding its purposes and appropriate uses. Attention is given to the poetic (and musical) character of this material. Different types of psalms are identified, compared, and contrasted in order to determine how these psalms were likely used in antiquity. Students are led to experience the different types of psalms so as to gain insight into how they might be appropriately used today. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 391 - Major Prophets Credits 3

Authorship, date of writing, historical and cultural backdrop, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 392 - Minor Prophets Credits 3

Authorship, date of writing, historical and cultural backdrop, themes, theological issues, literary structure and content. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 393 - Isaiah Credits 3

A study of the book of Isaiah with a view toward understanding the prophet's own historical context as well as the Exilic and post-Exilic periods which are the focus of much of the second half of the book. Attention is given to important themes and the major teachings of Isaiah, to the relevance and application of the book's message in the prophet's time and in the time following his lifetime. Different types of prophetic literature are identified, with time devoted to the interpretation of prophetic literature and its relevance for individuals and the church today. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 394 - Daniel Credits 3

An exegetical, theological and expositional study of the Old Testament book of Daniel covering introductory matters, historical and cultural backdrops, literary structure, the big idea and key themes of each major section, and how to teach Daniel in a church context. While the methodology primarily reflects canonical theology, implications for practical and systematic theology are also included. The focus is theocentric, aimed toward knowing God's person and work through the book of Daniel. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 409 - Topics in Old Testament Ethics Credits 3

An upper-division biblical studies course in which the student will be introduced to Old Testament ethics more broadly, only to focus specifically on the ethical categories of violence, sexuality, and racism in the Old Testament. This class will also study ethics in the Old Testament and their connection to the Christian today. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 413 - Biblical Theology Seminar Credits 3

Focus on exploring the methodology of biblical theology, both deductively and inductively, with the goal of attaining an awareness of its central issues and a competence in the exegetical-theological skills it requires. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 311, BBST 312, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 414 - Systematic Theology Seminar Credits 3

Focus on engaging a single topic of biblical revelation with attention to the exegetical, philosophical and practical dimensions in a systematic theology discourse. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 311, BBST 312, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 430 - Advanced Study: New Testament Credits 1-3

Independent student research and writing in addition to a seminar style classroom atmosphere for the study of selected texts and/or topics. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 210.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

BBST 440 - Advanced Study: Old Testament Credits 1-3

Independent student research and writing in addition to a seminar style classroom atmosphere for the study of selected texts and/or topics. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

BBST 450 - Advanced Study: Systematic Theology Credits 1-3

Independent student research and writing in addition to a seminar style classroom atmosphere for the study of selected texts and/or topics from either or both testaments, thematically arranged to emphasize biblical, historical and/or systematic theology. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

BBST 451 - Character of God Credits 3

A biblical and theological exploration of God's character. Attention is given to the biblical basis for our understanding of who God is and the implications this has for our daily lives. Seeks also to gain a greater understanding of recent challenges to the classical understanding of the character of God. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 452 - Theology of Marriage and Family Credits 3

An advanced seminar on the theology of marriage and family. Attention is given to the biblical and theological underpinnings of our understanding of marriage and family, with an additional focus on the practical implications this has on our daily lives. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 453 - Theology of Gender Credits 3

A biblical and theological analysis of the contemporary evangelical gender debate by examining its history, most important contributors, divergent evangelical views (e.g., egalitarian and complementarian), and key biblical texts. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 455 - Romans Credits 3

Study of Paul's theology and worldview as contained in the book of Romans, with special attention given to introductory and historical matters. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 456 - God, Evil, and Suffering Credits 3

This class will examine the historical, theological, and philosophical issues related to understanding why God allows evil and suffering in our world. We will consider key thinkers such as Job, Leibniz, Voltaire, Hume, Dostoyevsky, Hick, Plantinga and more. This course will address difficult questions such as the fairness of Hell and the fate of the unevangelized. This class will provide both convincing arguments and illustrations of these arguments in order to impact minds and hearts. Note(s): Required of students in the Bible, Theology, and Apologetics, B.S. program. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 457 - Evidence for the Resurrection Credits 3

This class includes an investigation of a wide range of issues that have been used through history to call into question the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ such as the possibility of miracles, the nature of history, the historical reliability of the New Testament, contradictions in the resurrection accounts, and so on. Historical methodologies are employed to determine to what degree the resurrection can be considered a demonstrable historical event. Note(s): Required of Bible, Theology, and Apologetics, B.S. students. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 458 - Theology of Mission Credits 3

Study of God's redemptive acts in Scripture on behalf of mankind, with application to the mission of the church today. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 251, BBST 354; BBST 306 or BBST 316 or BBST 326 or BBST 336.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 465 - Integration Seminar Credits 3

Senior level capstone seminar in which the student will search the Bible and the literature dealing with the topic(s) under discussion in the course leading to the discovery of means whereby the subject area may be 'integrated' with biblical truth. The results of the research will be incorporated in a paper or project which will be critiqued by the seminar members and by the professor. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 354; or enrollment as a Torrey Honors College student.
Restriction(s): Must be Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.

BBST 471 - The Apostolic Fathers Credits 3

Students will read and discuss the earliest Christian documents composed after the apostolic age, spanning the years A.D. 95-160 (e.g., Aristides, Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Papias, Polycarp), with a focus upon compositional purpose, historical setting, theology, and connections with New Testament documents. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 475 - Puritan Theology Credits 3

Traces the history of Protestant spiritual formation from Martin Luther and John Calvin to the English Puritans and acquaints students with the history, theology, and theological influences of relevant theologians. Emphasizes the doctrinal distinctives of the Puritan movement and includes reading primary sources from that era. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

BBST 480 - Directed Research Credits 1-3

Guided independent reading, research, problem-solving and preparation of a formal paper or project done in consultation with a selected professor. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Students may receive no more than a total of 6 credits counted towards graduation for BBST 480 and BBST 490 combined. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.

BBST 481 - New Testament Use of the Old Testament Credits 3

A consideration of the issues raised by the use of the OT in the NT. Special attention is given to the hermeneutical presuppositions and exegetical methods employed by the NT writers as they appropriate the OT Scriptures, and to the theological implications that arise from their use. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies. Note(s): Students who can utilize NT Greek and/or OT Hebrew are especially encouraged to take this course. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM); and Undergraduate Level.

BBST 490 - Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs Credit 1

Supervised interaction and mentoring as part of ministry preparation while participating in one of Biola's specific accelerated concentrations in the Bible, Theology, and Ministry (BBTM) major. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Bible Exposition (BBBE), Biblical and Pastoral Ministry (BBPM), Divinity (BBDV), New Testament (BBNT), Old Testament (BBOT), Pastoral Care and Counseling (BBPC), Philosophy (BBPH), or Theology (BBTH); and Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 3.