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Christianity Through Its Scriptures

Christianity is a global religion. From modest beginnings 2,000 years ago, it has grown to encompass nearly a third of the human population. Diverse in languages, cultures, histories and creeds, Christians nonetheless share a common collection of sacred scripture called the Bible.

This religion course introduces you to the Bible and its scripture and asks the questions:

What are the contents, languages, and forms of Bibles in various times and places?
How have Christians lived out their stories and teachings?
How does Christian history reflect the contested and varied uses of scripture—in the ancient Roman world where Christianity began, in its spread through European and American colonialism, in the diverse forms it takes in varied locations around the globe?

You will begin to explore these questions and others while learning about the content and interpretations of these sacred texts.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

What’s in the bible, the book containing the sacred scriptures of christians.
An overview of contents with a focus on diverse interpretations of well-known passages.

Exploration of select themes, such as how christians approach diversity, attitudes toward non-christian traditions, existential questions of suffering and violence, the encounter with modern science, the roles of women, liturgical time and pilgrimage.

What’s in the bible, the book containing the sacred scriptures of christians.
An overview of contents with a focus on diverse interpretations of well-known passages.
Exploration of select themes, such as how christians approach diversity, attitudes toward non-christian traditions, existential questions of suffering and violence, the encounter with modern science, the roles of women, liturgical time and pilgrimage.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those who wish to learn about religious studies, biblical studies, Christian history, theology, or the history of the Bible

Introduces students to the Bible as sacred scripture, exploring its contents and diverse interpretations

Explores Christian history, shedding light on the varied uses of scripture in the ancient Roman world and beyond

Provides insights into how Christians approach diversity, engage with non-Christian traditions, and grapple with existential questions

Led by instructors with expertise in Christian history and biblical studies, Karen L. King and Sarah Griffis

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Reviews summary

Bible history and christianity

Learners say Christianity Through Its Scriptures is largely well-received. Students describe the content as including basic information about the Bible and the history of Christianity. Most students found the content engaging. However, some students wish that more time could be spent on certain topics.

Provides insights into how Christianity became a global religion.

"It is interesting to note where Christianity as a religion originated from and how it traversed to become a global religion that a third of world population embraces."

Covers fundamental info on the Bible and the evolution of Christianity

"The course familiarized one to basic information about the Bible and how it is being practiced at different times and places."

"I would like to take the course as I didn't complete it. It was very interesting and gave me answers to many questions I have had."

"It is good for anyone wanting to know more about the behavior of people at that time."

Some topics could be further expanded

"I would like to get access to the course again because I had reached the really deep part."

"T It is good for anyone wanting to know more about the behavior of people at that time."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Christianity Through Its Scriptures with these activities:

Review Biblical hermeneutics

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Review the background knowledge of how to interpret biblical texts in order to better engage with the content and readings in the course.

Browse courses on Hermeneutics

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Read a book or article on hermeneutics
Attend a lecture or workshop on hermeneutics
Practice interpreting biblical texts using different hermeneutical methods

Read: 'The History of Christianity' by Diarmaid MacCulloch

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Gain a comprehensive overview of the history of Christianity and its major figures, events, and theological developments through a detailed and well-respected text.

View Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Set aside dedicated reading time
Read each chapter carefully and take notes

Volunteer at a local church

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Engage with the practical side of Christian faith and community involvement by volunteering at a local church, offering support and participating in various activities.

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Contact a local church and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Choose a volunteer role that aligns with your interests and skills
Attend volunteer training and orientation

Four other activities

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Discussion group: Biblical passages

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Engage in discussions with peers to explore and deepen understanding of specific biblical passages and their interpretations, fostering critical thinking and perspectives.

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Meet with a group of peers
Choose a biblical passage to discuss
Prepare for the discussion by reading the passage and doing some research
Discuss the passage and share insights

Create: Timeline of Christian history

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Organize and present key events and developments in Christian history on a timeline, reinforcing understanding of chronology and historical connections.

Browse courses on Christian History

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Research and identify major events in Christian history
Select an appropriate timeline format
Create a visual representation of the timeline

Research project: Christian history

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Conduct deep research into a specific topic or era in Christian history in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic and its relevance to the broader course material.

Browse courses on Christian History

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Choose a research topic
Gather resources and conduct research
Develop a thesis statement
Write a research paper or create a multimedia presentation

Presentation: Biblical Interpretation Project

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Develop and deliver a presentation on a specific biblical passage, demonstrating understanding of hermeneutics, exegetical methods, and the ability to present complex ideas effectively.

Browse courses on Biblical Interpretation

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Choose a biblical passage for exegesis
Conduct thorough research and exegesis on the passage
Develop a presentation outline
Create visual aids and materials for the presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Christianity Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Museum curator

Museum Curators care for objects that are part of a museum's collection. They also provide educational and public outreach programs. Religious museums often contain important artifacts and religious texts, and might benefit from an understanding of the history and practices of Christianity. A deeper understanding of the Bible, as one of the historic foundations of Christianity, may help a Museum Curator better care for and contextualize artifacts and texts in their museum's collection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. Many historians study specific geographic regions, historic periods, or social and cultural movements. An understanding of Christianity and its scriptures allows a Historian to better understand the beliefs and practices of a major world religion, which can then be used to inform their research and writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Archivist

Archivists acquire, preserve, and provide access to historical documents and artifacts. Many archives contain religious texts and artifacts, including Bibles. A deeper understanding of Christian scripture and practices may help an Archivist better contextualize materials in their collection and provide more meaningful access to researchers and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. An understanding of the role of religion in human societies, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to cultural and social Anthropologists.

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Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious truth. They examine religious texts, traditions, and practices in order to understand and explain the beliefs and practices of a particular religion. A deep understanding of Christian scripture is an essential foundation for Theologians, and this course will help you build that foundation.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They examine the structure of groups, organizations, and institutions, and how they affect individual behavior and social change. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Sociologists.

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Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach courses on religion, including its history, practices, and beliefs. They may also conduct research on religious topics. A deep understanding of Christian scripture is an essential foundation for Religious Studies Professors, and this course will help you build that foundation.

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Minister

Ministers provide religious and spiritual guidance to individuals and communities. They lead worship services, perform marriages and funerals, and provide counseling and support. A deep understanding of Christian scripture is essential for Ministers, and this course will help you build that foundation.

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Missionary

Missionaries travel to other countries to spread their religious beliefs and practices. They may also provide humanitarian aid and social services. A deep understanding of Christian scripture is essential for Missionaries, and this course will help you build that foundation.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. They may also be responsible for fundraising, public relations, and marketing. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Nonprofit Managers.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Journalists.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Lawyers.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver lessons to students in a variety of settings. They may teach a variety of subjects, such as English, Math, Science, or History. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can help Teachers provide a more well-rounded education to their students.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Social Workers.

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Counselor

Counselors provide guidance and support to people who are experiencing personal problems. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or couples. An understanding of the role of religion in society, and particularly the history and practices of Christianity, can be a major asset to Counselors.

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Reading list

We've selected 43 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Christianity Through Its Scriptures.

The End of the Church?

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Bible. It includes essays by leading scholars on a wide range of topics, including the Bible's history, literature, and theology.

Christianity Through Its Scriptures

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Bible history and christianity

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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