We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Scripture

Scripture is a body of sacred texts or writings that are considered authoritative and foundational within a particular religious tradition. It is often believed to be divinely inspired or revealed and provides guidance and teachings on matters of faith, morality, and practice. Studying Scripture can offer numerous benefits, including promoting religious literacy, enhancing understanding of different religious perspectives, and providing a foundation for personal and professional development.

Read more

Scripture is a body of sacred texts or writings that are considered authoritative and foundational within a particular religious tradition. It is often believed to be divinely inspired or revealed and provides guidance and teachings on matters of faith, morality, and practice. Studying Scripture can offer numerous benefits, including promoting religious literacy, enhancing understanding of different religious perspectives, and providing a foundation for personal and professional development.

Types of Scripture

There are various types of Scripture found across different religious traditions:

  • Bible: The Christian Scripture, consisting of the Old and New Testaments
  • Tanakh (Old Testament): The Jewish Scripture, comprising the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings)
  • Qur'an: The Islamic Scripture, believed to be the direct word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
  • Vedas: The Hindu Scriptures, a collection of ancient texts that form the foundation of Hinduism
  • Tripitaka: The Buddhist Scriptures, containing the Buddha's teachings and the history of Buddhism

Understanding Scripture:

Understanding Scripture requires a multifaceted approach:

  • Historical and Cultural Context: Exploring the historical and cultural background of the texts can provide insights into their intended meaning and relevance.
  • Literary Analysis: Analyzing Scripture using literary techniques can reveal its structure, themes, and literary devices.
  • Theological Interpretation: Interpreting Scripture through the lens of religious tradition and theology can provide a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance.

Why Study Scripture?

Studying Scripture offers numerous benefits:

  • Religious Literacy: Scripture is essential for understanding the beliefs, practices, and values of different religious traditions.
  • Academic Enrichment: Scriptural studies can enhance knowledge of history, literature, and philosophy.
  • Personal Development: Scripture can provide guidance, inspiration, and a framework for personal growth.
  • Career Opportunities: Expertise in Scripture can open doors to careers in religious leadership, education, counseling, and more.

Careers Related to Scripture

Careers related to Scripture include:

  • Clergy and Religious Leaders: Ministers, priests, rabbis, and imams guide their congregations, interpret Scripture, and provide spiritual support.
  • Religious Educators: Teachers in seminaries, universities, and religious schools share knowledge of Scripture and its teachings.
  • Counselors and Therapists: Scripture can be used as a tool for counseling and providing support to individuals in need.
  • Biblical Scholars: Researchers and academics study Scripture, its history, and its impact on society.
  • Religious Writers: Authors, journalists, and bloggers specialize in writing about Scripture and its relevance to contemporary life.

Online Courses on Scripture

Online courses provide a convenient and accessible way to study Scripture. These courses offer various benefits:

  • Flexibility and Convenience: Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
  • Expert Instructors: Courses are often taught by experienced scholars and practitioners in the field.
  • Interactive Learning: Discussions, projects, and quizzes enhance engagement and understanding.
  • Skill Development: Courses can equip learners with critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Whether as a means of personal enrichment or professional development, studying Scripture offers a valuable opportunity to deepen knowledge, broaden perspectives, and foster spiritual growth. Online courses provide a flexible and accessible path towards this pursuit.

Path to Scripture

Take the first step.
We've curated two courses to help you on your path to Scripture. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Scripture: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 25 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 Scripture.
This comprehensive handbook provides a wide-ranging overview of the Bible, covering its history, literature, interpretation, and reception. Written by leading scholars in the field, it is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in studying the Bible.
The Torah is the central religious text of Judaism. It is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and it contains the laws and teachings of God. Studying the Torah can provide a deep understanding of the Jewish faith and its history.
The Bhagavad Gita 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic poem Mahabharata. It dialogue between the god Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, and it covers a wide range of topics, including ethics, dharma, and the nature of reality. Studying the Bhagavad Gita can provide a deep understanding of Hinduism and its philosophy.
This companion volume offers a comprehensive overview of the Bible, covering its history, literature, and interpretation. Written by leading scholars in the field, it is an accessible and informative resource for students and general readers alike.
This companion volume offers a comprehensive overview of the Bible, covering its history, literature, and interpretation. Written by leading scholars in the field, it is an accessible and informative resource for students and general readers alike.
This annotated Bible offers a wealth of resources for studying the Bible, including extensive notes, maps, and charts. It valuable resource for students, pastors, and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the Bible.
The Dhammapada collection of Buddhist teachings in verse form. It is one of the most popular Buddhist texts, and it provides a deep understanding of the Buddha's teachings on ethics, meditation, and the nature of reality.
This study Bible offers a wealth of resources for studying the Bible, including extensive notes, maps, and charts. It valuable resource for students, pastors, and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the Bible.
The Tao Te Ching short but profound book of Chinese philosophy. It is attributed to the sage Laozi, and it provides a deep understanding of the Taoist philosophy of non-action and harmony with the natural world.
This study Bible offers a Catholic perspective on the Bible, with notes and commentary from leading Catholic scholars. It valuable resource for students, pastors, and anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic interpretation of the Bible.
This study Bible offers a Jewish perspective on the Bible, with notes and commentary from leading Jewish scholars. It valuable resource for students, pastors, and anyone who wants to learn more about the Jewish interpretation of the Bible.
The Upanishads are a collection of Hindu philosophical texts. They are part of the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, and they provide a deep understanding of the Upanishadic philosophy of the nature of reality and the self.
Provides an overview of the history of the Bible. It valuable resource for students and anyone who wants to learn more about the Bible's history.
The Zend Avesta is the central religious text of Zoroastrianism. It collection of hymns, prayers, and rituals, and it provides a deep understanding of the Zoroastrian faith and its history.
Provides an overview of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It valuable resource for students and anyone who wants to learn more about these ancient manuscripts.
Provides an overview of the Septuagint. It valuable resource for students and anyone who wants to learn more about this ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
The Book of Mormon is the central religious text of the Latter Day Saint movement. It collection of religious texts that were translated by Joseph Smith from golden plates that he claimed to have found buried in a hill in New York. Studying the Book of Mormon can provide a deep understanding of the Latter Day Saint faith and its history.
The Pseudepigrapha collection of religious texts that were written during the Second Temple period but are not included in the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament. These texts were written in the name of biblical figures, and they provide a deep understanding of the religious beliefs and practices of the Jewish people during that time.
The Apocrypha collection of religious texts that are not included in the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament. These texts were written during the Second Temple period, and they provide a deep understanding of the religious beliefs and practices of the Jewish people during that time.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of religious texts that were discovered in Qumran, Israel, in the 1940s and 1950s. These texts provide a deep understanding of the Jewish community that lived in Qumran during the Second Temple period.
The Nag Hammadi Library collection of early Christian texts that were discovered in Egypt in 1945. These texts provide a deep understanding of the early Christian church and its diverse beliefs and practices.
The Oxyrhynchus Papyri are a collection of ancient texts that were discovered in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These texts provide a deep understanding of the religious beliefs and practices of the people who lived in Egypt during the Greco-Roman period.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser