BIBLE DEPARTMENT
9TH GRADE
CTS I: Hermeneutics
Synopsis: This class will provide the necessary tools for learning how to read the Bible properly. Students will learn how to properly recognize and read the many different genres utilized in Biblical Literature as well as discern the historical/cultural contexts of any Biblical text for the purpose of proper and accurate interpretation. Upon completion of CTS I students should be able to identify the immediate context intended by the authors, discern the timeless theological principles intended for today and apply them appropriately.
Biblical Books: As part of the Hermeneutics course, students will go through these Biblical books with a fine-toothed comb: 1 and 2 Timothy (letter), Mark (gospel), Genesis (Narrative), Deuteronomy (Law), Psalms (Selections; Poetry), Amos (prophet), Proverbs (Selections; Wisdom), Revelation (Apocalyptic)
Textbook: Grasping God’s Word
CTS II: NT Theology
Synopsis: Rather than a general survey of the New Testament, this class will give attention to NT Backgrounds and the reliability of the NT. Students will be given an in-depth look at textual criticism and the origin of the Christian Bible as well as units on the verbal inspiration of the New Testament, the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, and the Biblical canon among others.
Matthew, Luke, and John will be explored in detail, resulting in all four gospels covered in the full year of freshman Bible.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand why the origin of the Bible matters to their life and faith, defend the authority and inspiration of the Bible, and identify why the false gospels that arose in the first centuries and beyond cannot be considered Scripture.
Biblical Books: Matthew, Luke, John
Supplemental Resources: Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter J. Williams; Who is Jesus (9Marks) by Greg Gilbert
10TH GRADE
CTS III: Systematic Theology
Synopsis: CTS III will delve into the historic roots of the Christian faith by focusing on theology proper and Biblical doctrine. Students will take a systematic and topical approach to doctrines such as justification, sanctification, and glorification. Throughout the course students will study material ranging from the sacraments, to ecclesiology, to eschatology. This study will help connect the orthodox and historical faith to their life by assessing and identifying the doctrinal stance of their local churches and the importance of solid Biblical theology. It will include an exegetical study of Romans.
Biblical Book: Romans
Supplemental Books: Bible Doctrines by Wayne Grudem; Everyone’s A Theologian by R.C. Sproul
CTS IV: Practical Theology
Synopsis: CTS IV will build on CTS III by focusing on the application of Christian doctrines. Special treatment will be given to the book of James as well as wisdom literature as students learn how to practice and exercise their faith and doctrinal beliefs. This class will help develop a bridge between the academic elements of doctrine and the practical application of Biblical principles and wisdom.
Biblical Books: James, Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job)
Supplemental Books: Holiness by J.C. Ryle
11TH GRADE
CTS V: Apologetics
Course Title: Apologetics: Defending the faith in post-Christian America
Synopsis: This course is designed to challenge and inspire students to examine their own beliefs about Christianity and to equip them to engage non-believers with the truth that is suppressed, but plain to unbelievers. (Romans 1:18). A special emphasis will be placed on the Western perspective. Christian students will find the material edifying and challenging as they work out their own salvation (Phil 2:12). Non-Christians that may be in the class will be challenged to think deeply about their objections to Christianity. Students will read C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity a part of an overview of the apologetic task. Both methods of apologetics (Presuppositionalism and Evidentialism) will be taught and demonstrated throughout the year.
Course Objectives: If the objectives are met, students will be able to identify the most common objections to Christianity, they will be able to respond with appropriate Scripture to defend the Christian position, and they will begin (or continue) engaging their community to spread the gospel.
Textbook: Every Believer Confident by Mark J.Farnham (Presuppositionalism), Understanding the Faith (Evidentialism)
Biblical Book: Hebrews
Supplemental Book: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
CTS VI: Church History
Synopsis: The Introduction to Church History course will explore two units: A) Paul’s missionary journeys with special attention given to the book of Acts, Colossians and his journeys to Rome and Spain. And B) 5 major points in the timeline of the church: Clement, Augustine & Early Church theology, Where Catholicism went wrong, the Reformation and Modern Church History. Once a week (Wednesdays) we will spend time looking at historical “heroes” of the faith in the five minutes in the church history book.
Course Objectives: If this course meets its objectives, students will have an accurate and historical view of the development and importance of the church and will gain a desire to contribute to the ongoing mission of the church.
Supplemental Books: 5 Minutes in Church History by Stephen J Nichols
Students will also be required to read and respond to a Christian biography or autobiography as a capstone to the course.
The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd (The Swans Are Not Silent series) by John Piper; Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton
12TH GRADE
CTS VII: Worldview and Cultural Studies I
Synopsis: The goal of all spiritual formation is worship. This study will build upon the liturgical contents and literary element of the Psalms. Special attention will be given to the position and plight of man in his struggle for peace, fulfillment, and rest in a broken world. The Book of the Twelve will provide the backdrop for what Biblical justice looks like as it garnishes our worship.
Books: Psalms, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude
Supplemental Books: Attributes of God: Arthur Pink; On the Road with Saint Augustine by James K.A. Smith
CTS VIII: Worldview and Cultural Studies II
Synopsis: This culminating class will revisit many previously covered topics as students begin to anticipate what it will look like for them to engage with the world as followers of Jesus Christ. Students will be presented with many modern cultural issues ranging from identity, sexual ethics, Biblical justice, and learn to how to apply a Biblical perspective and authority as an antithesis to the options the world offers. Students will also analyze progressive shifts in western Christianity and learn to sift through theological nuance. It will culminate with a capstone project.
Biblical Books: All 12 Minor Prophets
Supplemental Books (possibilities): The Call by Os Guinness; Journal
Culminating Project: Capstone