[biblical studies]
The Biblical Studies department instructs students in the theology and practice of the Christian faith. The curriculum provides them with tools to understand Christianity‘s intellectual, spiritual, and rational basis, to develop the ability to analyze modern cultural dilemmas, and to become agents of change in their communities. Students gain an understanding of the life and work of Jesus as a narrative that begins in Old Testament and continues to the present. In-depth studies of practical topics including Christian apologetics, world religions, and current events are used to develop and deepen students‘ biblical and spiritual understanding.
Faculty encourage students to take ownership of their faith intellectually and spiritually. The curriculum culminates in Senior Synthesis: Christianity and Culture in which students investigate a current issue, such as medical ethics, just war theory, and the disintegration of the nuclear family, from both a sociological and a biblical perspective. Students develop and defend a thesis that is presented before a panel of professors from Boston-area universities. The goal is not only for students to engage the culture intelligently but to inspire them to act within the culture as individuals grounded in faith.
The Association of Christian Schools International presented BTA with its Exemplary School Programs Award for the Senior Symposium and Synthesis.
[courses]
The Life and Teachings of Jesus (Grade 6)
The Life and Teachings of Jesus will help students learn to read the entire Bible as a single narrative, by focusing on the life and redeeming work of Jesus against the background of the Old Testament. Through an in-depth reading of the gospel of Luke, students will learn to read the Bible in its original context and begin to see its relevance for their lives. Students will see Jesus as the Messiah, who brings with him the kingdom of God – the promised blessed reign of God in the world. The course is designed to give students a clear and thorough understanding of the Gospel of Luke. Students will explore the life of Jesus and focus on his parables, sermons and relationship with his followers. Life and Teachings of Jesus is required for all grade six students.
back to the top
Old Testament I: Creation to Conquest (Grade 7)
The course is an introductory survey of the Old Testament, starting with Genesis and closing with the entrance of the Israelites into the Promised Land. Old Testament I focuses on the first six books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. Beginning with an examination of creation, students study the power and majesty of God as the Creator and how mankind was made in His divine image. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to see themselves in the personalities and events encountered and will be challenged to become better people of God. Old Testament 1 is required for all grade seven students.
back to the top
Old Testament II: Conquest to Captivity (Grade 8)
Conquest to Captivity provides an in-depth look at the Old Testament, starting with the conquest of Canaan (the “Promised Land”) and closing with the writings of the prophets. The course will provide a dual emphasis: knowledge of the stories concerning Old Testament characters and events together; and an understanding that this history is a coherent whole, reflecting God’s ongoing love for His people and grace toward them, even through terrible times. The course will also reflect on the promises concerning and need for a Savior for Israel and the world.
back to the top
Acts & the Epistles (Grade 9)
Acts and the Epistles analyzes the spread of Christianity following the ascension of Jesus Christ. The theological focus of redemption through Jesus Christ in the New Testament will be studied through Acts and the epistles of Galatians, I Corinthians, and James. Students will also explore basic issues of biblical hermeneutics and work to acquire the discipline of focused Bible reading and exegesis. Students will use the basic resources for Bible study, including the Bible and well-researched texts, in order to develop a better understanding of the historical setting and theological message of the New Testament. Acts and the Epistles is required for all grade nine students.
back to the top
Christian Belief in Context (Grade 10)
Christian Belief in Context is an exploration of the basic, ecumenical theology of the Christian Church through the study of the early Creeds and their historical and biblical
backgrounds, carried out against the backdrop of other religions and world views. Students will study the apologetic and theological work of authors such as C.S. Lewis in
order to gain a more comprehensive picture of “mere Christianity,” explore Christianity as a credible, coherent belief-system in the midst of an unbelieving world, with very real
implications for human life, both public and private. Christian Theology and Practice is required for all grade ten students.
back to the top
Topics in Christianity (Grade 11)
Topics in Christianity is the last Bible course to focus on learning in a classroom context, as opposed to research. It is intended to help students focus the biblical and theological
knowledge they have gained in previous courses in a practical way by means of exploring spiritual practice, world view issues, and ethics. Classic disciplines of Christianity
(notably public and private prayer, worship, and service of others) will also be studied, practiced, and discussed, allowing students to investigate Christianity as a comprehensive
way of life rather than simply as an intellectual system. Topics in Christianity is required for all grade eleven students.
back to the top
Senior Synthesis: Christianity and Culture (Grade 12)
Senior Synthesis: Christianity and Culture is primarily an independent research and writing course. Students will develop a research question on a topic pertaining to the
relationship between religion and modern culture, and students will write a synthesizing paper. Students work in conjunction with the teacher to develop, research, and write the paper based on standards that drive scholarly research. Following the semester of research, each student will present their paper at a symposium where a panel of scholars will assess each student on the research and presentation of their selected topic. Senior Synthesis is required for all grade twelve students.
back to the top