[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]
Old Testament I: Genesis & Exodus (Grade 6)
Old Testament 1 focuses on the first two books of the Bible: Genesis and Exodus. Beginning with an examination of creation, students study the power of God as the Creator and how mankind was made in His image. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to identify with biblical personalities and situations and will be challenged to become better people of God. Old Testament 1 is required for all grade six students.
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Old Testament II: Conquest to Captivity (Grade 7)
Conquest to Captivity provides an in-depth look at the Old Testament, starting with the conquest of Canaan (the “Promised Land”) and concluding with the prophets. The course will provide knowledge of Old Testament characters and events; and an understanding that this history is a coherent whole, reflecting God‘s ongoing redemptive love for His people. Old Testament II is required for all grade seven students.
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Life and Teachings of Jesus (Grade 8)
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 eight students.
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Acts & the Epistles (Grade 9)
Acts and the Epistles analyzes the spread of Christianity and the theology of the New Testament. Students will study biblical geography and chronology and use commentaries and dictionaries to examine the ancient literary and historical setting as well as the theological message of an epistle. Acts and the Epistles is required for all grade nine students.
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Christian Theology & Practice (Grade 10)
Christian Theology and Practice delves into the study of world religions, apologetics, and the early history and theological development of Christianity. Students become equipped to understand how the Christian faith as it interacts with the world and to evaluate Christianity as a coherent belief-system (rather than simply a matter of personal piety). Christian Theology and Practice is required for all grade ten students.
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Topics in Christianity (Grade 11)
Topics in Christianity presents Christianity as a credible, coherent belief-system in the midst of an unbelieving world. Some of the subject areas explored are apologetics, worldview issues, world religions, and ethics. The goal of this course is to help prepare students to face and discuss definitive issues in a remarkably diverse postmodern culture. Topics in Christianity is required for all grade eleven students.
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Senior Synthesis: Christianity and Culture (Grade 12)
In Senior Synthesis: Christianity and Culture, grade twelve students develop, research and write a paper on a topic pertaining to the relationship between religion and modern culture. Students meet weekly as a class as well as on a regular basis individually with their teacher. Following the semester of research, students present their papers at an open symposium where several collegiate and university professors assess the research and presentation of the selected topics. Senior Synthesis is required for all grade twelve students.
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