Bible

How does a boy build an ethical framework from which to make decisions in everyday life? What does the archaeological dig at Ephesus or a tomb artifact from Giza reveal about the culture and values of early civilizations? What are the basic belief systems of the world’s major religions?

The boys in McCallie’s Bible classes learn how to “wrestle with angels” as they discuss how to make decisions in the context of faith when faced with the complexity and ambiguity of daily life. Biblical Archaeology students discover the relationship between history and the Bible, as they practice the methodology of archaeology or try their hand at creating a modern day artifact and then connect it to the art, architecture, culture, and history of Middle Eastern civilizations. The essential questions which all religions seek to address are the basis of the study of World Religions. Boys discuss the scriptures, traditions and backgrounds of the major monotheistic religions and the major eastern religion in order to understand both their own faith traditions and the faith traditions of others.

As students examine theological, ethical, and historical questions, they also learn to think analytically, listen and respond respectfully to a variety of perspectives and opinions, and share their responses creatively through projects, presentations, and debates.

Courses

BIB120 - New Testament

Course Title:
BIB120 New Testament

Course Description:
The course will provide an introduction to the Gospel writings, Paul and other Epistles. Matthew through Revelation will be covered, examining critical, historical, cultural, and theological issues, along with a summary of Apocryphal literature. The class will attempt to offer awareness, understanding, and context of the major parables and acts related in the Bible. Students would learn about the Bible's compilation and meaning through history. Semester course. Grades: 10-11

BIB130 - Introduction to Biblical Ethics

Course Title:
BIB130 Introduction to Biblical Ethics

Course Description:
This course is a study of the nature, methods and application of Biblical ethics to the world in which we live. "Biblical ethics" refers to ethical behaviors based on the principles and examples from the Bible, especially the New Testament. Students will explore moral and ethical decision-making, the principles of morality found in the Bible, and the application of those principles to the great environmental, public policy and personal issues of our time. Students will employ critical thinking and research tools as they explore these issues within the context of the Bible and faith. This class required a formal research paper. This class is prerequisite to all other classes in the Bible department. Grades: 10-11

Academic Goals:

Students will gain a basic knowledge of Biblical ethical decision-making with regards to:
1. The goals, motives and issues that confront the 21st century
2. The theological and character resources available and required.
3. Biblical standards and principles.
Students will gain a basic knowledge of the methods of traditional and computer research and text analysis.
Students will learn to work in a cooperative environment on a variety of group projects.
Students will learn a variety of research skills through a final exegesis paper.
Students will create a research paper accomplishing specific goals in well-defined stages.
Students will complete short writing assignments on a number of topics.
Students will develop persistence in accomplishing specific goals.
Students will learn to apply a variety of thinking strategies in solving problems posed by class discussion and reading.
Students will develop a cooperative mindset in order to solve problems within a group environment.
Students will develop respect for the conclusions of others, especially those with whom they disagree.
Students will develop a polite and cordial manner with their classmates and the teacher.
Students will learn to critically evaluate data to determine its quality

Instructional Methods:

Students will read portions of the Bible and handouts.
Students will engage in a number of structured group assignments.
Students will learn the basics of both Internet searching and the use of search strategies using a variety of search engines.
Students will complete short writing assignments on a number of topics.
Students will students will take periodic quizzes and tests.
Students will produce a final research paper in well-defined stages.
1. Choose a research paper topic from approved list.
2. Research and write a rough draft.
3. Turn in a 1st final draft that will be critiqued by the teacher.
4. Turn in a working draft that will be teachers edited and critiqued.
5. Turn in a final revised draft that will function as the final exam grade.

Evaluation:

Student reading will be evaluated using writing assignments, quizzes and tests.
Students will demonstrate responsibility in the timely completion of homework assignments.
The final paper is due during the last reporting period. The cumulative grade for that grading period will more heavily weighted than the others.

BIB410 - Seminar in World Religions

Course Title:
BIB410 Seminar in World Religions

Course Description:
Humans have sought to connect with God from the beginning of time in almost every cultural setting. This class will explore archaeology, anthropology, history, art, sociology, and theology as it seeks answers to some of the questions that have been at the heart of all religions. The major religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam will illustrate the heritage of the Fertile Crescent's monotheistic faiths. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism will illuminate the Eastern religious traditions. The course will also examine scripture, symbols, rituals, and the current sites considered sacred places. Students will express their own views and conclusions through papers, oral and multi-media presentations, debates, art projects and video productions. Semester Course. Grades: 11-12

Academic Goals:

Students will think about the quest of humans to connect with God.
Students will examine the connections of intellectual pursuits such as anthropology, theology, sociology, art, history, philosophy, ethics, morals, and archaeology to the formation of diverse faith perspectives.
Students will understand basic historical background of major religions.
Students will be tolerant of differing opinions.
Students will develop a faith perspective that the student owns and understands.
Students will practice the discipline of reading and writing reflections on topics related to the readings.
Students will move through the awkwardness of trying new ways of expression like writing, drama, film, PowerPoint, oral presentation, hands-on projects, and debates.
Students will understand the nature of sacred scripture, symbols, locations, and events as understood by different religions.
Students will develop research skills for finding the answers to questions relating to primary documents and contemporary scholars. These skills will require reading books, using the Internet, and conducting interviews.
Students will participate in class discussions and seek to articulate ideas and listen carefully to the ideas of others.

Instructional Methods:

Students will write at least one paper each week.
Students will lead a discussion based on questions from papers and research.
Students will produce several videos seeking to explain and interpret a concept.
Several film segments will be used to show how the film maker depicts concepts.
Formal debate of selected topics.
Art project recreating artifacts significant to the faith history.
Readings from text and handouts.
Guest lectures and formal presentations by teacher and students.
Final project.
Students will keep a journal for handouts, notes, short reflective writing exercises and questions. This will be a part of a student's grade.
Papers will be evaluated based on research skills, writing style, scholarly thought on the part of the writer to forward the topic and proper siting of sources.

Evaluation:

Papers will be graded.
Journal/notebook will be graded.
Student's participation in discussion, research, and projects will be critiqued.
PowerPoint presentation on archaeological excavation will be graded.
Final project will count 20 percent of course grade.

BIB415 - Life Worth Living

BIB415 Life Worth Living

What does it mean for a life to go well? What would it look like for a life to be lived well? In other words, what kind of life is worth desiring? We will explore these questions through engagement with the lives and visions of religious and philosophical traditions, both modem and ancient. Readings and engagement with other forms of media will permit us to consider other answers that we do and do not finding compelling. This course will be focused on classroom discussions, not lectures. The goal is not to convince you of any particular answer to these big questions. It is, instead, to prompt you to think about your answers and how these may guide your life decisions on a daily and longer term basis.

Semester Course. Grade: 11-12

Meet the Faculty

David Eastman

Titles: Sherrill Chair of Bible

Degrees: B.A., The Ohio State University
M.Litt., University of St. Andrews
D.E.A., Université de Poitiers
M.A., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Yale University

Email:

Jim Suddath

Titles: Caldwell Chair of Christian Ethics

Degrees: B.S., Duke University
M.Div., Columbia Biblical Seminary

Email:

Dan Wadley

Titles: Bible Teacher

Email: