C15. How to Read the Bible

The Bible is the most read book in Western civilization and the foundational document of faith for the Christian religion. It is not a single book, but a collection of 66 books (more according to Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believers) written over a period of 1200 years. Originally written in the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages, it has been translated into hundreds of different languages around the world. Those who hold to the sacredness of scripture and its inspiration by God usually find many of its stories and teachings confusing. This course will explore a helpful way to approach the Bible, so it ceases to be puzzling or intimidating, but instead yields coherent and comforting messages. We will explore the redemptive focus of the Bible, the nature of its authority, its interpretation in the context of the nature of truth and the findings of higher criticism. We will also review a summary of the individual books of the Bible, their author and date.

ZOOM LINK: Available on website to paid and registered members

CLASS LIMIT: 95

INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian is the Intentional Interim Pastor of the Federated Church of Charlton. He most recently completed 20 years of service as the Senior Pastor of Park Congregational Church in Worcester. He has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Vrije Universiteit and taught courses at Redeemer College in Ontario, Dordt College in Iowa and Worcester State U.  

REQUIRED BOOK: The Bible in one of the following translations: King James Version (KJV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New International Version (NIV), or the New American Standard Bible (NASB).