Various methods are used to study doctrinal, ethical, philosophical, and social issues which appear in religions of the West and the East, of ancient and modern times. Students are required to take Old Testament in Grade 7, New Testament in Grade 9, and one elective in either Grade 11 or 12. See Graduation Requirements . This course concentrates on a careful, informed reading of selected portions of the Old Testament.
Emphasis is given to the historical context of the stories and their development.
The life and teachings of Jesus, the ministry of Paul, and the development of early Christianity comprise the three main areas of study in this course. Concentration is on careful reading and analysis of the Bible, and this is supplemented with readings and discussion about theological, ethical, and historical background of the New Testament. This course studies the basis of ethics in Western culture. An evaluation of the major ethical systems in the first quarter of the semester is followed in the second quarter by practical analysis of current values and problems. The emphasis of this course is placed on the important thinkers who have essentially shaped Christian thinking the West.