The acronym BIFL can strike fear into the hearts of many Bethel College students. Simply because they stand for the class entitled Basic Issues of Faith and Life, an upper-level course required for graduation by all Bethel students. BIFL is a class that provides an opportunity for students to explore a variety of issues through coursework, class discussions, and thought-provoking texts. All Bethel students are required to take the course. This allows each class to have a mix of students from a variety of majors and gives BIFL a unique blend of perspectives.
Students explore two main texts throughout the course.
One is a Biblical text, such as the book of Acts. The other main text is selected each year by the BIFL instructors with input from the broader faculty. Following class discussions, tests, and essays, students are required to articulate their knowledge of the texts in an oral interview with Bethel faculty members. These oral exams have become almost legendary among Bethel students, yet according to Jody Schmidt, senior from Peabody, they really aren't that frightening. BIFL in its current form has only existed at Bethel for six years.