Our world desperately needs the Church to be rooted in His Word, trusting God and knowing that our identity rests in Him.
The Bible is the primary way God communicates about who He is. But research has shown that studying the Bible alone does not result in a transformed Christian life. Rather, spiritual transformation comes through interacting with Scripture in a relational way—reflecting, meditating, contemplating. That's what truly enhances our relationship with God and transforms us into His image.
That's what you'll find at Taylor. We have uniquely brought together academic study and the relational reading of Scripture: Scripture Engagement.
Taylor is a pioneer in Scripture Engagement, having founded the Center for Scripture Engagement in 2009. Integrating faith and learning not only complements academic pursuits and spiritual formation, but further aligns with our mission to develop servant-leaders. Starting Fall 2023, all incoming students will learn and practice Scripture Engagement through a dedicated minor (17 credits) as part of Taylor's Foundational Core requirements.
The Center produces in-depth research on Scripture Engagement, diagnostic surveys for ministries and individuals, training on Scripture Engagement practices, and resources.
Learn MoreStudents interested in course descriptions and academic policies can check out our Undergraduate Catalog.
A Taylor liberal arts education will prepare you to live and work in a fast-changing world. It also goes a step further: laying a strong spiritual foundation that cultivates wisdom. You’ll become a well-versed individual, equipped with critical thinking skills, a lifelong love of learning, and an appreciation for God’s creation.
These classes show how Scripture Engagement brings the academic study of the Bible to life. As you move through the classes, various tools and techniques build, cultivating a deep sense of wisdom and understanding of the Bible.
Foundations of the Christian Liberal Arts
You’ll be introduced to the Christian liberal arts, the integration of faith and learning, and Scripture Engagement—what it is and why it's critical to our spiritual formation. Practice Scripture engagement techniques in groups led by upperclassmen.
Biblical Literature I and II
As you go through an overview of the Old and New Testaments in these classes, you are encouraged towards reflective prayerful engagement with specific passages through the Scripture engagement practices of Lectio Divina and Praying Scripture.
Historic Christian Belief
In this survey of Christian beliefs, Scripture engagement is incorporated through signature assignments, Scripture memorization, and meditation on key doctrinal passages.
Contemporary Christian Belief
This class focuses on the engagement of Christian faith with contemporary culture and what it means to live a compelling Christian life. Process Bible passages relevant to class using Scripture engagement practices.
Senior Seminar
This integrative interdisciplinary class is focused on understanding biblical wisdom, desiring wisdom, and knowing God’s character. Scripture engagement techniques of journaling and music to meditate on passages are used in conjunction with hymns of the faith.
Keegan Mattheson
Class of 2023
“Before I was exposed to Scripture Engagement, I read the Bible to learn and grow as a person. Now, I read my Bible in a relational way: I read so I can love my Father more deeply.”
Contact
May Young
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Contact
Elissa Bennett
Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department Program Assistant
