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As a Biblical Literature major, you'll look deeper into the Bible through self-discovered learning with the guidance of experienced faculty members.

Biblical Literature

Major/Minor

Understanding & Interpreting Biblical Texts

The Biblical Literature major is designed for students who desire a deep understanding of the foundation of the Christian faith. Students in the program study biblical texts and explore various approaches to understanding them. Majors and minors in Biblical Literature become informed and observant interpreters of biblical passages as they learn to draw upon theological, historical, linguistic, and literary insights for richer, more complete understandings of texts. A major in Biblical Literature is a strong choice for students whose interests and strengths intersect in areas related to interpreting biblical texts, appreciating the wisdom and power of theological truths, supporting spiritual growth in themselves and others, and understanding how the Bible addresses important questions for our world.

Whether you plan to pursue full-time ministry or simply desire a deeper understanding of Scripture to integrate into your life and career, the Biblical Literature major prepares you to think about, write about, discuss, apply, and teach biblical passages from Scripture. You will learn how the overall biblical story fits together and gives meaning to all aspects of life and human history—from Creation, to the Fall, to redemption through Jesus Christ.

Get on track for these careers

  • Missionary
  • Bible Teacher
  • Chaplain
  • Senior Pastor
  • Youth Pastor
  • Worship Leader
  • Children's Pastor
  • Associate Minister
  • Community Life Pastor
  • Spiritual Development Pastor
Two students talking and doing homework in the Larita Boren Campus Center
Learn Biblical Languages

Students majoring in Biblical Literature can take Greek or Hebrew classes to meet the Bachelor of Arts foreign language requirement. Studying the Bible in its original languages helps you appreciate the rich texture and meaning of Scripture like never before. Taking two years of either language almost always counts toward at least one year of the language for a seminary program and is excellent preparation for other graduate school opportunities in Biblical Studies and related fields.

Two students studying in the Euler Atrium
Minor in Biblical Literature

The Biblical Literature minor provides a balanced curriculum covering classes in both the Old and New Testament, with all of the theological and practical wisdom that can be gleaned from these different sections of Scripture. The Biblical Literature minor allows students to be intentional about the integration of faith and biblical truth to their primary field of study. If you want a deeper study of the Bible with a view towards its relevance to all of life and learning, the minor in Biblical Literature is a great addition.

Girl riding a camel
Introduction to Holy Land Studies J-Term Trip

This Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries & Philosophy trip is based on the campus of Jerusalem University and throughout the Holy Land. Travel to Galilee and visit the traditional locations of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Explore famous biblical towns like Bethlehem (home of David and birthplace of Jesus), Beersheba (key location for Abraham), Nazareth, Caesarea Philippi (near the location of the Mount of Transfiguration), and Caesarea Maritima (where Paul was imprisoned before his trip to Rome). This January term course is offered to fulfill a foundational Bible credit or as a Bible elective.

Pair of students looking over a Greek landscape
Footsteps of Paul J-Term Trip

This three-week trip to Greece and Italy during J-Term covers a core Bible credit. The trip focuses on Paul’s letters to various churches either sent to or from cities in Greece and Italy during his second and third missionary journeys. Students visit key sites including Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, and Rome.

Clayton Wright
Class of 2020
"There is no doubt in my mind that the time I spent studying the basics of Biblical Greek, Greek grammar, and Greek exegesis did more to advance my facility with biblical studies than any other single course sequence. There is simply no substitute for working with the Greek text with one’s own heart and mind. Know that you are receiving some of the highest quality training available, that your ability to think God’s thoughts after Him will be enhanced, and that your teaching and preaching will be immeasurably improved."

Biblical Literature Curriculum & Degree Options

Students interested in course descriptions and academic policies can check out our Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberal Arts Foundational Core

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.

View Foundational Core Curriculum.

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Professor teaching from a chair outside

Exploring God’s Word

The Biblical Literature major moves far beyond the foundational Bible courses that all students take at Taylor. Majors look deeper into particular sections of Scripture using an approach of self-discovered learning under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. You will learn about the historicity and formation of the Bible while studying passages within their historical and cultural contexts and applying them faithfully to a variety of current settings.

The major begins with an Inductive Study of the Bible class that will give you great tools for observing, interpreting, applying, and teaching the Bible across the different genres of Scripture. You will then take classes in specific sections of the Bible, such as the Gospels and Pentateuch, with a focus on getting immersed in the world, content, and theology of these parts of Scripture.

In your senior year, a Biblical Theology class will help you explore the Bible’s most important recurring themes across the Old and New Testaments, while the Biblical Capstone class will allow you to interact with the most relevant and challenging issues in biblical studies today.

Pursuing Your Calling

A major in Biblical Literature stands alone as a strong degree for students with well-formed plans for teaching or ministry, but it is also structured so students can pursue a secondary major in a number of different areas. This allows students to go into a variety of different fields after graduation and bring thoughtful expertise in multiple areas into their careers. Common double-majors include pairing with Christian Ministries, Youth Ministry, or Philosophy. Some students have also added majors or minors in History, International Studies, English, Psychology, or Professional Writing.

The Biblical Literature degree, on its own or combined with other majors or minors, prepares you to minister the power of the gospel in a broken world in whatever career path you follow. Some Biblical Literature graduates use their degree combinations as valuable preparation for seminary or graduate school, or to pursue further training in mentor-focused church residency programs.

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