Religious Studies
Old Testament (1st Semester) & New Testament (1st Semester)
Grade 11, 1 Credit
Texts: The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith and Justice, Encountering Jesus in the New Testament, The Catholic Youth Bible
Course Description
This full year course introduces the student to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. By first studying the Pentateuch, historical books, Wisdom Literature, and prophetic books the students learn about the history of the Israelites from the time of Abraham to the time of Christ. In addition, the students will be introduced to the geography, politics, and social milieu of the Ancient Near East. Such an understanding of the Old Testament helps the students to experience a deeper meaning in the New Testament and in what it means to follow Jesus. Students will then study the books of the New Testament (with special emphasis on the gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and key Pauline epistles); the historical Jesus; the Church’s dogmatic teaching about Jesus as presented in the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”; the meaning of discipleship and how Jesus can be met in today’s world. By examining the development of the Israelites into a people of faith and the fulfillment of the original covenant in the person of Jesus (Salvation History), the students will be challenged to look at their own faith journey.
Course Objectives
After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop a first hand familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament
- Understand the social, political, and religious features of both the Old and New Testaments and how they influenced the creation of the Bible
- Develop a day-by-day method of reading Scripture critically and spiritually
- Appreciate the Bible as an integral part of the Church’s prayer, liturgy, history, and theology
- Develop “religious literacy” by learning certain key terms associated with the Bible