Course Description

An investigation of key issues in the study of the Old Testament with a focus on defending the truthfulness of the Old Testament. Focused attention will be given to the historicity of Old Testament narratives, issues in archaeology, and the compatibility of the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New Testament.

Please consult Liberty University for details on the requirements for this course.

Rationale

Since the Enlightenment, there has been a multitude of critics of the Bible and of the Old Testament especially. OBST 640 will provide a foundation for defending and trusting the God and history revealed within the pages of the Old Testament. Furthermore, OBST 640 will provide the opportunity for students to develop an effective understanding of the issues of an Old Testament apologetic.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify apologetic issues in current scholarship that pertain to the Old Testament.
2. Analyze the validity of criticism aimed at the historicity of the Old Testament.
3. Defend the historicity of the Old Testament.
4. Discuss exegetically and apologetically pertinent Old Testament texts in their literary and cultural contexts.
5. Outline the primary characteristics of God which are found in both the Old Testament and New Testament.
6. Generate a theological polemic for the God of the Old Testament being the same as the God of the New Testament.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided topic. Each thread must be 400–500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150–250 words. The student’s thread must reference at least 1 source from the module: the week’s reading. (MLOs: A, B, C, D)

God of the OT Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write a 10–12-page research-based paper in the current Turabian format that focuses on the God of the Old Testament being the same as the God of the New Testament. The paper must use at least 10 references, including 2 journal articles, 2 commentaries, and an exegetical analysis of at least 1 key passage. The paper is designed as three separate assignments.

     God of the OT Paper: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will produce an annotated bibliography of at least 10 sources, including at least 2 journal articles and 2 commentaries.

     God of the OT Paper: Outline Assignment

The student will develop an outline for his or her research paper that includes major and minor subheadings. Each heading must include an estimated page length and a few bullet points. The student must clearly indicate which section includes his or her exegetical analysis.

     God of the OT Paper: Final Assignment

The student will submit the completed 10–12-page research-based paper in current Turabian formatting. (MLOs: C, D, F)

Attributes of God Paper Assignment

The student will write a 5-page research-based paper in the current Turabian format that focuses on the primary characteristics of God found in both the Old and the New Testament. The student will select 6 attributes, including the justice of God, and provide references from both the Old and the New Testament for each attribute. The paper must include at least 2 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible, and at least 1 systematic theology. (MLO: E)

Quizzes (6)

Quizzes will cover the Learn material assigned. All quizzes will be open-book/open-notes. Some will be T/F and some will be essays. Consult the module for more details regarding the quiz. (MLOs: A, B)