The Bible – ENGL 470

As a student majoring in print journalism, part of my requirements from the college of Arts & Sciences is to take at least one English class in addition to Expository Writing 1 &2. It may seem backwards since I’m a print journalism major, but I don’t enjoy English, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. I don’t enjoy doing large amounts of reading. However, since it was required, I decided that reading a very large chunk of the Bible would be better than reading a stack of six novels.

Typically, the class is completely discussion-based. We sit in a large circle and discuss what we’ve read, usually a large portion of a book from the Bible. The twist is that it is an English class, not a religion class. So a bulk of the discussion is based on the character’s traits, and how they interact with each other. It is an interesting and different way to approach reading the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to familiarize themselves with a large chunk of the Bible in just one semester.

Philosophy of Religion – PHILO 115

Philosophy is another area that Arts & Sciences students are required to explore. However, this class has also turned out to be extremely interesting. It is completely discussion-based, with the ideals and teachings of religion, specifically Christianity, at the focal point. The class is a healthy mix between religious people and Atheists, with some classes becoming almost like a debate.

The professor does an excellent job of introducing concepts and asking questions that make you think. While I typically just sit back and listen, the opportunity presents itself (and is encouraged) to voice your opinions and discuss the ideals of Christianity very openly. I would recommend the class to anyone who is looking to explore deep questions about the fundamentals of Christianity.

History of Christianity – HIST 521

This class I have yet to take, but since it’s being offered this Fall, I plan to. I have heard many good things about the teacher, Professor Robert Linder, and believe that this class will explore the thoughts and actions of many of the oldest Christians. Prof. Linder is a ‘University Distinguished Professor’ and is known for teaching religious history extremely well. If you’re looking for a good history class to take, I strongly recommend this one and will see you in the Fall. It is a 500-level course and will probably be pretty tough. If you’re an underclassmen, I recommend trying to take this course, or a similar one taught by Prof. Linder, later down the road.

With the following software, Bible study has become a whole lot easier, you can leave those books on the shelf and pull out your laptop; at the touch of a button you can pull up not only the Bible (in any translation) but you can study the Hebrew or the Greek of the passage, you can read commentaries by saints of the past, you can study maps of the ancient world, or even pull up the CIA World Factbook! Bible software is not just perhaps the most useful tool for in depth study, it is just plain fun and interesting!

E-Sword

E-Sword is a premiere bible software, and guess what?! It’s Free! Included with the download of the software is the King James Version of the Bible and the Strong’s numbers and Strong’s dictionary resources. In order to get the most out of the software though, you will want to check out all the extra available resources. Some of them, because the material is copy-written, must be purchased; but there are quite a few resources available for free. Among these free resources are the English Standard Version and American Standard Version Bibles which will provide a much more contemporary version of the bible as compared to the King James Version.

Check out the Software here!

Unfortunately this software only works on Windows based PC’s, but fret not all you mac users; I have found a piece of software similar to e-sword that will work on your little apples.

MacSword

MacSword is based off of the Cross Wire Bible Society’s The SWORD Project which means that all the modules for that project will work with this Mac version. Just like the E-Sword software this program allows you to pull up many different resources all at the same time and it too has an ESV and ASV module! The SWORD project does have a Windows version as well so Windows users do have a choice here, though I believe the E-Sword software to be a better choice as it is a bit more developed.

E4 Group

E4 Mission

Our mission is to promote the maturity of the church through the distribution of solid biblical teaching in an interest generating format.

The final resource I would like to mention here is a program by the E4 group. The E4 group, or Ephesians Four, was started in order to help provide biblical resources to the church to help you grow in your faith.

For just the cost of shipping they will send out a cd with volumes 1 & 2 of their Bible Study Library which includes over 30 titles from some of the leading Christian scholars and theologians. It’s well worth the shipping costs! Also sign up for their newsletter as they have a monthly offer with a different free item that may interest you.

I hope that these resources will be of some benefit to you and that through them you will further your relationship with Christ.