Anatomy of the Bible 101

Course: ITB 101 – Introduction to the Bible (First Year, First Semester)

Program Introduction & Course Overview

I. Course Welcome and Scope

Welcome to ITB 101: Introduction to the Bible, the foundational gateway course designed to provide students with a comprehensive, systematic understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Just as an anatomist examines the structural systems of the human body, this course invites students to explore the fundamental nature, historical origins, literary composition, and authoritative standing of the Bible. Spanning ten core lessons, this curriculum establishes the essential academic and spiritual framework required for all subsequent biblical studies.

II. Core Curriculum Architecture

The ITB 101 curriculum is systematically organized into ten progressive lessons that guide students from the foundational definitions of Scripture to its practical application and enduring relevance:

• The Nature and Authority of Scripture: Investigates the definition of the Bible as a unique collection of 66 books, the doctrine of divine inspiration (theopneustos), and its absolute authority, inerrancy, and transformative power.

• The Two Testaments: Provides a panoramic structural overview of the 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books, tracing their central themes and redemptive continuity.

• Canon Formation: Examines the historical process of canonization, detailing how the Jewish community and early Christian church recognized divinely inspired writings through apostolic authority and internal witness.

• Bible Translations: Explores the necessity of translation, source texts (such as the Masoretic Text and Greek manuscripts), and translation philosophies ranging from formal equivalence to dynamic equivalence.

• Methods of Bible Study: Equips students with practical, disciplined approaches for personal engagement, including devotional, survey, book, topical, and character studies.

• Historical and Cultural Context: Bridges the ancient world to the modern reader by examining the geography, major empires, social structures, and cultural norms of both the Old and New Testament worlds.

• Literary Genres: Analyzes how recognizing specific literary forms—such as narrative, law, poetry, prophecy, gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic literature—shapes accurate interpretation.

• Basic Hermeneutics: Teaches the science and art of biblical interpretation, emphasizing the primary role of context (literary, historical, and canonical) and grammatical-historical exegesis.

• Major Biblical Themes: Traces the overarching meta-narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, alongside recurring themes like covenant, the Kingdom of God, and the presence of God.

• Enduring Relevance: Demonstrates how the Bible functions as God’s living, active Word, providing timeless principles for personal transformation, corporate church life, and societal impact.

III. Course Objectives and Expectations

• Mastery of Foundations: To ground students in the historical, textual, and canonical facts surrounding how we received the Bible.

• Interpretive Skill: To cultivate rigorous exegetical habits through sound hermeneutical principles and genre awareness.

• Spiritual Formation: To bridge ancient text with modern application, ensuring that academic study fuels a deeper knowledge of God, spiritual maturity, and obedience.