Bible 101

By Sylvia Cochran

Introduction

The Mission

In the framework of this course we will investigate some of the most often asked questions about the Bible. Where did it come from? Who decided what was going to be in it? Does it hold up in light of archaeological discoveries? Are all parts of the Bible equally reliable? Who wrote the books of the Bible, and how can I be sure about that? What about the different versions? What is the Bible‘s ultimate message?

The Path

Understanding the Bible with its implications for an individual’s life is indeed a life long process. It cannot, and should not, be reduced to a clinical understanding of its history and rich imagery. Yet, in order for the student of the Bible to grasp some of its profound truths, it is imperative to approach its seemingly endless depth in a logical manner.

The Result

While many adhere to a variety of notions related to the origins of the Scriptures, and their intent, the student of this course will have the answer whether the Old Testament is a collection of myths and legends, created by Jewish writers a few centuries before the time of Christ or sometime thereafter. The student will know if there is any veracity to the claim that most of the New Testament was written in the late second century AD by Christians who were creating a Jesus in their own image.

The intention of this course is to provide the student with the foundation upon which s/he can begin her/his own growth, should s/he choose to do so. The course, very specifically, is not designed to convert the student into any denominational point of view.

What Students Are Saying...
Great fun, and nice directed learning. I would not have known where to start and this was a great tool to give me basics and to keep me going. Thank you for this great site.

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus


Lessons

Lesson 1: Where do the Scriptures we know as “The Bible” come from ?
Lesson 2: Who decided what the finished Bible should look like?
Lesson 3: Who wrote the Books of the Bible?
Lesson 4: What do the Original Writings and Today’s Bible have in Common? Do we have a Reliable Version?
Lesson 5: Archaeological Proof: Are the Stories we read about in the OT true?
Lesson 6: Archaeological Proof: Are the Stories we read about in the NT true?
Lesson 7: Jesus, a Man of Prophecy and History
Lesson 8: Why does the Bible end?