Christian Studies Department

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The goal of the Old Testament Survey course is for students to know and believe a Christian view of the world that is constructed from Scripture and be able to contrast that to the polytheistic world views of the ancient Near East during the time of the Old Testament. Students are expected to recognize implications and cite evidences from primary sources that support God’s character as seen through creation, the fall and His plan of redemption and judgment as stated in the Old Testament. Textbook: ESV translation of the Bible

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The goal of the New Testament Studies course is for students to know and believe the purpose and works of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as taught through Matthew, Acts and selections of Paul’s letters. An initial study of the Inter-testamental time period provides a foundation for the Biblical narrative of the New Testament. Students are presented with the truth of the person and work of Jesus Christ for our salvation and His glory. Students are also challenged with the cost of following Jesus and consider the meaning of freedom in Christ and being a new creation with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The course is taught from a historical and cultural context which provides the additional benefit of a comparison between the identities found in the cultural values of the Romans, Greeks, ancient Jewish sects and the early church. Textbook: ESV translation of the Bible

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This course is a study of church history from the 1^st Century to the early 20^th Century. It is designed to give the student a broad view of Church history with the intent to magnify the glory of God in preserving His truth. It will help students understand the development of Christian thought and doctrine as a part of God’s overall pattern of history. In addition, students will be taught how to study the Bible in order to make personal application to their own lives. Textbook: Church History in Plain Language (Shelley)

2 semesters, 1 credit

The 12^th grade Bible course is comprised of two major components. The first component, called Engaging Culture in the 21st century, is designed to systematically guide students through life's big questions, comparing the Biblical worldview to other prominent worldviews within the 21st century culture. The course is designed to prepare students to express reasons for the hope they have in Christ, yet do so with gentleness and respect. The second component, known as the Senior Service Program, allows students the opportunity to discover for themselves that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Students are placed at a site in the Hermitage/Donelson community to serve for fourteen weeks, during which they invest themselves in improving the lives of others. Textbooks: Understanding the Times: A Survey of Competing Worldviews by Jeff Meyers, David A. Noebel and 10 Things Every Christian Should Know for College: A Student’s Guide on Doubt, Community, & Identity (Gentry)

1 semester, 0.5 credit

Senior students who qualify for this self-directed course have the opportunity to continue their community service. Students are placed at a site in the Hermitage/Donelson community to serve for fourteen weeks, during which they invest themselves in improving the lives of others. Seniors who participate in this course are expected to serve at least one of their placements on campus at DCA. Prerequisite: 3.5 or higher GPA and teacher approval.