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 the Scriptures and be able to contrast that to the polytheistic world views of the ancient Near East during the time of the Old Testament. The course presents a challenge for the Christian and non-Christian alike to be able to recognize the foundations and implications these distinct views offer and argue a position based on the corresponding primary source texts.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The tenth grade Bible course studies the purpose and works of Jesus found in Matthew, Acts, and portions of the Apostle Paul’s other epistles. A study of the intertestamental 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 Christ and His fulfillment of promises given throughout the Old Testament. They are also challenged to consider the meaning of freedom in Christ. The course is taught from a historical and cultural context and provides the additional benefit of a comparison between the identities found in the cultural values of the Romans, Greeks, ancient Jewish sects, and Christ followers from the 1st Century.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This course is a study of Christianity from the Early Church to the present. 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 applications to their own lives. 

2 semesters, 1 credit

Twelfth grade Bible is comprised of two major components. The first component, called Engaging Culture in the 21st century, is designed to systematically walk 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 give reasons for the hope they have in Christ, yet do so with gentleness and respect. The second component, known as Servant Leadership, allows students the opportunity to discover for themselves that it is really more blessed to give than to receive. Students choose a site in the Donelson/Hermitage community to serve for a fourteen-week period of time, during which they invest themselves in improving the lives of others. Many have established long-term relationships with these individuals resulting in a lifetime commitment to serve others and lead for the kingdom.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

Seniors who choose this self-directed course select a site to do extended community service, contact the organization, and serve that community during the entire semester. Prerequisite: 3.5 or higher GPA and teacher approval.