Introduction to Biblical Studies

11 Lectures (60 mins each) Biblical scholar Bart Ehrman once called the Bible “the most frequently purchased, commonly read, passionately believed, and widely misunderstood book in the history of Western civilization.” Dr. Aaron Ricker’s Intro to Biblical Studies class is designed to address the fallout of this situation: most people know more about the Bible than they think, but most of us are also more confused about it than we realize. The Intro to Biblical Studies Certification Course offers an expert guided tour of biblical tradition with a special focus on the way it has shaped – and been shaped by – cultural evolution. COURSE OUTCOMES: By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) Discuss the historical and cultural processes that gave rise to the Bibles we know it today. 2) Identify key biblical stories and characters, and discuss their theological and cultural importance. 3) Notice and analyze references to biblical tradition in our modern world (art, politics, pop culture, etc.). PROFESSOR BIO: Aaron Ricker earned his PhD in Religious Studies at McGill University. He currently serves as co-editor of McGill's Journal of the Council for Research on Religion, and sits on the local executive board of the American Academy of Religion (Eastern International Region). Dr. Ricker's publications include Ancient Letters (2020) and Intersections of Religion and Astronomy (2020).