This semester in Introduction to Biblical Studies, I have learned much about the Bible. This class was designed to teach students how to read the Bible in a critical manner, give students a level of expertise in the discipline of biblical studies, improve the student’s ability to effectively communicate and write clearly matters involving critical thinking, and to improve the world. I can honestly say that these four curriculum goals were achieved throughout this semester. Take the first goal, for example. Throughout the semester, we have read about every story in the Bible. We have evaluated the stories with different criticisms, and I believe I have a better understanding of how to study the Bible. Also, using the different criticisms, we have learned to critically interpret the Bible. Many times people do not read the Bible to understand it, but they read it to get “back-up” for their beliefs. In this class, I have learned to read the biblical stories as more than just evidence of what I believe in, but as an actual piece of world literature. In the case of improving a student’s ability to effectively communicate and to write clearly matters involving critical matters, I believe that the class has definitely improved these skills. Having to take a midterm and a final exam where we were forced to write about different things we learned in class this semester greatly improved how I explained the material that I learned. In the case of improving the world, I definitely think that this goal was achieved in this class. When we were assigned a project to improve the world, I did not think that I could do something in one semester that could effectively changed the world. However, as I look back on all of the success that my project has had this semester, I believe that I have effectively changed the world. So, yes, I do believe that this class effectively helped to improve the world.
In class last week, we discussed James and Paul. This discussion basically focused on the idea of faith versus works. James believed that works was more important than faith. He believed that God favored those who did something to reflect their beliefs, instead of just believing. Paul believed that faith was more important than works. He thought that if people just believed in God and His teachings, then everything would be fine. I think that in order for people to believe effectively then they must have faith and works on the same level. I think that believing is more than just believing, but acting on those beliefs. A person should not just know that they believe in God, but want to share their beliefs, and work to improve the world as Jesus Christ did. People should want to spread the message of Christianity, but also give back to their respective communities.
What was the best part of this class? I think that the best part of this class was being able to implement a project that really helped people. I think that I enjoyed my project the most because it made the class more interesting. This helped me to give back and learn that helping others is what is most important. I really took my project to heart; I poured all that I could into helping the students that I tutored. Now, what was the worst part of this class? By far, I would have to say that writing these one thousand word blogs every week was the worst part of this class. Not only was it a lot to accomplish per week, but it was a lot on top of other things that needed to be accomplished in one week. Not to say that it was impossible to accomplish, but I just believe that it was much to do in a week’s time. However, a good thing about blogging was that the topics we were to discuss were enough to have one thousand words about each week. That is a good thing, because if we did not have much to write about, then the blogs would just be a bunch of filibustering. So, do I think that courses like this should be a part of the core curriculum? I do believe that these type of courses should be a part of the core curriculum. The purpose of having a core curriculum is so that the students are exposed to more than just what their major is. This helps the students to be well-rounded and affluent in other subjects. Many think that these types of classes should not be included in the curriculum, but I think that it is the best way to build the perfect well-rounded student.
When we first began this class, I did not believe that this class had anything to do with my field of study. Being a chemistry major, I thought, “What does the Bible have to do with Chemistry?”. When I think about it, I kind of see the relation. My desired career is to be a pediatrician. Ever since I was small, I wanted to help small children. I had this desire because I thought children were the most innocent beings on the earth, and they need the most help. In the Bible, we read many stories that had to do with helping those less fortunate. I believe that me wanting to help children is related to those stories of people helping people in the Bible. This is one way I feel that my field of study relates to this class.
Looking back on all these blogs we have had to do this semester, I am so relieved to be finished with them. Thinking of not having to write one thousand words on a Friday evening or Saturday morning, I am elated. After completing 14,552 words this semester in the Introduction to Biblical Studies class, I feel relieved that it its now over. This blog has been an assignment to end all assignments, but I am glad that I have accomplished something in which I was not confident that I could do!

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