Biblical Archaeology
Archaeology is ultimately the process of solving riddles. It borrows its tradecraft from various academic disciplines ranging from history, anthropology, and biology to geography, linguistics, and geology, to name only a handful. Archeologists use what's necessary from such disciplines to answer historical questions to better understand life in the ancient and not-so-ancient past. Biblical Archaeology uses these same investigation systems to provide ample and ongoing evidence of the absolute proof that God exists.
Dr. Jason Hunt, founder of Bethlehem Bible Institute, will serve as your professor and guide as you journey through Biblical Archaeology. Jason has over twenty years of experience in experimental archaeology and interpretive teaching and holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Archaeology. He wrote the Amazon best-selling book The Gospel of Survival, which features much of the research and interpretive teaching based on his original dissertation.
Program Outline
This sample outline is for the 60-credit hour Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Archaeology. All program outlines are subject to change based on student needs and program objectives. Learners must hold at least 60 credit hours or an associate's degree to be admitted into this program track.
Archaeology of the Bible
How have the societies and events of the past affected the shape of the world as we know it today? How can we use archaeological data to help us understand the peoples and culture of the Ancient Near East? Can archaeological studies help us to understand the Bible, and if so, how? These are just some of the questions discussed in this fascinating journey around the archaeological remains of the Ancient Near East.
An Exploration of the History And Culture of Early Civilizations
How would your faith change if you knew about the history and culture in which the Bible was written? For years, archaeologists have been excavating historical sites to gain a better understanding of early civilizations. Their discoveries have given us insight into how, where, and why our essential religious beliefs came to be. An informative and engaging introduction to biblical archaeology, this accessible book explores the earliest civilizations' histories, cultures, and social forces.
Archaeology and the History of Early Israel
Three decades of dialogue, discussion, and debate within the interrelated disciplines of Syro-Palestinian archaeology, ancient Israelite history, and Hebrew Bible over the question of the relevance of the biblical account for reconstructing early Israel's history have created the need for a balanced articulation of the issues and their prospective resolutions. This study brings together a currently emerging centrist paradigm articulated by two leading figures in early Israelite archaeology and history for the first time and under one cover. Although Finkelstein and Mazar advocate distinct views of early Israel's history, they nevertheless share the position that the material cultural data, the biblical traditions, and the ancient Near Eastern written sources are all significantly relevant to the historical quest for Iron Age Israel. The results of their research are featured in accessible, parallel syntheses of the historical reconstruction of early Israel that facilitate comparison and contrast of their respective interpretations.
Archaeology and Bible History
Joseph P. Free's Archaeology and Bible History, first published in 1950, served well an entire generation of pastors, Sunday school teachers, laypersons, and college students by summarizing the history of the Bible and shedding light on biblical events through archaeological discoveries. The author demonstrated how such data helps us understand the Bible and confirm its historical accuracy. At times he also dealt with issues of biblical interpretation and criticism, always from a historically orthodox position.
These courses are only available as printed books. Upon enrollment, students will be responsible for securing the approved textbooks from a provided list (found on Amazon). The Biblical Archaeology program is reading and research-heavy with each course requiring a 10-20 page typed summary in your own words.
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The Required Thesis Project, once approved, shall be a 60-100 page typed study based on a Biblical Archaeology topic selected by the student which may include field research.