At Trinity Western University, reimagining our Religious Studies department as the department of Biblical and Theological Studies signals the importance of Scripture and theology in the task of equipping every graduate to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
Equipping every graduate
With the goal of equipping every graduate to reflect upon and participate in a world created and redeemed by the gracious God of the gospel, TWU is strengthening its commitment to excellence in biblical and theological studies and renewing our core curriculum.
While we strive to achieve uncompromising excellence in our academics that can stand with the best of our higher education peers, the most significant value we bring to education is our ability to understand the world in light of the person and work of Christ.
Reimagining our Religious Studies department as the department of Biblical and Theological Studies signals the importance of Scripture and theology in the task of equipping every graduate to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
"A department of Biblical and Theological studies re-establishes an awareness that at the heart of Trinity Western is the sacred Bible and how it points to the self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ."
Greater investment in Christian theology
Key to this change is greater investment in Christian theology. While TWU has long been recognized for its significant expertise in biblical studies, Christian theology (including teaching and research on global Christianity) has played more of a supporting role. At the same time, the need to equip students with an ability to not only understand what has been revealed in Scripture but to be able to reflect upon, understand, and effectively communicate what Christians believe in light of the biblical witness could not be greater. Christians throughout the world seek to share “what” and “why” they believe in a gracious, truthful, and intellectually persuasive manner. The newly named “department of Biblical and Theological Studies” demonstrates the University's ongoing focus on providing all TWU students with an ability to better understand and express confidence in Christ as the light and hope of the world (cf. John 8:21; Heb 4:14–16).
" ...We believe that knowing God is the starting place to understanding who we are,
what the world is, and how we are to live in it.”
Committed to excellence, renewing core curriculum
Key elements of the program renewal include:
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a revised set of core courses that devote greater attention and resources to Christian theology, including global Christianity; and
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an overall commitment to see the study of Scripture and theology as an avenue to intellectual growth and faith integration.
"Biblical and theological studies at TWU seeks to produce graduates with an intelligent and lively understanding of the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and to develop biblically and theologically responsible discernment of what is truthful, good, and wholesome. The Bible, as understood within the historic Christian faith, provides the primary source for that discernment within the community of faith."
Investing in students’ intellectual and faith formation
These changes will allow the department of Biblical and Theological Studies to play a more central role in the life of our students and the Christian identity and mission of Trinity Western University.
Provost Dr. W. Robert Wood commented, “TWU’s Religious Studies department has been a leader in biblical studies for many years, with a particular focus on the Dead Sea Scrolls. With changes in personnel and a desire to bring a more balanced approach to Christian theology, an extended process was undertaken to determine a new name for the department. Given the stature of this program at TWU, I felt that it was important to seek input from both internal and external stakeholders. I am excited for the department as they build on their strengths as the department of Biblical and Theological Studies.”
“Biblical and theological studies represents the essence of who we are as an institution. We don’t just educate students in the beliefs and writings of ancient people, but we introduce every student, regardless of background, to the relevance of the Bible to their lives and their academic pursuits,” Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Todd Martin expressed.
Dr. Craig Allert, professor of religious studies and coordinator of the Christianity and Culture program commented, "Biblical and theological studies at TWU seeks to produce graduates with an intelligent and lively understanding of the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and to develop biblically and theologically responsible discernment of what is truthful, good, and wholesome. The Bible, as understood within the historic Christian faith, provides the primary source for that discernment within the community of faith."
“I originally came to the department of Biblical and Theological Studies to learn more about the Bible and how to read it—I did not leave disappointed! This department is a place of rigorous scholarship as well as beautiful, genuine camaraderie and fellowship.”
Building upon a strong foundation of religious studies at TWU
Religious studies is a valuable discipline in the academy. Yet in a 21st century Canadian context, religious studies is associated with the study of religion as socially constructed and something that influences human behavior. It usually involves focused academic research on multiple religious traditions and sacred texts, and tries to explain how adherents’ social experiences differ across groups. In the academy, religious studies is typically found in social sciences such as sociology, psychology, or anthropology.
"This approach is academically valuable and currently part of Trinity Western’s academic offerings, but it does not accurately represent what our scholars focus on," Dr. Martin explains. “A department of Biblical and Theological studies re-establishes an awareness that at the heart of Trinity Western is the sacred Bible and how it points to the self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ. In the 21st century academy, the discipline of religious studies is often associated with a human centric approach, while biblical and theological studies conveys that as an institution, we start by recognizing that we are created in the image of God and live in a world made by God. As a result, we believe that knowing God is the starting place to understanding who we are, what the world is, and how we are to live in it."
“The professors have done a wonderful job of enriching my reading of the Bible, sharing about the various contexts in which the biblical texts were written."
Inspired by TWU professors, an alumna pursues graduate studies
Naomi Rey is an alumna who is returning as a graduate student this fall. She comments, “I originally came to the department of Biblical and Theological Studies to learn more about the Bible and how to read it—I did not leave disappointed! This department is a place of rigorous scholarship as well as beautiful, genuine camaraderie and fellowship.”
Naomi has appreciated the variety of courses and specializations available within the department. “I have learned, and continue to learn, how to approach the primary biblical sources and I have gained an appreciation for various sub-fields of study within the department’s purview, including Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Christian Apocrypha, and Apocalyptic Literature,” she said.
“I find refreshing [the professors'] willingness to discuss challenging topics relating to contemporary theological issues. Those conversations, both inside and outside the classroom, contributed greatly to my own intellectual and spiritual growth.”