Bible Department
The Bible program at PCH will expose students to the Christian faith and the Scriptures, and through it to the life and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the foundation to our curriculum, and the major themes from the Bible will help provide a framework with which to critique all of learning. Indeed, the use and study of the Bible and related issues of the Church is not limited to the actual Bible course.
Bible instruction at school is not the same as Bible instruction in chapel or church. The task of the church is to proclaim the good news of salvation to the world, calling us to faith, worship, and service. The task of the school is to impart Biblical knowledge through rigorous study, engage students in open and intelligent dialogue about the claims of the church, and to equip students for lives of character and service through the application of these truths. This learning and dialogue will encompass the great breadth of perspectives in the Christian faith. When students leave our school, then, we want them to understand the major tenets of the Christian faith.
Course Descriptions
Graduation requirement: 2 years of high school Theology
Introduction to the Bible – (One Year) 9th-10th Grade
An introduction to the Bible with a survey of the Old and New Testament with special attention to ancient Near Eastern context, Israelite history, the Greco-Roman world, literary forms, theological beliefs concerning God, man, creation, redemption, and topics including the life and teaching of Jesus, Pauline literature, Epistles, and the Church.
Church and Theological History – (One Year) 12th Grade
Students will explore the history and thought of the Christian Church from its beginning to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the early church, the Reformation, and the contemporary church. Students will become familiar with the wide array of thought from St. Augustine, to Aquinas, Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Lewis, to Barth. Students will explore the analysis of problems that have confronted the Christian faith presented by Kant, Hume, secular humanism etc.