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A Bible Class for Bible Skeptics
Rating: 4.6 out of 5(24 ratings)
74 students

A Bible Class for Bible Skeptics

A path through biblical skepticism, a refreshing approach to Scripture, and useful tools for faith reconstruction.
Created byBarry Rodriguez
Last updated 11/2024
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to understand and effectively address common critiques of the Bible.
  • Develop a new understanding of the nature of the biblical texts.
  • Learn how to identify new approaches to "problematic" biblical passages (e.g. slavery, misogyny, violence, etc.)..
  • Discover a renewed interest in the value and trustworthiness of the Bible.
  • Find a path through biblical skepticism and take steps towards faith reconstruction.

Course content

4 sections • 23 lectures • 3h 52m total length

  • Course Introduction11:20

    Welcome to this Bible class for Bible skeptics! In this video I introduce myself, this class, and my hopes for what we can learn together.

  • Introduction to Section I: When the Bible Seems Ridiculous2:12

    There are many common critiques of the Bible (e.g. it's man-made, it's unscientific, it's irrelevant, it's misogynistic, etc.). In this lecture we begin with a big question: Can Scripture stand up to critiques like these?

  • Assignment 1
  • Big Idea #1: The Bible is a Divine/Human Partnership26:56

    Present the Bible as a divine human partnership, incarnational revelation through people, not a dictionary, moral handbook, or devotional grab bag, but a library of scrolls.

  • Exploring the Text: Psalm 22
  • Problematic Passage #1 - Women Should Stay Silent12:42
  • FAQ: Why do we consider these books inspired/authoritative and not others?10:45
  • Section I Conclusion: Application for a Skeptic4:31

    In this brief conclusion to section I, we will discuss how an incarnational understanding of Scripture can help you find a path through their skepticism.

  • Section I Quiz
  • Section I Reflection

Requirements

  • No advanced biblical training is required. Familiarity with common Evangelical conceptions of Scripture is helpful.
  • Access to a modern translation of the Bible to look up referenced passages is required.

Description

Do you struggle to trust the Bible's authority? Do the weird laws, disturbing stories, and confusing claims of scripture lead you to doubt or skepticism? Are you stuck in your journey of faith? If so, this class is for you. This Bible Class for Bible Skeptics is not be about apologetics or trying to convince you not to doubt. Instead, this class is a safe, honest exploration of common critiques of the Bible and a possible path forward in the midst of your skepticism.

Join pastor Barry Rodriguez as he explores how the Bible came to be, questions of inerrancy and reliability, uncomfortable issues such as apparent misogyny and the "wrath of God," and biblical claims which seem to contradict modern science and culture. In the course, Barry shares insights he has discovered from 25 years of biblical study, world travel, and wrestling with his own faith skepticism.

Each of the four sections of the class include:

  • One "big idea" proposing a new way of thinking about the Bible

  • Possible new approaches to "problematic passages" based on those new ways of thinking

  • Responses to FAQs, such as inerrancy, the reliability of biblical manuscripts, etc.

  • Reflection assignments, further biblical texts to explore, and simple comprehension quizzes

  • Introductory and concluding lectures

All are welcome to join the conversation. The only requirement is an open mind. If you are stuck on your journey of faith deconstruction, this may just be the first step in helping you start building once again.

Who this course is for:

  • This course is for Bible skeptics who have experienced faith "deconstruction," church hurt, or frustration with the lack of intellectual honesty in much modern Christian dialogue.

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