Why Major in Bible and Theology?
Our program trains you to read the Old and New Testaments carefully, think deeply about God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ, and live with wisdom and purpose.
As you explore the world of Scripture and Christian theology, you enter an expansive and life-changing conversation about God, the world, and the meaning of life.
In dialogue with the Bible and the church’s most important teachers, you learn to see in the light of Christ and live in sync with the truth.
As you enter our vibrant and supportive community, you find friends and faculty mentors who become invaluable conversation partners.
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What You'll Learn
- You will gain deep knowledge of Scripture and Christian theology.
- You will become a better reader and conversation partner.
- You will develop your ability to think historically, theologically, and politically.
- You will have great conversations about topics that really matter.
- You will grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
- You will explore what it means to be wise and to live a good life.
- You will be mentored by excellent professors.
Program Details
Curriculum
The Bible and Theology major can be combined with most minors and leads to the Bachlor of Arts (B.A.). It requires a total of 128 credit hours of coursework:
- BELL Core requirements: 55 hours (minimum)
- Major Requirements: 33 hours
- Minor Requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 22 hours
Core Courses
- REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life
An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing, and personal development. - REL 2310, Turning Points in Christianity
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions. - REL 2350, Who is God?
A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. - REL 2360, Interpreting the Bible
Course explores the practices of interpretation, biblical interpretation, and the influences of culture, environment, and presupposition in the interpretive experience. - REL 2410, Spiritual Formation
An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping, and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God. - REL 2510, The Meaning of Life
An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
Area Courses
- REL 3210, Gender and the Bible
Students will investigate the interplay of male and female in scripture and in religious contexts, the dynamic of gender in biblical narratives, the teachings of scripture related to gender and religious traditions. - REL 3220, The Pentateuch
A comprehensive study of the first five books of the Bible. Some attention is given to theories of composition, with the primary focus being the literary structure of the final form of the text. - REL 3250, Johannine Literature
A study is made of the Gospel of John, the epistles of John, and the Revelation. - REL 4220, The Prophetic Literature
A survey of the Old Testament Prophets in their cultural and historical setting, with a focus on the literary structure of the prophetic scrolls and their theological teachings. - REL 4250, Life and Letters of Paul
A study of the Acts of the Apostles as it relates to the life and work of Paul, also the Pauline epistles as related to the history of Acts. - REL 2340, Martyrs, Mystics and Saints
A historical, biographical, and theological approach to significant lives and practices from Judeo-Christian tradition. - REL 3380, Faith and Beauty
Course explores the interaction between aesthetics and theological reflection. Emphasis placed upon historical, theological, and philosophical discussions that engage culture and religion. - REL 4310, History of Religion in America
A survey of the history of American religion from colonial beginnings in the New World to contemporary religious expressions that explores the interaction of American culture and religious faith. - REL 4355, Theology and the Worship Arts
Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of worship arts and worship leadership. - REL 4360, Theology and Literature
Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of literature. Particular attention given to the influence of the biblical canon in literature and literary themes. - REL 4380, Theology and the Arts
Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of art. - REL 4390, Religion and Arts Symposium
An integrative experience that requires the student to bring together the theory and practice of religion and the arts. - REL 3440, Internship
A field experience designed to provide practical experience in a ministry setting. - REL 4015, Senior Capstone*
A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
*Hours for this course reside in the BELL Core requirements
Every major in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry aims at whole person formation. Students are invited into a vibrant and supportive academic community and are offered numerous opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. As they learn to see in the light of Christ and grow in knowledge and wisdom, students develop the skills and habits they need to creatively pursue lives of meaning and purpose. This process happens inside and outside the classroom as students make use of the wide range of opportunities available to them.
- Explore the world. From addressing the AIDS epidemic in Botswana to visiting important biblical sites to walking pilgrimage in Scotland or Spain, our numerous study-abroad programs immerse you in transformative experiences around the globe.
- Engage in service. From mentoring refugee families to providing art therapy for the homeless, you will find countless opportunities to serve.
- Gain practical experience. Our internship program offers hands-on opportunities to explore your vocation and receive valuable insight from mentors. Our students gain experience in ministry, media, education, legal advocacy, non-profit work, community arts, and countless other settings. They are involved in everything from educating children to opposing human trafficking and food insecurity to leading worship and offering pastoral care.
- Join a club. From honor societies to faith-based groups, our student organizations help deepen your faith while broadening your horizons and creating enduring friendships.
- Conduct original research. Our students partner with professors, create original research, travel to deliver papers at academic conferences, participate in Belmont’s SPARK Symposium, and engage in numerous other forms of research.
The STCM has benefitted from the generosity of many donors over the years. This allows us to award scholarships to multiple students each year, including two full-tuition scholarships: the Madden Scholarship and the Servant Leader Scholarship. If you apply to any STCM major before December 1, you will automatically be considered for scholarships.
Learn from the Best
Our Christ-centered faculty represent a wide range of Christian traditions and theological perspectives. Each is an excellent teacher and mentor to students, and many are also well-known scholars and authors.
Christina Carnes Ananias
Marty Bell
Email: marty.bell@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2022
Manuel Cruz
Email: manuel.cruz@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2033
Cynthia A. Curtis
Email: ca.curtis@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2004
David Dark
Email: david.dark@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2026
Bradley Daugherty
Email: brad.daugherty@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2060
Steve Guthrie
Email: steve.guthrie@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2025
Darrell Gwaltney
Email: darrell.gwaltney@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2037
Sally Holt
Email: sally.holt@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2009
Young Bok Kim
Email: youngbok.kim@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2035
Kimbell Kornu
Email: kimbell.kornu@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 5004
Donovan McAbee
Email: donovan.mcabee@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2024
Mark McEntire
Email: mark.mcentire@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2028
Amanda Miller
Email: amanda.miller@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2012
Adam Neder
Email: adam.neder@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 303D
Nicholas Norman-Krause
Email: nicholas.krause@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2013
Gideon Park
Email: gideon.park@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2033
Adam Perez
Email: adam.perez@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2015
Steve Reed
Email: steven.reed@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2060
Beth Ritter-Conn
Email: beth.ritterconn@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2018
Judy Skeen
Email: judy.skeen@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2008
Andy Watts
Email: andy.watts@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2021
Jordan Wood
Career Possibilities
As students are formed by their experiences in the Bible and Theology major, they grow in knowledge and wisdom, and they develop the skills employers across all industries today are seeking: clear and persuasive communication; the capacity to see issues from multiple perspectives; the ability to listen with empathy and curiosity; the emotional intelligence to work well in teams; the creativity to solve complex problems; and the patience and attention needed for deep literacy and conceptual analysis. Here are just a few of the career paths Bible and Theology majors take:
A pastor shepherds a congregation through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership. A Bible and Theology major provides students with a deep understanding of the Bible and Christian doctrine, equipping pastors to lead with a scriptural imagination informed by a deep and wide faith tradition, grounded in love and justice, and practicing critical thinking in life’s many contexts.
Professors teach and research within higher education, often specializing in a particular field of study. A Bible and Theology major provides students aspiring to become professors—especially in religious or humanities disciplines—to bring scholarly depth, spiritual insight, and a biblical foundation to their teaching and research.
Chaplains serve in hospitals, prisons, the military, and other institutions by offering spiritual care and support. A Bible and Theology major equips students with biblical literacy and theological depth to minister effectively in diverse, and often challenging environments.
Non-profit leaders manage organizations committed to service, justice, or humanitarian work. A background in Bible and Theology helps leaders ground their mission in a tradition informed by justice and love found throughout the Bible. It provides a guiding theological story as well as a moral and spiritual framework for decision-making and advocacy.
Attorneys work to uphold justice, represent clients, and interpret laws in various legal contexts. A Bible and Theology degree can provide a strong ethical foundation, helping attorneys approach their work with moral clarity and a commitment to justice informed by Scripture.
Social workers advocate for individuals and communities in need of support, resources, and systemic change. With a degree in Bible and Theology, they can draw from a theological understanding of human dignity and compassion to guide their practice and advocacy.
Teachers educate and mentor students, shaping both minds and character in the classroom. A Bible and Theology degree prepares educators—especially in Christian schools or religious studies—to integrate faith, Scripture, and academic rigor in their teaching.
Social entrepreneurs create innovative ventures that tackle pressing social issues through ethical and sustainable solutions. A Bible and Theology major provides students with a biblical vision for justice, stewardship, and transformation, which helps future innovators to align business goals and practices with Christian virtues and values.
Missionaries share the gospel and serve communities both locally and globally through evangelism, discipleship, and development work. The Bible and Theology major equips missionaries with a strong grasp of Scripture, cultural awareness, and a diverse history of Christian thought and action, empowering them to engage effectively and faithfully across cultures.
Kayleigh Reindl
Bible & Theology
“My years in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry will forever be among my fondest. It is a community shaped by academic rigor, spiritual camaraderie, theological diversity, and genuine friendship among students and faculty. To encounter all of these gifts in one place is rare and extraordinary. The blessings and challenges of an ecumenically diverse environment have strengthened my ability to engage charitably across theological differences. Within the STCM, there is not merely a spirit of civility, but a culture of deep love and friendship that transcends disagreement. I am especially grateful for the ways my professors have poured into me as a whole person. Whether walking alongside me to puzzle through the future, spending extra hours discussing theological ideas and readings, or gathering around a dinner table as friends, they have offered a kind of attention that is precious and lasting. Their care has shaped not only my time in the STCM but will continue to shape me for years to come.”
Audra Marchese
Bible & Theology
“Studying the Bible at Belmont was an amazing experience. From how intelligent, caring, and personable the professors are to the curiosity, joy, and respectfulness of my peers. The School of Theology and Christian Ministry works so hard to foster a community of students, faculty, and staff that are not only learning together, but are doing life together. The professors at Belmont truly make the experience like one that you can’t get anywhere else. They want to walk alongside you while you answer the big questions and give you advice about the big decisions. My favorite part of my academic experience was the wide range of classes that I could choose from. Every interest that I had was able to be explored inside the classroom alongside my professors and peers. Throughout all my classes it was apparent that the professors were so passionate about what they were teaching and wanted to dig into the hard stuff with us.”
FAQs
Belmont is a Christ-centered ecumenical university. Our faculty are committed Christian scholars and teachers who represent a wide range of Christian traditions and theological perspectives.
Quite the opposite. Christian faith seeks understanding. Since God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ as described in Scripture is trustworthy and reliable, we believe God can be known. Thus, studying the Bible and Christian theology is a way of loving God and learning to live wisely in the world God creates and loves.
Yes. All four majors in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry include an internship. These internships are in a wide variety of contexts. Study abroad and international mission opportunities are widely available.
Contact Us
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Addison Wallace
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8335