Welcome
Welcome to Beginning Theology! We are looking forward to having you on the course.
This is your module page for Bible Alive and the perfect course companion. This page will have any handouts, PowerPoints or audio from each session for you to catch up on.
If you have any questions, please email us at beginningtheology@stmellitus.ac.uk
Meet your Host
Rev'd Dr Grace F. Bally-Balogun
Hi, my name is Grace and I will be your host for Beginning Theology Online. I am really looking forward to us journeying together as we consider our purpose in God's great story of salvation and redemption for humanity. It is so exciting that God calls us to be a part of his great plan.
Find out more
Module Overview
Exploring major key theological themes in the bible through the Old and New Testament books that point towards living life to its fullest in Christ Jesus.
Session 1 | Coming Alive: In Scripture
Overview: This session will look at the ‘grand narrative’ of the Bible. We’ll reflect on the nature of story and how it helps us engage with Scripture, as well as walk through the Bible timeline drawing out key themes, characters, and content.
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Cris Rogers, The Bible book by book, (2022)
- Richard Briggs, Reading the Bible Wisely, (2011)
Session 2 | Coming Alive: Leviticus
Overview: Leviticus is the centre of the Pentateuch and at the heart of the Hebrew Bible’s story of a God dwelling in the midst of his people and calling them to holiness. We will engage with themes of law, narrative and theology of this important and challenging book.
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Mark W. Scarlata, A Journey through the World of Leviticus: Holiness, Sacrifice, and the Rock Badger, (2021)
- Sacks, Jonathan. Covenant and Conversation: Leviticus , (London: Toby Press, 2015)
- Schnittjer, Gary. Torah Story: An Apprenticeship in the Pentateuch. Second edition. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2023)
- Klawans, Jonathan. Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
- The Jewish Study Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004 (2nd edition 2014). In the study bible, he has a very short and very helpful article on purity.
Session 3 | Coming Alive: Judges & Kings
Overview: Through these books we will look at the challenging stories of Israel’s struggles. What lessons can we learn today from this history?
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- .J.I. Packer , Miles V. Van Pelt, Judges: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible), (2018)
- Iain W. Provan,1 & 2 Kings (New International Biblical Commentary - Old Testament Series), (1993)
- In-depth reading: Walter Brueggemann, 1 & 2 Kings, (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series), (2018)
- Hamley, Isabelle. God of Justice and Mercy: A Theological Commentary on Judges (London: SCM, 2021).
Session 4 | Coming Alive: Exile and Return
Overview: Perhaps second only to the escape from Egypt, the exile is the most important event in the life of God’s people in the Old Testament. What events led up to the exile, how long did the exile last, and what did the return look like? How today should God’s people reflect on exile and our own relationship with the world?
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Satterthwaite & McConville, Exploring the Old Testament (Volume 2: The History), particularly chapter 10 ‘Ezra & Nehemiah’ (2007)
- Zach Keele, The Unfolding Word, particularly chapter 8 ‘Exile and Return’ (2020)
Session 5 | Coming Alive: Matthew
Overview: This session provides an overview of the Gospel of Matthew looking at (1) structure, authorship and genre (‘genre’ = category/style of writing); (2) key themes (3) Christology i.e. what it says about Jesus’ identity and significance.
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Entry level: Peter Walker ‘The Lion Guide to the Bible’ Lion: London, 2010, pp. 190-197;
- Higher level of difficulty Richard Burridge, ‘Four Gospels, One Jesus, London: SPCK, 1994 (Chapter 3 on Matthew) but most importantly, have a read through the Gospel of Matthew!
Session 6 | Coming Alive: Mark
Overview: This session will take us on a journey through the Gospel of Mark. We will explore some of the key themes in the Gospel of Mark and what makes it come alive. We will also look at the patterns of discipleship in the gospel and what Mark, as an author, is teaching us about our own discipleship.
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Introductory: Tom Wright, Mark for Everyone (2001)
- Intermediate: Morna Hooker, The Message of Mark (1983)
- Advanced: Richard Burridge, Four Gospels, One Jesus (2013)
Session 7 | Coming Alive: Luke
Overview: This session will examine the Gospel of Luke and what makes it distinct among the Gospels. We will examine themes of social justice, the Holy Spirit and discipleship and demonstrate how Luke uses the Gospel to prepare the way for his second volume: Acts
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- Dicken, Frank. Reading Luke. Cascade Companions. Eugene: Cascade Books (2023).
Session 8 | Coming Alive: John
Overview: This session will be an introductory overview to this theologically rich Gospel. We'll explore the distinctiveness of John's Gospel and unpack some of the key themes interwoven in its narrative.
If you’ve enjoyed this session and would like to continue your learning, we recommend the following books:
- David F. Ford, The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (2022)
- Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary Vol. 1 and 2 (2010)
Academic Skills Session – Doing Theological Reflection
Doing Theological Reflection
Christians have a very old motto ‘Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi’, which means the law of what is prayed (our worship) is the law of what we believe and the law of how we live. In other words, you can’t separate Christian thinking from Christian doing — so thinking well as Christians should naturally change the way we live.
This interactive session will walk you through Laurie Green’s tried and tested theological reflection method, with simple steps, illustrated with examples. You will be inspired by how you can be even more intentional in using the theological learning you’ve already done.
Click here for the PowerPoint