Beginning Theology Online Winter 2025

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

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.

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.

Click here for the handout

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)

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.

Click here for the handout

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.

Overview: Through these books we will look at the challenging stories of Israel’s struggles. What lessons can we learn today from this history?

Click here for the handout

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).

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?

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation

Click here for the handout

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)

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.
 

Click here for the PowerPoint slides

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!

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.

Click here for the handout

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)

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

Click here for the handout

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).

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)