Introduction to the Bible and Biblical Interpretation
The starting point for biblical literacy — how Scripture came together and how to read it well.
Course Description
BIB 100 is the gateway to ACU's Bible and Theology curriculum and the first course in the Certificate in Biblical Studies. Students gain a general orientation to the Bible itself — its composition, history, and the recognition of its canon — alongside the tools and process of biblical interpretation.
The course walks through how the Old and New Testaments came together, the different kinds of literature Scripture contains, and the basic hermeneutical principles readers use to understand any passage in its context. You'll leave with both a wide-angle view of Scripture's shape and the entry-level skills to work through individual texts on your own.
Because nearly every other Bible course at ACU assumes the foundation BIB 100 lays, students typically take it in their first semester.
Taught By
Offered 2025-2026: Summer 1 · 2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Fall Traditional · 2026-2027: Spring 1.
Adam Rasmussen, Ph.D.
Professor
2025-2026: Summer 1 · 2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Spring 1
Al Fadi, M.S.
Assistant Professor
2026-2027: Fall Traditional
John Talley III
2026-2027: Fall Traditional
Kathleen Mason
2026-2027: Fall Traditional
Meghan Johnson
2026-2027: Fall Traditional
Noah Fulwider
2026-2027: Fall Traditional
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Learning Outcomes
Trace the Composition of Scripture
Describe how the Old and New Testaments were written, collected, and recognized as canon.
Identify Biblical Genres
Distinguish law, narrative, prophecy, poetry, gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic literature, and read each on its own terms.
Apply Interpretation Methods
Use the core hermeneutical principles that guide responsible reading of any passage.
Read Scripture in Context
Place individual texts within their historical, cultural, and literary settings.
Use Reference Resources
Navigate study Bibles, commentaries, lexicons, and other standard interpretive tools.
Biblical Worldview Connection
BIB 100 takes Scripture seriously as both a historical document and a self-revealing word from God. A Biblical Worldview treats the Bible as readable, interpretable, and trustworthy when handled with care — and this course gives students the methods to do exactly that. Every Bible class that follows assumes the framework built here.
Explore Programs With This Course
BIB 100 launches every Bible and theology pathway at ACU. Explore the degree, certificate, and minor programs that build on it.
