Scriptural Studies

The Hebrew Scriptures are at the root of three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Hebrew Scriptures are a collection of fascinating and sometimes confusing stories, poetry, wisdom sayings and inspired visions. While some of the stories are little known outside scholarly circles, others have become commonplace in conversation, for example “David and Goliath.” Students will explore the history and development of Hebrew Scriptures, while simultaneously learning to metaphysically interpret the meanings that relate the Scriptures to life today.

Beneath the literal sense of the Bible, interpreters have for over 2,000 years discerned allegorical meanings related to divine truths and spiritual realities. Unity’s approach to scripture is connected to that stream of thought, which has at times been “mainstream” but more often “esoteric” and mystical.
Students will experience the rewarding and surprisingly practical process of the Unity way of Bible interpretation. They will learn a step-by-step method for metaphysical interpretation and application of the meanings to their lives. Students will metaphysically interpret selected passages from Hebrew Scriptures.

This course is based on the premise that, whatever else the Christian Scriptures may be; they most definitely are the response of early Christian writers to both the person and the message of Jesus Christ.  We will examine the Christian Scriptures as a testament about Jesus by early Christian communities.

•  Introduction, overview and 1^st Period
• Peter - 30-50 CE – Acts 1-12
• 2^nd Period Apostle Paul
•  The Authentic Letters of Paul
• The Gospels according to the writers
• Gospel Differences

BIBLE 4 – Acts to Revelation Overview & Interpretation

During this course, learners will explore:

• The emergence of the Christian church as an organization separate from Judaism
• How this affects the view of Jesus each Gospel writer presents
• The process of canonization of the Christian Bible
• The significance of the Revelation to John
• The Metaphysical Interpretation of the above to make the Scriptures relevant to life today.

Students will experientially engage their own beliefs about “Jesus Christ” and the Christ idea using the Bible as the primary text.

Learners will be able to:

• Explain the example of Jesus Christ as a means of putting on the Christ and beholding the Christ in others
• Apply the Christ in their own life experiences
• Embody and integrate the Christ Consciousness
• Expand in spiritual awareness and Consciousness

Teachings about the Gospels have usually portrayed Jesus Christ as the “Great Exception” to being human. However, by focusing upon his sayings, we can see Jesus as the “Great Example” for Spiritual Awakening, Empowerment, and Transformation. By exploring the teachings of Jesus, rather than the teachings about Jesus, we can follow that example. Students will develop a deeper and more practical understanding of Jesus as Master Teacher and Wayshower through reflection upon his sayings and methods. In this way, they will learn to build a strong spiritual foundation for “Christ Consciousness.”