Academics: Degree Synopsis
Doctor of Biblical Studies [D.B.S.] 210 Credits.
Design:
The Doctor of Biblical Studies degree is considered to be among the highest attainments available for the dedicated, persistent Biblical scholar. It is intended for the person who wishes to learn from the Bible rather than learn about the Bible. The Doctoral Dissertation will reveal what has been learnede during the course candidacy and the results of the research undertaken.
Course Subjects:
BS 4000: Hermeneutics.
BS 4005: The Pentateuch.
BS 4010: World Religions.
BS 4015: Poetic Books of the Old Testament.
BS 4020: New Testament Issues.
BS 4025: Open Theism.
BS 4099: Dissertation.
Degree Prerequisites:
The Doctoral Candidate must have an earned Bachelor's and Master's degree [including prior-learning experience] approved by our seminary before admission to the course is granted. The candidate must also possess the academic background capable of pursuing the doctoral degree. The administrative faculty will determine if the candidate qualifies for admission after consultation and review. All coursework must be either emailed or sent through a secure mailing system to the student's Assigned Tutor. Assignments submitted to Seekers International should always be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope so that the assignments may be returned.
Course of Study:
Doctoral candidates are required to study six [6] core courses / modules relating to the doctoral field of study and present one research dissertation. The average length of a research dissertation is about 70 pages. Some dissertations submitted have from 200 to 300 pages, although the majority are 60 to 120 in length. From the list suggested, the candidate may choose six core course books. Each book constitutes five hour of credit or one course / module.The core couse books must not be included in the candidate's list of books that will be used in writing the dissertation.
Course Textbooks:
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'Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics' by J. Edwin Harthill. [Paperback]. Zondervan Publishing Co. [Aug 17, 2007]. ISBN-10:0310272556. ISBN-13: 978-0310272557.
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'Hermeneutics: Principles and Process of Biblical Internpretation' by Henry A. Virkler. [Paperback]. Baker Academics [1996]. ISBN-10: 0801020670. ISBN-13: 978-0801020674.
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'Rightly Divided: Readings in Biblical Hermeneutics' by Roy B. Zuck. [Paperback]. Kregel Professional: 1st Edition [1996]. ISBN-10: 0825440998. ISBN-13: 978- 0825440991.
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'Exegetical Fallacies' by Don A Carson. Baker Academics. 2nd Edition [1996]. [Paperback]. ISBN-10: 0801020867. ISBN-13: 978-0801020865.
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'The Pentateuch' by L. Thomas Holdcroft. [Paperback]. CeeTec Publishing. ISBN-10: 0968058000. ISBN-13: 978- 0968058008.
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'A Handbook on the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy' by Victor P. Hamilton. [Hardback]. Baker Academics. ISBN-10: 0801027160. ISBN-13: 978- 0801027161.
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'The Pentateuch: A Chapter by Chapter Study [W. H. Griffith Thomas Library]' by W. H. Griffith Thomas. [Paperback]. Kregel Classic: 8 Edition. ISBN-10: 0835438330. ISBN-13: 978- 0825438332.
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'World Religions: The Great Faith Explored and Explained.' by John bowker. [Paperback]. DK Adult [2006]. ISBN-10: 0756617723. ISBN-13: 978-0756617721.
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'World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery' by Jeffrey Brodd & Gregory L. Sobolewski. [Paperback]. St. Mary's Press [2003] 2nd Edition. ISBN-10: 0884897257. ISBN-13: 978-0884897255.
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'Families of Faith: An Introduction to World Religions for Christians' by Paul Varo Martinson. Augsburg Frontiers Publishers. ISBN-10: 0800632222. ISBN-13: 978-0800632229.
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'An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books' by C. Hassell Bullock. [Hardback]. Moody Publishers. [Sept, 2007]. ISBN-10: 0802441572. ISBN-13: 978-0802441577.
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'Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books' by David Howard. [Hardback]. Moody PublishersRevised, Expanded Edition. [1993]. ISBN-10: 0802441270. ISBN-13: 978-0802441270.
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'Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction' [Encoutering Biblical Studies]' by C. Hassell Bullock. [Paperback]. Baker Academics. ISBN-10: 0801027950. ISBN-13:978-0801027956.
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'Vital New Testament Issues: Examining New Testament Passages and Problems' [Vital Issues] ' by Rou B. Zuck. [Paperback]. Wipf & Stock Publishers [2006]. ISBN-10: 1597526843. ISBN-13: 978-1597526845.
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'New Testament Theology: Basic Issues in Current Debate' by Gerhard F. Hasel. [Paperback]. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN-10: 0802817335. ISBN-13: 978-0802817334.
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'Interpreting the New Testament: Essays on Methods and Issues' by David Alan Black & David S. Dockerry. [Paperback]. B & H Publishing Group. [2001]. ISBN-10: 0805418504. ISBN-13: 978-080541857.
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'God of the Possible: A Biblical Introduction to the Open View of God' by Greg A. Boyd. [Paperback]. Baker Books. [2000]. ISBN-10: 080106290X. ISBN-13: 978- 0801062902.
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'Beyond the Bounds: Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity' by John Piper, Justin Taylor,Paul Kjoos-Helseth. [Paperback]. Crossway Books [2003]. ISBN-10: 1581344627. ISBN-13: 978-1581344622.
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'Their God is Too Small: Open Theism and the Undermining of Confidence in God' by Bruce A. Ware. [Paperback]. ISBN-10: 1581344813. ISBN-13: 978-1581344813.
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'The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge to Traditional Understanding of God' by Richard Rice, Clark Pinnock, William Hasker. [Paperback]. Inter Varsity Press. ISBN-10: 0830818529. ISBN-13: 978- 0830818525.
A 10 to 15 page summary of each of the chosen books is required. Each of the summaries should include thye following:
- An explanation as to the overall theme of the book.
- At least one chapter of the book should be summarised explaining why the chapter was meaningful to the candidate.
- What did the candidate perceive to be the strength of the book?
- What area in the book was of least interest to the candidate, and why?
- What were the principles mentioned in the book? List them
- Will the book be useful to the candidate in his / her/ future work / ministry? If so, how?
- In approximately 3 to 5 pages, give a brief overview of the book.
All submissions to Seekers International should be typed, and double-spaced. Candidates should review submissions before submitting to ensure correct spelling and grammar.
There are no time limits for the doctoral degree courses at Seekers International. Although, we do invite completion in two years.
Tuition: £2.400.00. Tuition Payment Scheme Available.
Tuition costs are kept to a minimum to offset the purchase of textbooks.