Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
The biblical text is one of the world’s oldest expressions of faith and one of the foundations of Christian theology, as well as a cultural treasure. However, precisely because it is an ancient text, it is often difficult to interpret or access, especially for an inexperienced reader. Therefore, it is not enough to simply read it – the reader needs to understand it (cf. Mark 13:14). In this course, participants will familiarize themselves with biblical texts through lectures and discussions, examining specific passages from both the Old and New Testaments. Every passage will be approached from three basic angles: its original meaning, patristic interpretation, and contemporary interpretation of the text. Participants are expected to take a proactive role in collaboratively shaping the course. Course reading material (specific biblical passages and stories, patristic and modern interpretations, etc.) will be chosen together with participants based on their previous knowledge and interests. By engaging with the biblical texts together, participants will co-create an open environment that encourages exploration and questions.
Learning Approach
At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is dialogue, which requires humility and empathy.
This course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. The content, materials, and methods will be adapted in real time based on participants’ needs, interests, and input. Beyond mastering subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transforms their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, narrative, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop awareness of their own growth while supporting others’ development. The learning community becomes a space where everyone’s experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but actively guide the direction of the course, helping each person to integrate learning into their own life context in meaningful, personally transformative ways.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- recognize their starting point with the Bible, sharing initial understandings and questions to create a foundation for group learning;
- explain important Biblical stories, people, and events, adding their personal insights to build a richer group understanding;
- examine how Church Fathers and modern thinkers have interpreted Bible passages, appreciating different viewpoints shared by the group;
- make connections between different parts of the Bible and its various interpretations, working with others to understand Scripture in its theological, cultural, and historical settings;
- use what the group has learned together to find meaning in Biblical texts for today’s world, showing creative and thoughtful engagement; and
- reflect on how their understanding of Scripture has evolved through group study, identifying specific moments when community dialogue revealed meanings and applications they hadn’t seen before.
Other requirements
Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to participate in all course activities, both by being present and playing an active role in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside of scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may be required to complete extra assignments to fulfill the learning outcome requirements of the course. For the course to be considered complete, 80% attendance and participation are required.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26 and March 18 2025.
