School of Biblical Studies

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O. Herbert Hirt, Ph.D., Dean

Professor

Paul N. Benware, Th.D.
Richard D. Emmons, Ph.D.
G. Robert Kilgore, D.Miss.
John R. Master, Th.D.
Jay A. Quine, Ph.D.
Brian G. Toews, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

G. Thompson Allen, Th.M.
David C. Hard, Ph.D.
Gary E. Schnittjer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Eddy D. Field, III, Th.M.
John S. Oliff, Th.M.

Part-time Faculty

David R. Babbitt, Ed.D
Edgar B. Hardesty, Th.M.
Raymond Thomas, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Jonathan L. Master, Th.M.
David E. Seip, M.Th.

One of the important distinctives of a biblical university is its emphasis on the study of the Scriptures, both by books and by doctrines. It has been the long-standing practice of Philadelphia Biblical University to excel in Bible education; therefore, a specially designed program of at least 45 credits of Bible, doctrine, and church history is required for a baccalaureate degree.

The goal of the School of Biblical Studies is set forth in these two statements: “Knowing God’s plan for His creation and taking my place in that plan,” and “Becoming leaders who correctly use the Word of Truth.”

This involves knowing God’s plan for His creation, having a comprehensive understanding of the entire biblical revelation as well as comprehending the essential doctrines of Christianity as revealed in the Scriptures. Taking a place in that plan means a complete dedication of life, goals, and ambitions to Jesus Christ our redeemer as an integral part of one’s ministry of the Word.

The foundational course for the study of the Bible is Biblical Introduction, which provides an overview of the Bible, Bible study methodology, and hermeneutics.

Bible exposition totals 27 credits. Every book of the Bible is considered in its historical and biblical context and its relationship to the other books of the Bible.

The School also provides the student with a systematic study of all the essential doctrines of Christianity as revealed in the Bible, thereby providing a thorough grounding in Bible doctrine as the basis for Christian ministry. There are three required courses, which total nine credits. Emphasis is placed on the theology of Dispensationalism, which is the basis of the doctrinal position of the University. Contrary views are also studied along with apologetic answers.

Moreover, Church History is included in the curriculum. Church History I studies the Book of Acts and the early church to A.D. 590. A second course studies church history from A.D. 590 to the present. Six credits in church history are required.

In addition to these requirements, most programs require two elective courses, one in Bible and one in doctrine. A number of electives are offered and the student may choose from these. Electives are to be taken in the last two years of a student’s matriculation.

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