Teaching Theology in the Age of Netflix

Bruin Notes

A new method of delivering Bible and religion curriculum aims to spark discussion and connect with students.

The goal of creating an enduring, impactful first-year theology course is the impetus for an overhaul of general education Bible classes this fall.

The new THEO 101-102 course for freshmen will incorporate a large plenary lecture on Mondays, a small-group mediated discussion on Wednesdays, and a large-group panel discussion on Fridays. The single, year-long integrated course will replace the current BIBL 100 and RELI 300 sequence, which used traditional classroom lectures to disseminate biblical texts. The program will use both the Bible and the Apostles’ Creed for its principal themes.

“We’re not just thinking about a neat, new way to deliver some courses,” says Brian Doak, chair of the College of Christian Studies. “We’re looking to make a big statement with this course – to revolutionize the way our students experience Bible and theology at George Fox, and to be a center stage for conversation about theology at the university.”

In addition to biblical and classic texts, the curriculum will incorporate nontraditional teaching tools into the mix, with media outlets such as The Bible Project and Netflix serving as inspiration for ways to better connect with today’s student.