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Scripture Engagement
Minor
Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge
The Bible is the primary way God communicates about who He is. To understand God and learn to recognize His voice, we're called to study the Bible and reflect on its message and meaning.
Our world desperately needs the Church to be rooted in His Word, trusting God and knowing that our identity rests in Him. But research has shown that studying the Bible alone does not result in a transformed Christian life. Rather, spiritual transformation comes through interacting with Scripture in a relational way—reflecting, meditating, contemplating—that's what truly enhances our relationship with God and transforms us into His image.
That's what you'll find at Taylor. We have uniquely brought together academic study and the relational reading of Scripture: Scripture Engagement.
Taylor is a pioneer in Scripture Engagement, having founded the Center for Scripture Engagement in 2009. We know that integrating faith and learning not only complements academic pursuits and spiritual formation, but further aligns with our mission to develop servant-leaders. Starting Fall 2023, all incoming students will learn and practice Scripture Engagement through a dedicated minor (17 credits) as part of Taylor's Foundational Core requirements.
Keegan Mattheson
Class of 2023
“Before I was exposed to Scripture Engagement, I approached reading the Bible in a transactional way: I read so I could learn and grow as a person. However, now that I have been exposed to Scripture Engagement, I approach reading the Bible in a relational way: I read so I can love my Father more deeply.”
Scripture Engagement Classes
The six spiritual formation classes in the Foundational Core showcase how Scripture Engagement brings the academic study of the Bible to life. As you move through the classes, various tools and techniques build, cultivating a deep sense of wisdom and understanding of the Bible.
Foundations of the Christian Liberal Arts
Students are introduced to the Christian liberal arts, the integration of faith and learning, and Scripture Engagement—what it is and why it's critical to our spiritual formation. Students practice Scripture engagement techniques in groups led by upperclassmen.
Biblical Literature I and Biblical Literature II
As students are given an overview of the Old and New Testaments in these classes, they are encouraged towards reflective prayerful engagement with specific passages through the Scripture engagement practices of Lectio Divina and Praying Scripture.
Historic Christian Belief
In this survey of Christian beliefs, Scripture engagement is incorporated through signature assignments, Scripture memorization, and meditation on key doctrinal passages.
Contemporary Christian Belief
This class focuses on the engagement of Christian faith with contemporary culture and what it means to live a compelling Christian life. Students process Bible passages important to class using Scripture engagement practices.
Senior Seminar
This integrative interdisciplinary class is focused on understanding biblical wisdom, desiring wisdom, and knowing God’s character. Scripture engagement techniques of journaling and music to meditate on passages are used in conjunction with hymns of the faith.
Scripture Engagement Curriculum & Degree Options
Students interested in course descriptions and academic policies can check out our Undergraduate Catalog.
Liberal Arts Foundational Core
A Taylor liberal arts education will prepare you to live and work in a fast-changing world. It also goes a step further: laying a strong spiritual foundation that cultivates wisdom. You’ll become a well-versed individual, equipped with critical thinking skills, a lifelong love of learning, and an appreciation for God’s creation.
The Center for Scripture Engagement
Since our founding over 176 years ago, Taylor has emphasized classes in Scripture knowledge, Christian thought, and spiritual growth for all students.
In 2009, Taylor launched the Center for Scripture Engagement. Co-directed by professors Phil Collins and Steve Bird, the Center produces in-depth research on Scripture Engagement, diagnostic surveys for ministries and individuals, training on how to engage Scripture Engagement practices, and Scripture Engagement resources. The Center has unique partnerships with Taylor University, Bible Societies, Harper Collins, and BibleGateway. Through research and resources, the TUCSE promotes engagement with Scripture to empower the Church to passionately know God, love God, and serve the world.
Inspiring Lifelong Cultivation of Wisdom
Today, students at Taylor take classes that are woven with Scripture Engagement practices. They experience transformative spiritual growth starting freshman year that continues throughout their time on campus. You’ll leave Taylor equipped with tools and techniques for reading the Bible that will inspire you for life.
Learn More
If you’re new to the practice of reading the Bible with the goal of reflection rather than study, Bible Gateway has over 50 articles about Scripture Engagement, created in partnership with the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement.
Another great resource is The Abide Bible, available in print and on BibleGateway Plus. The Abide Bible features art illustrations, book introductions, and Scripture Engagement prompts based on five ways of engaging deeply with the Bible. Over 30 Taylor faculty, staff, and students contributed to The Abide Bible.
Related News
Taylor Students to Earn Scripture Engagement Minor
Apr 03, 2023
Beginning with incoming freshmen this fall, students will have the opportunity to earn a Scripture Engagement minor as part of Taylor’s Christian liberal arts core curriculum.
Read Article
Hunger for Scripture Engagement Grows at Taylor
May 25, 2022
A fresh energy towards scripture engagement has been making inroads in the way the Bible is viewed, known, and taught at Taylor.
Read Article
Engage With Scripture in a Whole New Way
Mar 31, 2020
What’s the difference between studying the Bible and engaging with it? With the Abide Bible, a project spearheaded by professors Dr. Phil Collins and Dr. Steve Bird, connecting with Scripture on a deeper level can make all the difference in your spiritual walk.
Read ArticleSend Me Information
