How We Got the Bible (APO202-HB)

COURSE OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

This course will survey the inspiration, canonization, transmission and translation of sacred scripture. Students will be introduced to concepts such as text types, textual variants, and translational methodologies. Special attention will be given to the transmission and translation of the English Bible.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• The Holy Bible (Translation: Student’s Choice)
• How We Got the Bible, 3rd Edition (Neil Lightfoot)

Recommended (But Not Required):

• How We Got the Bible: A Visual Journey (Clinton E. Arnold)
• The Question of Canon (Micheal J. Kruger) 
• The King James Only Controversy (James R. White)
• The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism (D.A. Carson)
• Scripture Alone (James R. White) 
• Rose Book of Bible Charts, Mars & Time Lines (Rose Publishing)

Reading Assignments (25% of Final Grade)

The reading of assigned sections from the required text is a very important component of this course. They are listed below under each of the video links.

Notebook Assignment (25% of Final Grade)

Keep a notebook devoted specifically to this course. Organization of materials is important to make them accessible for future use. At the end of the course, you will be asked to submit a photo of your notes as part of your requirements for this course.

Final Research Project (50% of Final Grade)

Your Final Research Project is a critical part of the course and will account for 50% of your final grade. Please read the following instructions carefully to ensure your submission meets the required standards.

Assignment Overview:

For this project, each student will choose one key aspect of how we received the Bible and develop a clear, well-supported research paper. Possible topics include:

• Inspiration – How God superintended the writing of Scripture.
• Canonization – How the books of the Bible were recognized and compiled.
• Transmission – How the biblical text was preserved and copied through history.
• Translation – How the Bible has been rendered into different languages over time.

Your paper must include:

1. Historical Overview – Trace the development of your chosen topic, noting significant events, people, and decisions.
2. Biblical and Theological Foundations – Include relevant Scripture references and theological reasoning supporting the topic.
3. Key Figures and Milestones – Identify important individuals, councils, manuscripts, or translations that shaped the process.
4. Contemporary Relevance – Explain why understanding this topic is important for Christians today.

Guidelines:

• Length: 4–5 pages (double-spaced).
• Use at least 3 credible sources (academic books, scholarly articles, or reputable church history resources).
• Follow the hermeneutical and historical research skills discussed in class.

Formatting Requirements:

• Bibliography Page: Properly formatted, listing all sources used (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the Bible)
• Length: 3–5 pages (not including title or bibliography pages)
• Spacing: Double-spaced
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Citation Style: APA or MLA (student’s choice, but must be consistent)

Title Page: Must include:

• Course title and number
• Student’s full name
• Instructor’s name
• Date of submission

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THE LINKS BELOW CONTAIN THE COURSE VIDEOS

CLASS 01 Inspiration and Inscripturation

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 1+2

CLASS 02 Canonization

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 14+15

CLASS 03 Transmission: Old Testament

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 12+3

CLASS 04 Transmission: New Testament

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 3, 5+6

CLASS 05 Transmission: Textual Variation

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 8-11

CLASS 06 Translation: The English Bible (Taught by Elder Michael Collier)

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 16

CLASS 07 Translation: KJVO Movement

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 17

CLASS 08 Modern Bibles

Reading Assignment: Textbook Chapter 18

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How to Complete the Course:

After you have watched all the video lectures, taken notes for each class, and completed the required reading, please follow these steps to complete the course:

1. Email us at seminaryforeveryone@gmail.com to let us know you’ve finished the coursework and are ready to commence with your Final Research Project. Along with your message, please attach a single photo of your course notebook for our records.
2. Once we receive your submission, a member of our admin team will confirm receipt. At that point, you will have four weeks to complete and submit your Final Research Project.
3. When your project is complete, send it to seminaryforeveryone@gmail.com. One of our instructors will review and grade your work. If a passing grade is achieved, we will issue and email you a digital certificate of completion.