Upper School Biblical Studies

Humanities 9 is an interdisciplinary course that takes the question, “What does it mean to be human?” as its central question.  Students explore this question by way of literature, drama, historical text, primary sources, and the biblical narrative.  While reading Homer’s Odyssey, Humanities students are learning about origins of early Western culture and examining the lives of Abraham, Jacob, and Moses.  Later in the year, students explore the lives of the ancient Romans just before reading through the book of Matthew so they are able to appreciate the world Jesus was born into.  In this manner, Humanities students begin to see that the many subjects of study are not disconnected, but are instead parts of a greater human story.  Some of the primary topics of the course include:

• human origins

• the good life or purpose

• morality and ethics

• beauty and the search for perfection

• relationship with the divine

• relationships between humans (parent/child, man/woman, etc.)

• heroism and ideal humans

• personal and cultural identity

Students are encouraged to develop their own perspective on these and many other topics.  Yet, they are likewise encouraged to articulate both differing and opposing perspectives on the same topics.  For example, they are asked to imagine their response as a free Athenian citizen facing the threat of Persian monarchy.  Students are required to perform dramatic scenes from the works of both Sophocles and Shakespeare.  They are also asked to critique artistic interpretations of biblical, historical, and literary scenes and defend their opinions in front of their classmates.  By the end of the year students are expected to read inquisitively, write coherently, and speak confidently about a range of difficult, human questions.

To facilitate this way of thinking, Upper School students take Humanities 9 during their freshman year. This course (2½ credits) integrates English, History, and Biblical Studies and explores themes of Western Civilization from literary, historical, and biblical perspectives.

Humanities 10 is an interdisciplinary course designed to explore two questions: Who are our global neighbors? And what are their stories? Since the Bible is most relevant when studied in living context both ancient and modern, and since the strongest drivers of change in history are money and religion, our integrated curriculum helps students to bring their world, its past, and the Kingdom of God into sharper focus.  After an introduction to economic theory and what the Bible says about money in the gospel of Luke, students investigate five regions of the world — The Middle East, India, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia — while analyzing the impact of the past on the present in light of the person and work of Jesus. 

They improve in critical thinking and writing while gaining a rich understanding of the challenges and benefits of integrating Biblical principles into contemporary global contexts.  Some of the primary topics of the course include: nationalism, imperialism, colonization, immigration, slavery, poverty, war, God’s Kingdom “Without Borders”.

Humanities 10  is a 1½ credit course integrating History and Biblical Studies.

The Christian Life seeks to uncover the relevance of the Christian faith by probing the significance of Jesus’ proclamation of the two greatest commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” Closely examining the Gospel of John, the prophetic book of Isaiah, and several New Testament epistles, the students learn sound biblical interpretation and explore rational and theological arguments concerning the nature of God.

Concurrently, the students explore the spiritual disciplines practiced by followers of Christ throughout the ages. Thus, with both heart and mind the students are prepared to apprehend the work of God in their own lives and in the world around them.

Biblical Studies 11 is a one semester course.

Senior Symposium marks the culmination of the Boston Trinity Academy education. Students select and probe the depths of one specific ethical problem, studying it through the lenses of both Biblical and secular justice.

This culminates in a 25-page research paper, submitted in stages throughout the year in ever improving drafts. At the end,  students defend their thesis orally in public before a panel of university professors and Boston-based professionals.

Senior Symposium operates as a collegiate level research seminar, built on the school’s mission to inspire students to lead lives of faith, integrity and service. It provides a key opportunity to allow our students’ greatest ideas and deepest joys to meet the world’s greatest needs.