Sacred Scripture
Fr. Patrick J. Kifolo, OSFS
2007-2008

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, and in purity.”
- 1 Tim 4:12

Course Description
Scripture introduces what the Bible is, how it came to be written, as well as how to make use of its notations such as footnotes and cross-references. Students are also introduced to biblical study aids and how Roman Catholics interpret the Bible. Students will deal with the historic faith expression of the descendants of Abraham in the Hebrew Scriptures as well as the separate historical development of the text itself. Various adolescent life issues important for healthy human living such as self-knowledge, conflict management, and developing a healthy prayer life are integrated throughout the study of the Chosen People.

While studying the Christian Scriptures, students will focus on the historic person of Jesus of Nazareth as well as the faith experiences of the Apostles that led them to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. After examining the meaning of these and other Christological titles of Jesus, the students will examine the historical and literary development of the Letters of St. Paul and then the Gospels. Throughout the study of the Christian Scriptures important faith themes essential to living out one’s Christian identity will be examined. These themes include the following: the Reign of God, Discipleship, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Evangelization, Church life and ministry. Students will be required to write a reflection paper based on 20 hours of Christian Service performed at an agency approved by the Religious Studies Department.

Course Objectives
The course will enable sophomores to:

1. Understand and explain the two major divisions of the Bible
2. Identify the Patriarchs, Prophets, and major historical figures of the Old testament
3. Trace the development of the Old Testament timeline from the Pre-history through to the Historical Books
4. List and explain core beliefs, practices and attitudes of the Jewish people
5. Explore the understanding of God through the experiences of the Jewish people
6. Identify Jesus, the Apostles, Paul, and early Christian founders of the Church
7. Identify the Christian timeline from Jesus through to the Book of Revelation
8. Identify the formation of the Gospels and compare and contrast the synoptic and gnostic writers
9. Identify the Salesian themes incorporated in the study of Sacred Scriptures

100-93 = A
92-89 = B+
88-85 = B
84-81 = C+
80-77 = C
76-73 = D+
72-70 = D
69-0 = F

Texts
Journey through the Old Testament. Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2006.
Journey through the New Testament. Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2006.
The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. St. Mary’s Press. Winona Minnesota, 2004.
The Catholic Youth Bible: The New American Bible, Fireside Edition. St. Mary's Press. Winona, Minnesota, 2005.

Materials
A composition book
A folder for handouts
Writing Instruments
Salesianum Plan Book

Final Project
Stories that teach a lesson: Students will be asked to make a connection between movies, television shows, music, or novels and a topic we have studied in the course of our “Journey Through the Old Testament” and “Journey Through the New Testament.” This project and presentation will be completed with a partner. I will provide a handout explaining this in greater detail.

Current Events/Extra Credit
I invite students to bring in articles from the newspaper, magazines, the internet, etc. that reveal a connection between what we’re studying and current events. These articles may be used to spark discussions and provide extra credit. Keep an eye on what is happening in Israel.
(2pts. each)