biblical studies
Welcome to the Biblical Studies page! While some educational programs advertise themselves as "practical" and others as "theoretical", Columbia's Biblical Studies program is FOUNDATIONAL. In this program, you will become familiar with the greatest of all resources that a Christian has--the Bible as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Studying this resource will help you build a foundation for all the rest of your life's ambitions and vocation.
At Columbia, biblical studies is not separate from life but rather intricately connected with it. How does the Bible speak to justice and violence issues in our world? How does the Bible speak to critical issues of climate change? How does the Bible speak to the issues of spiritual brokenness? Columbia's Biblical Studies program is not firstly about giving you a job skill but neither is it primarily theoretical. We study the Bible first of all to build a firm foundation for our lives so that we have a place to stand. Archimedes spoke in relation to the power of a lever: "If you give me a lever and a firm place to stand, I can move the world." We believe that the Bible provides Christians with a firm place to stand and a huge vision to change the world.
Students who come to Columbia will be asked to study the Bible with energy and passion in order to have these words incribed into their very being. The Bible is not a dead book but a vehicle for God to speak life and power into our lives and into our world. Biblical studies is not for the faint of heart--it invites us to commitment, to discipline, and to worship!
If you are interested in this kind of foundation building--come and join us at Columbia!
Columbia's Biblical Studies Program has recently gone through some exciting revisions. Students who intend to stay for the full four year BA program now have the opportunity to select an "Emphasis" that fits their abilities and interests. Follow the links below to see what that could mean for you.
What can you expect to get out of our Biblical Studies program? Click on the Links Below.
2 Year DIPLOMA in Biblical Studies
4 Year BACHELOR OF ARTS
What do our students have to say about this program?
“This program was just what I was looking for, because I don't know what the future holds for me yet, but I want to have a firm biblical foundation for when I discover what it is that God is calling me to do. This program is perfect for anyone, and will help prepare people for a life of discipleship and help students to gain a greater understanding of the Bible and who God is.”
Andrew Clark – Biblical Studies Diploma
"My experience at Columbia Bible College prepared me very well for my seminary training. I will always be grateful for the enthusiastic guidance of several professors who fostered in me a deep passion for studying the Bible. My biblical knowledge vastly improved, and my critical thinking skills were sharpened to the high level that is necessary to be successful at a seminary. All of this greatly enhanced my theological understandings, and increased my awareness of what it means to be an Evangelical-Anabaptist. As well, living on campus four years allowed me to appreciate the community emphasis present at CBC to the fullest, and enabled me opportunities to grow and contribute as a leader. Choosing Columbia for my undergraduate degree was an excellent choice that provided me with the solid foundation I needed to pursue higher levels of education, particularly in the areas of ministry and biblical scholarship."
Nate Tiessen - Biblical Studies BA
“My time at CBC was incredible. I can honestly say that they have been the best years of my life. Currently, I am in Israel as a graduate student studying at Jerusalem University College, majoring in biblical history and geography. Very early in my time here, I was able to see the influence that the biblical studies program at Columbia had on me. I felt very equpped to step into a higher academic level with regards to issues at hand. The various faculty members at CBC exposed me to the serious realities of biblical study. I was pushed and encouraged to move beyond ignorance, yet to still maintain the core of belief that makes me a Christian. I was taught to try to understand the Bible, as well as life itself, the way that God wants me to understand it. This, along with the rigorous academic work, has made the jump to graduate work a very manageable challenge." Kurtis Peters – Biblical Studies BA
“I really enjoyed getting to know the Bible in a more in depth way, through this program. The Biblical studies program has changed me, and impacted my life because I understand a lot more about the Bible now, than I did before I came to CBC. As for the future, I do not know yet what God has planned for me, I know that whatever I do, I will have Biblical knowledge to share with others. “
Anali Taylor – Biblical Studies Diploma
The program has broadened my perspective incredibly concerning my knowledge of the Bible, and ignited in me a love for knowledge and a desire and passion to study the Bible further. The growth that has taken place in my life is almost immeasurable, and it has only fueled my desire for further growth. I plan to continue my education at Regent in fall of 2006, in order to further my investigation of this wonderful and transformative book.
Juliana J. Fruhling - Biblical Studies BA
Where are our grads now?
Kurtis Peters, BA in Biblical Studies 2007 - Working on a Masters degree from Jerusalem University College in Israel
Nate Tiessen, BA in Biblical Studies 2006 - Finishing a Masters of Arts from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA with a special emphasis on the Old Testament
Andrew Klager, BA in Biblical Studies, 2003 – Finishing Grad Studies from McMaster Theological Seminary in Hamilton, ON and teaching as a sessional instructor at Columbia
Dan Ferguson, BA in Biblical Studies, 2003 – Area supervisor for Langley Youth for Christ in Langley, BC
Shaun Wick, BA in Biblical Studies, 2001 – Associate Pastor at Vanderhoof Gospel Chapel in Vanderhoof, BC
For an expanded list of grad job placements, click here.
