The religious studies course during the fall semester of freshman year introduces students to the central stories, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures. Students will study the development of the Bible, literary forms in Scripture, and critical reading and contextual interpretation of biblical texts. The fundamental perspective of the course is that the Bible is the revealed Word of God written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—God’s living word which speaks to us today of God’s faithful love in our lives. In accord with Ignatian spirituality, this course will incorporate prayer and reflection on Scripture so that students may grow in spiritual maturity and better praise and serve God and others in their lives.