Brief Profile of the Biblical Theology Department, CIWA

“The study of Sacred Scripture is, as it were, the soul of Theology” (VG, 70 par. 1)

The Biblical Theology Department of the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, was one of the first three Departments the Institute began with from its inception on 8th December 1981. ln line with the overall vision of the Institute, the objectives of the department are as follows:

1.    To promote scientific, exegetical and contextual study of the Sacred Scripture.

2.    To train church personnel grounded in Biblical Theology in the socio-cultural context of Africa and in fidelity to the Church Tradition and the Magisterium.

3.    To train teachers for major seminaries and other higher institutes in the sub-region.

From onset the Department has been blessed with well qualified and seasoned lecturers who have continued to produce graduates with Masters (MTh), Licentiate (STL) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in the line the aforementioned objectives. Those graduates in turn have distinguished themselves in Church and society. Among them today are Bishops, Rectors of Major Seminaries, Professors to mention but a few.

From its inception the academic activities of the Department had been piloted by the following Heads: Justin S. Ukpong, Kris Owan, Teresa Okure, SHCJ, Emmanuel Nwaoru, Ignatius Obinwa and Luke Ijezie, while at present is Peter Onwuka.

The Department has produced the following Professors: Justin S. Ukpong, Teresa Okure, SHCJ, Emmanuel Nwaoru, Anthony Iffem Umoren, Ignatius Obinwa and Luke Ijezie.

Current Composition of the Department

The Department has seven full-time lecturers:  Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Iffem Umoren, MSP; Rev. Fr. Prof. Luke Ijezie; Rev. Fr. Prof. Ignatius Obinwa; Rev. Fr. Dr Peter Onwuka; Rev. Fr. Dr Paul Jatau,  Rev. Fr. Dr Benjamin Emmanuel and Rev. Fr. Dr Stephen Dedua.. 

Biblical Theology Courses

In keeping with Sapientia Christiana and Veritatis Gaudium the Department offers courses in the following Stress Areas:

1.    Introductory courses in Methodology. Biblical; Theology, Exegesis and Hermeneutics

2.    Old Testament Textual Study and Exegesis

3.    Old Testament Thematic Study and Theology

4.    New Testament Textual Study and Exegesis

5.    New Testament Thematic Study and Theology

6.    Studies in Intertestamental Period

7.    The Bible and First World Cultures

Courses in these areas help students to acquire mastery of basic exegetical and methodological skills needed in handling Biblical text, knowledge of contemporary interpretative methodologies applied in reading the Bible in context, and major research tools available in all these areas.

To prepare students to read and understand a biblical text in its original language, the department offers as Beginner’s or Propaedeutic programme one year intensive courses on Old Testament Hebrew Morphology (BIB 4010) and New Testament Greek Morphology (BIB 4030). Here they learn fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew and Greek Grammars and Paradigms, while they learn easy translations from the Hebrew and Greek Bible.

Major Courses Offered in the Following Areas:

1.    Biblical Languages

·       Old Testament Hebrew Syntax and Lexis

·       New Testament Greek Syntax and Lexis

·       Biblical Aramaic

Here the student acquires the ability for syntactical analysis of chosen Biblical texts as well as for reading and translating the same. There is also introductory study of Textual Criticism of both testaments. Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate high proficiency in the knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and Greek and a good working knowledge of Biblical Aramaic (BIB 6032).

Outside the major courses students are also expected to take Elective and Faculty courses which they may choose from or outside the Biblical Department.

2.    Biblical Methodologies

The student studies the basic characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of the major methodologies applied in contemporary Biblical studies, Old and New Testaments, particularly

·       the Historical Critical (diachronic) method and its different components: Source, Form, Redaction, Literary, Textual religionsgeschichtliche, etc. criticisms

·       Synchronic and Contextual Approaches; Liberative and Inculturation Hermeneutics; Biblical interpretation in Africa

·       Women Hermeneutics ( womanist and African women hermeneutics).

3.    Exegesis (OT and NT)

The student is introduced to the process of interpreting or explaining select Biblical texts and passages from Biblical books, using major research tools and methodologies. Some of the books studied are:

·       Pentateuch (Genesis)

·       Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea)

·       Wisdom Literature and Psalms (Psalms, Wisdom Literature)

·       Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John)

·       Pauline Epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians)

·       Letter to the Hebrews and Catholic Epistles

·       The Book of Revelation

4.    Biblical Themes and Cultures (OT and NT)

Select Biblical themes are treated as courses or Seminars, especially those relevant to the African context. They cover among others:

·       The Old Testament Covenants (particularly the Sinai Covenant) and the monarchy in their Biblical and extra-Biblical contexts, and relevance for Africa

·       Prophetic Literature and related issues, e.g., politics, religion, social justice, etc. in Africa

·       Parables of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount in their Biblical and contemporary African contexts

·       Contemporary Issues in Biblical Miracles & Faith Healing in African context

·       New Testament Attitude towards cultures (OT, Jewish, Gentile), with a focus on African cultures

·       Biblical and Contemporary Issues in Sex and Gender and Cultural Hermeneutics

·       Institutions, Ministries in OT and NT

Admission and Admission Requirements

The admission process begins from the first week of May and closes on the first week of October every year. To apply, click on ADMISSIONS on the website (www.ciwa.edu.ng) and follow the instructions. For admission requirements, visit www.ciwa.edu.ng click on Admissions, then on requirements.