What classes should I take to learn about the bible (e.g. Koine Greek, Greek

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civilization, Hebrew)? I'd like to learn the bible in its original languages. On top of that, I want to know about the surrounding culture at the time of the New Testament and the Old Testament. Also, I want to know (from as unbiased as possible sources) who took books out of the canon and put them in, and why. For example, I need to determine whether Maccabees should be in a bible. The Catholics will tell me "Yes" while Protestants will disagree. So I need an unbiased (as much as possible), maybe secular source. What classes would teach me about how the bible was formed? Where can I find honest accounts of what happened to the bible? I'm willing to study for years, I just want to spend my time studying something reliable. Thanks.

I don't really want to go to seminary, because I feel like there are certain agendas there. I would be more willing to take classes piece by piece along with my regular classes at a liberal arts college. Or I could study on my own if I could get my hands on reliable materials that aren't motivated by an agenda. I just want the truth, not anything already slanted.
I'm almost worried about secular sources, because they could be ex-Christians or whatever and could also have some kind of agenda (whether they know it or not).
 
I took this bible class at Univ of Houston. It was taught by a rabbi. OMG, I learned so much from that man!! So, I would recommend a class like that with somebody who has spent his whole life learning about the bible.


And remember that anybody can have an agenda. Always take these classes with a certain level of discernment no matter who's teaching them.

And it would probably benefit you to read everything you come across, even if you think it's nonsense or a lie or whatever. At least you get some background, you know?
 
Hebrew, koine Greek, Roman and Greek history, ancient Jewish history.

In all of these, secular sources are best, because they are less likely to have an agenda. A secular language teacher simply wants to teach you the language. Likewise with history teachers.

Most of the Christian language sources I have come across are seriously in error. Many can't even pronounce the names of the letters of the alphabets properly, let alone know their sound values. (Ex. Strong's Concordance). How can they then be trusted to know the meanings?

I learned Hebrew very inexpensively from an Israeli teacher. Hebrew was her native language. She taught me modern Hebrew, and gave me the tools to understand biblical Hebrew. Many Jewish community centers have Hebrew classes available, especially Reformed, who are less like to have an agenda in teaching.
 
I personally feel that you can make this more simple:

1st, You need to talk with God earnestly. Without him you won't be able to understand any of it. He will send you knowledge to understand.

2nd, you need to purchase the Old Testament and New Testament in the English and translated forms so you can compare words. I've found this to be the greatest reason why people believe there are contradictions in the Bible.

3rd. Get a concordance, Hebrew lexicon, Greek lexicon, etc. and check into all passages that pertain to a subject before you make a conclusion. People taking one liners out of the Bible and calling them truth is the problem. You must do a thorough research or you will miss something.

4th, You can purchase the Nag Hammadi Library book. It has the lost writings that weren't put into the Bible, but you're not going to see some real difference from what's in the Bible, but you can maybe see why they did not include these writings.

This will give a good start.
 
The Old Testament is best studied in Hebrew and Chaldean. The New Testament will require ancient Greek and Aramaic.
These can be difficult courses to find but not impossible. Check out some Jewish websites and google: textus receptus the original language of the New Testament. Hope this helps.
 
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