Science Versus Scripture Assignment

Choose a scripture reference (Job 14:9) that can either be a single verse with a focus on an animal, a body part, or a natural element (mud, salt, etc.), or a phenomenon that may have scientific implications, such as various apocalyptic occurrences in Revelation, to study from a scientific perspective over the course of the semester. Each assignment serves as the foundation for the next assignment.

• Assignment 1: Planning a Research Paper (PRP) For this assignment, students will write one to two paragraphs introducing a verse or story from the Bible that will be analyzed using a scientific perspective. The paragraph should include initial thoughts or interpretations about the verse from a theological standpoint and present a hypothesis as to whether science evidence about the key word, phrase, or concept will support or refute the theological message being delivered.

• Assignment 2: Annotated Bibliography (AB) For this assignment, students will critically analyze three to five sources that will be used to conduct research on the chosen Bible verse. Each reference must be written according to the APA 6th Edition Formatting and Style Guidelines. Following each bibliographic entry, one to two paragraphs must be written explaining what type of information will be retrieved from the reference and why the chosen source is credible.

• Assignment 3: Rough Draft of the Paper (RD) For this assignment, students will write a rough draft of the paper focusing on the chosen verse. The body of the rough draft must be between seven (7) to ten (10) pages. This does NOT include the cover page or references.

Final Paper (FLdoc) For this assignment, students will submit a final copy of their paper (research project assignment 3) focusing on the chosen verse. The body of the final draft must be between seven (7) to ten (10) pages. This does NOT include the cover page or references. This paper should serve as an extended version of what will be the final oral presentation in this course.