Thinking Developmentally: The Bible,the First‐Year College Student,and Diversity

Abstract. The Bible is a non‐western text subject to a variety of interpretations and applications – constructive and destructive. The academic study of the Bible, therefore, requires critical thinking skills and the ability to engage with diversity. The reality is that most first‐year college students have not yet developed these skills. Rather than bemoan students’lack of development, the essay explores ways of teaching and applying critical thinking within the context of an introductory Religion course. The essay claims that first‐year college students can better learn the content of the discipline and function in a pluralistic world if the teaching of critical thinking skills is a part of the pedagogy.