Learning the Bible in a Secular Classroom

So I'm in this Hebrew Bible (AKA Old Testament) class here at SC (no literally...I'm sitting in the class right now), and I've been pondering lately why the class inevitably puts me in a terrible mood once I step through the doors...and along the same line, why I would rather re-read all of my friends' Facebook profiles...or review my bank statement...or try to teach myself Mandarin Chinese by staring really hard at a foreign newspaper, than actually pay attention in class.

So as an aspiring theorist, I began my investigation through some of my fellow students. More specifically, I wanted to see how some of the other Christians in the class felt about what we've "learned" this semester. My two test-subjects proved complete opposites. And if it's possible...I think I'm more of a third opposite than a compromise in the middle. Hence, the need for further exploration: a blog post. *dum dum dumm*

The big issue that I'd like to address is whether or not it is beneficial to be taught the Bible from a non-Christian perspective. My gut reaction, and the reason I chose to take this class in the first place, is an overwhelming YES--of course it will be helpful. Clearly, if I remain immersed solely in Christian perspectives and influences, I am more likely to swallow the information I'm given, without even chewing. Naturally, I would utterly choke when served a challenging viewpoint. Or at best, crawl away with a feeling of indigestion.

As a responsible adult, I know it's important to view ANY idea from all different sides in order to make an informed decision about what I think (and of course so that I can prove to everyone else that I'm right...) So the plan this semester was to broaden my Biblical palate through this course, not especially for spiritual purposes, but for general education (hence this class falls under the options for "general education requirements"). I mean, really...
1) I'd be all about the assigned readings (great excuse to pound away a significant chunk of the Old Testament)
2) I could definately score an A since I've got years of Sunday School experience
And 3) I would naturally interpret scripture better in my own studies via understanding the cultural context in a deeper way.
Sounds fab, right? I get a grade-booster and some extra knowledge to apply to studying God's Word. Obviously, I don't expect much by the way of God-moments and epiphanies from class (How can one without the Holy Spirit really understand and teach the things of God?), but I use the extra information more as a tool to fascilitate a new depth to my time with the Lord.

Instead, what I get is the sense that every lecture is an intensive "Happy-Meal Challenge." Someone's taken my precious faith, tossed it in the blender, and now force-feeds it to me by the paper-cupful. *echk echk* Is that part of a ketchup packet...? Who threw the straw into the mix?? Honestly...

I guess that's the key. I don't feel like I'm learning and discussing the Bible as it was meant to be studied, but that I'm trying to reconcile pulverised pieces of scripture with all sorts of weird outside influences. Don't get me wrong--I think it's a great idea to discover how other writings and archaeological evidence enlightens the worldview of different eras in Scripture, but at the same time, the class presents these as "proof" that Biblical redactors copied their ideas from someone else or blatantly made them up. Class time, then, is a chance to dig into the flaws and sift out any remaining granules of belief. And this does not make Meredith happy.

I'm becoming convinced that what I really need is supplemental instruction...like a mini seminary professor to sit on my shoulder and provide other thoughts to ponder along with the information that the university feeds my brain. I leave class with twice as many questions as I began with...and the only effective way I've found to get rid of them (because I don't know any seminary kiddos who can spare 3 or 4 hours a week to educate me further) is to hate the class and quit caring about what the professor has to say. If my head is full of Facebook facts or Mandarin, I can tune out the blasphemy. I wish I could take a follow-up course where they'd teach me the whole thing over again in a comparative format: here's what they told you, and here's how different churches interpret it. Yes, I want to know what the world has to say about my God--how they fight to disprove Him. But first, I need a deeper understanding of what the Bible has to say. I've got the opposing argument down pat...now I need to know my own side better.

An epiphany!!

This would be a great class to take once I finish seminary...

Anyone know where I can sit in on some Bible classes? Or pick up an un-juiced burger? Feedback greatly appreciated :)