Spanning Time, Place, and Culture in the Classroom

Last fall, Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr.’s class “Introducción a la Biblia” contained a cross-cultural, cross-generational group of students on a variety of educational journeys. The experience has been one to cherish for professor and students alike.

By Katie Johnson '19, content specialist

March 04, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.

Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr. has been teaching Intro to Bible for 16 years, and this is the first time his class surprised him with a birthday celebration.

Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr. has been teaching Intro to Bible for 16 years, and this is the first time his class surprised him with a birthday celebration.

When Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr. started teaching Biblical Greek in Spanish, he thought the course could be a great resource for local Spanish speakers who wanted to deepen their understanding of the Bible. He never dreamed that two years later, his students would surprise him with cake, coffee, and banners to celebrate his birthday, revealing that Hernández’ classroom is much more than a space to share knowledge, but a faith-filled community invested in one another. 

Last fall in “Introducción a la Biblia,” Hernández said the class was filled with students ages 17-84 on various educational journeys. Some were auditing the course while others were non-degree seeking students—along with PSEO students and those taking a traditional College of Arts & Sciences route. “Some were Anglos, who were majoring in Spanish; some were US-born Hispanic Heritage students, who were bilingual; and others were predominantly Spanish speaking adults from Latin American countries,” Hernández shares, excited by the diverse group of students.

At this point in time, Bethel is the only school in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) that offers a fully accredited undergraduate Introduction to the Bible course in Spanish. The course also counts for credit in the Department of Languages and Cultures for students majoring in Spanish. “Having such a cross-cultural and cross-generational group all in one class makes for an undeniably enriching experience without rival," Hernández says. "You can't just get away with text-booky Spanish in this setting!”

Students had no idea what a gift this semester would be for them during the first class session of “Introducción a la Biblia" last fall.

Students had no idea what a gift this semester would be for them during the first class session of “Introducción a la Biblia" last fall.

Now, it’s one thing to share information about the only class of its kind, and it’s another to hear from students within the community itself. These brief Q&As illuminate how enriching the experience has been for everyone involved:

Anika Oss ’23, biokinetics major, biology and business minors 

What was it like to connect with people from different cultures and ages in this class?

I was able to connect easily with the other individuals in the class because my family is from Mexico, and I can speak Spanish fluently. There were individuals of all ages in the class, and I loved how this brought a range of perspectives. There was never a moment where I didn’t feel comfortable.

How does this class complement your Bethel experience in general? 

The Bethel experience values faith, and Dr. Hernández shared a lot of fascinating material about the Bible that challenged and let me grow in my faith.

Can you describe a moment or memory from the class that was special to you?

The class definitely felt like a family, and it always seemed like we were celebrating something together. My favorite memory has to be when we celebrated the last day of class and ate “tostadas de pollo” together.

Felix Juárez, a 70-year-old retiree who audited the course. He’s married to Assistant Professor of Nursing Emerita Maureen Juárez.

What was it like to connect with people from different cultures and ages in this class?

Being Latino, the cultural aspects aren’t that different because the class reminds me of my experiences in Latino churches in Minnesota. Latino churches in Minnesota are usually made up of folks who are from various countries in Latin America. Also, as a Latino, I feel like I am used to interacting with people of different generations. I did enjoy getting to know all of my classmates during class breaks or even our out-of-class gatherings. Our group was made up of students ages 17-80. It was wonderful to see that our common language—Spanish—connected us beyond age.

Can you describe a moment or memory from the class that was special to you? 

A fond memory I had from the class was learning from Dr. Hernández as he connected the Hebrew language to what we were learning. He would write it on the board and explain the meanings of the words. This focus on the language was especially meaningful because we are bilingual and naturally interested in how language works.

Another memory that I have was a reflection made by a classmate. She expressed that as she was learning through this class, she realized how important it was because God wanted her ready to share the Gospel with others. She needed to learn more because more work was yet to be done.  

How did your faith grow throughout this class? Or what did you learn about the Bible that still sticks with you?

One thing that I learned that still sticks with me: That all people from all generations sin and ask for forgiveness. This is something that repeats with each generation. And though at times our sin can anger God, He still loves us.

Moisés Gómez, a non-degree seeking student who also took Hernández’ Introduction to Biblical Greek in Spanish.

What was it like to connect with people from different cultures and ages in this class?

I was able to verify that—for knowledge—there is no age. Also, it was very enriching to learn how each one of them in their own age and from their own liturgical customs yearned to know more about God.

How has this class impacted your life beyond Bethel?

I learned to value the Bible more and appreciate its richness from another perspective. Also, my desire to know God in a deeper way has intensified. Now, every time I read a passage, I try to complete the meditation with a study book that allows me to scrutinize what I cannot do with the naked eye.

Can you describe a moment or memory from the class that was special to you?

The koinonia between my classmates. Each class we took a break of 10-15 minutes, and in that time, we shared a snack while we talked a little about everything. Personally, it allowed me to get to know my colleagues a little better and to esteem and value them more deeply.

Erik Bekers ’22, Spanish education K–12 and teaching English as a second language (TESL) K–12 double major

What was it like to connect with people from different cultures and ages in this class?

It was an incredibly enriching experience. While we only met once a week, being able to be immersed in Hispanic culture has helped me to be able to better communicate culture to my future students in my Spanish classroom (while I still recognize my limitations to do this as a white individual). The wisdom and stories of lived experiences of many of the older individuals in my class helped me gain perspective on some of the situations in my life. Their persistence and grit through all circumstances served as testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness, helping me stand in faith that God will move throughout my circumstances in a similar way. 

How does this class complement your experience in the Modern World Languages department?

With the addition of this class, I am now able to more easily communicate about the most important thing to me: my faith. The curiosity that Dr. Hernández sparked in all of us as we studied the Old and New Testaments helped me to feel personally motivated to learn more about his word, even though it was challenging for me.

Also, as a future language educator, I know that being able to speak someone's first language is a true way to connect to their heart. As such, being able to learn about the Lord's goodness, faithfulness, and providence all throughout the biblical narrative from creation to the cross and beyond in one's first language greatly expands the meaningfulness of this delicate content.

How did your faith grow throughout this class? What did you learn about the Bible that still sticks with you?  

My faith grew immensely during this class. Dr. Hernández did a wonderful job of illuminating the ways that the Old Testament points to the arrival of Jesus. In addition, this course helped me to recognize the Lord's faithfulness throughout the tumultuous times of the Old Testament, even when God seems angry or distant from His people. However, I realized that He really never was, never is, and never will be too far away from His creation.

"There is great joy and pride among the students over what they are learning, and the class dynamic remains lively and interesting," says Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr.

"There is great joy and pride among the students over what they are learning, and the class dynamic remains lively and interesting," says Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr.

Learn from world-renowned instructors

From our newest faculty to those who have been teaching for years, each professor is committed to your success. Study under accomplished scholars and practitioners who are experts in their field-so that one day, you'll excel in yours.

Professor of Biblical Studies Juan Hernández, Jr. is the author of the award-winning Scribal Habits and Theological Influences in the Apocalypse (2006), co-editor of Studies on the Text of the New Testament and Early Christianity (2015), lead translator of Josef Schmid’s landmark Studies in the History of the Greek Text of the Apocalypse (2018), and has delivered endowed lectures.

Learn more