25 March, 2026

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The University of Navarra launches a focused online course on the Bible and the Holy Land

The program, which will begin on September 29, is taught in Spanish or English and offers an academic journey through the geography, history, and archaeology of biblical sites

The University of Navarra launches a focused online course on the Bible and the Holy Land

What was the Holy Land like in Jesus’ time? What relationship do archaeological remains have with biblical stories? These are some of the questions addressed in the new course promoted by the Faculty of Theology, which seeks to introduce participants to the origins of Christianity through history, geography, and archaeology.

The program, the result of research by the Department of Biblical Studies and Church History, is offered in collaboration with the Cretio Foundation (United States) and the Saxum Visitor Center (Israel). It will be taught entirely online, in Spanish or English, beginning September 29. The program, lasting ten weeks and with a course load of 2 ECTS credits, will allow each student to progress at their own pace and with complete flexibility.

Diego Pérez Gondar, professor at the Faculty of Theology and academic director of the course, explains the importance of this type of training: “If you don’t know who you are or where you come from, you’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again.” If only to understand the problems of today’s world, I believe it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the origins of civilization and the contributions of Judeo-Christian monotheism, Greek thought, and Roman law.

The course also highlights the role of biblical archaeology as a key to interpreting ancient texts. “Faith is not pure fideism or fundamentalism; faith requires logic. Much of that history has left its remains, which are studied by archaeology and which help us understand how to read the texts that emerged in that ancient context,” notes Pérez Gondar. In his opinion, these questions are of interest to both believers and non-believers because “what human beings truly need is to resolve the meaning of existence.”

The program is intended as an “academic pilgrimage” to the Holy Land, with lessons that explore its geography, history, and key biblical texts, especially the New Testament. “We would like it to be the first of similar courses, since there is a lot of material to teach,” says the academic director.

The program is aimed at anyone interested in delving deeper into the Bible and Middle Eastern culture.  Registration is open, and the fee is 490 euros.

Explanatory video in Spanish

Explanatory video in English

Exaudi Staff

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