DESCRIPTION: The book of Job will be examined critically from the twin
perspectives of its meaning in its ancient context and its continuing
significance for the modern community of faith. Significant time will be
devoted to the translation and careful exegetical examination of the Hebrew
text of representative passages. Lectures will address larger thematic and
structural issues, and will explore parallels with other ancient Near Eastern
representatives of theodicy literature. Time will be given to discussion of
examples of the heritage of Job in Western culture and in the theological
reflection of the church.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
the ability to use appropriate tools to translate and analyze portions of the
Hebrew text of Job; (2) basic skills in exegeting Old Testament texts; (3) an
awareness of the literary complexity of the book of Job and a consistent,
exegetically sound interpretation of its message; (4) an ability to relate Job
to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and to appreciate the distinctive
contributions of this literature to biblical theology; and (5) an ability to
articulate responses to the theological challenges posed by suffering.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Job offers crucial lessons for ministry to a suffering
world: the limits of our theological systems in the face of unexplained
suffering; the need for humility and self-scrutiny in our efforts to help those
who suffer; the need to recognize and to advocate for those who suffer in our
midst and "outside the gate," in the very diverse social and cultural settings
of our world.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly, two hours per session.
REQUIRED READING: