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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly, two hours per session.
REQUIRED READING: