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. Lectures will alternate between
close exegetical treatment of selected passages of Job and surveys of larger
thematic and structural issues, including the place of Job within the contexts
of Israelite and ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Significant time will
be given to discussion of the implications of Job for the theological
reflection and praxis of the church: how is suffering consistent with our
confessions about God, how can we learn from the suffering of others, and how
can we minister faithfully to those who suffer?
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)
a sound grasp of the book of Job and a consistent, exegetically sound
interpretation of its message; (2) 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 (3) an ability to articulate
responses to the theological challenges posed by suffering; (4) an increased
awareness of the way that diverse communities experience and interpret
suffering.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions; the class
will include both lecture and structured discussions.
REQUIRED READING: