DESCRIPTION:

The course studies the origin and historical value of Genesis to Deuteronomy; the different blocks of "law" and the principles they embody; the books as a narrative with a plot, characters, and themes; and their significance for Christian faith, life, and ministry.

By the end of the course students should have

• gained familiarity with these books of the Bible with their foundational significance for an understanding of the gospel, of the commitment of the people of God, and of what it means to be human;

• considered questions raised by a recognition that these books are God's word and by the application of critical methods to them, in the context of current ferment over the origin of the Pentateuch;

• developed skills in the interpretation of Old Testament narrative; and

• considered how to relate Old Testament "law" to doctrinal, pastoral, and moral questions in church and world.

The course meets twice weekly for two-hour blocks. Most blocks will require specific reading of the biblical text and other preparation. The classroom time will then combine lectures, work in groups of four, and plenary discussion.

Students will not be required to possess any books except an NRSV and a copy of the course syllabus book.

Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic, 1981/London: George Allen, 1985.

Blenkinsopp, J. The Pentateuch. New York: Doubleday/London: SCM, 1992.

Brenner, A. (ed.). A Feminist Companion to Genesis. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1993.

_________. (ed.). A Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.

Brueggemann, W., and H. W. Wolff. The Vitality of Old Testament Traditions. Atlanta: Knox, 1975.

Clines, D. J. A. The Theme of the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.

Goldingay, J. After Eating the Apricot. Carlisle, UK: Paternoster, 1996.

Gunn, D., and D. N. Fewell. Narrative in the Hebrew Bible. Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Ramsey, G. W. The Quest for the Historical Israel. Atlanta: Knox, 1981/London: SCM, 1982.

Wright, C. J. H. Living as the People of God. Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 1983. = An Eye For An Eye. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1983.

As noted above, most blocks will require specific preparation and students will need to compile a file of preparation and lecture notes. At the end of the course they will be expected to write a 20-25 page paper in which they stand back from the course as a whole and review what they have read, thought, heard, and said during it.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).