DESCRIPTION: This course will be concerned with the interpretation of the
Pentateuch, comprised of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy. Close scrutiny of selected passages will alternate with attention
to overarching themes, interpretive issues, and theological appropriation.
Instruction will be based upon English translations, although students who have
studied Hebrew will be encouraged to make use of their skills.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of these
books; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that
may inform our understanding, as well as an awareness of the issues involved in
assessing their contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting texts, including
the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively;
(4) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the
Pentateuch, including creation, sin and redemption, promise and covenant, grace
and law, and worship; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from
historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and
obey this portion of Scripture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: In Western Christian churches during the past century
and a half, perhaps no portion of the Old Testament has been fought over more
and preached upon less than the Pentateuch. Particularly among Protestants,
traditional ambivalence about law and cult has been joined by controversies
over emerging critical perspectives, new discoveries from cognate literatures,
and developing scientific understandings of origins so as to polarize readings
of these books and to assign their treatment increasingly to apologetics. In
this course we will seek to recover insights of Jewish and Christian tradition
that have been obscured, to formulate mature theological responses to problems
that have been posed, and to embrace new questions that may challenge us to
more faithful hearing and doing.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour blocks. Some
sessions will include a period for focused small group discussions.
REQUIRED READING: