DESCRIPTION: This course will begin with a brief overview of the narratives of
Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings (the "Former Prophets"), with emphasis upon
their thematic coherence and their testimony to the history of Israel's
experience in the land, from conquest to exile. A second, longer section of the
course will survey the history and literature of prophecy, tracing the setting,
composition, and themes of each of the prophetic witnesses in the books of
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve (Hosea-Malachi). Lecture
presentations will alternate with discussions of hermeneutical implications.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a basic overview of the history of Israel from the conquest to the exile, as
well as an appreciation of the challenges of relating faith to history; (2) a
broad knowledge of both the variety and the coherence of Israel's prophetic
traditions; (3) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of
this literature and to articulate the ethical implications inherent in
prophetic indictment and hope; (4) enhanced skills in using scholarly resources
and methods both critically and constructively as a foundation for further
study of the Old Testament.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: We will address a variety of questions that are vital
to the faithfulness of the church today: What should we learn from Israel's
presentation of its past? How did the prophets speak truth to power? How did
they expose false trust and give courage and vision for authentic hope? How
were the words of the prophets appropriated by the New Testament writers, and
what resources do we find in their testimony for nurturing obedience and hope
in the Christian church?
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: