DESCRIPTION: The course is a critical introduction to the Old Testament from
literary, cultural, and theological perspectives. It will use the third section
of the Hebrew Bible, the Writings, as a window to the Pentateuch and the
Prophets. The four wisdom books concentrated in the Writings will be studied in
their own right and linked to earlier wisdom elements. The narratives in the
Writings will be treated as a continuation of the providential history
presented in the Pentateuch and Joshua-Kings. The Psalms, as responses of
prayer and worship to earlier revelation, will be shown to underline Old
Testament themes, especially covenant, creation, and Israel's history under
God. Lamentations and Daniel 7-12 will be studied as developments of the
prophetic books.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The course's introduction to the Old
Testament is meant as a preparation for further study and spiritual
appropriation of its truths.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will have
demonstrated (1) overall literacy in the Old Testament, (2) understanding of
its literary features and (3) of the diverse historical and cultural situations
in which it was written, (4) ability in interpreting the Old Testament, and (5)
some critical reflection on the diverse vantage points from which it may be
read.
COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice a week for two-hour sessions of lecture
and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: