OT501
Goldingay
OT501: PENTATEUCH. John Goldingay.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course meets twice weekly for four-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. The course is thus not primarily lecture-based; it emphasizes
collaborative learning and students need to be willing to be committed to
working together with other students. Students should also note that the issues
involved in studying the Pentateuch are particularly complex; if they have
undertaken no Old Testament study before, they might be advised first to study
Writings or Prophets.
REQUIRED READING:
- Students will not be required to possess any books except an NRSV
and a copy of the course reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Brueggemann, W. Genesis. Atlanta: Knox, 1982.
- Frankel, E. The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman's Commentary on the
Torah. San Francisco: Harper, 1996.
- Fretheim, T. Exodus. Atlanta: Knox, 1991.
- Goldingay, J. After Eating the Apricot. Carlisle, UK: Paternoster,
1996.
- Hartley, J. E. Leviticus. Dallas: Word, 1992.
- Miles, J. God: A Biography. New York: Knopf/London: Simon Schuster,
1995.
- Olson, D. T. Numbers. Louisville: Knox, 1996.
- Wright, C. J. H. Deuteronomy. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson/Carlisle, UK:
Paternoster, 1996.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Attendance at lectures, with a pass-fail exam for students who have to miss
more than one four-hour block.
- Preparation for lectures, with submission of a file of preparation notes to
be graded pass-fail.
- 15-20 page reflection paper.
PREREQUISITES:
- None, but see under course format.
RELATION TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.