This is an introductory unit to the literature and faith of the Old/First Testament of the Bible. It seeks to explore that literature in the context of the history, religion, culture and society of Israel as a nation in the Ancient Near East. The Old Testament is appreciated as an inspired expression of monotheistic faith in its own right. Topics include the charism of biblical inspiration, religion in Israel, prophecy in Israel, critical methods in interpreting biblical texts, wisdom literature, and apocalypticism.

Prerequisites

none

Requirements

3 hours per week

Assessment

Bibliography

• Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist, 1984.
• Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004.
• Frick, Frank S. A Journey through the Hebrew Scriptures. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003.
• Hayes, John H., and Carl R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. 2nd ed. London: SCM, 1988.
• Hayes, John H., and J. Maxwell Miller, eds. Israelite and Judaean History. London: SCM, 1977.
• Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. 1993.
• Steck, Odil H. Old Testament Exegesis: A Guide to the Methodology. 2nd ed. Translated by James D. Nogalski. Atlanta: Scholars, 1998.