RS 310 RU - God and the Hebrew Bible

Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 4
Maximum Credit(s) Awarded: 4

The Hebrew Bible (aka The Old Testament), is not only foundational for much of Western civilization, but is also an intimate and compelling report of God’s relationship with the people of ancient Israel. This God is not a theological abstraction; but instead the Mystery of justice and mercy whose goal is to create a people who see these attributes as complementary rather than antithetical. Far more than a national epic – the Hebrew Bible is a prayer book for Christianity and Judaism, a wellspring of ancient Wisdoms, and a fearless and perceptive analysis of the problem of human evil. Our initial goal is to read selected sections through lenses drawn from historical, theological, and narrative methodologies. Gradually we will expand from straightforward readings to a deeper engagement with the text as it forms human character and informs human communities. But we do not seek, nor will we find, definitive answers, for the inquires that underlie the Hebrew Bible are the great questions which are resolved only as they are lived.

Prerequisite(s): COR 1 and COR 199