Old Testament Literature and TheologyCourse Level: Advanced

After readings and discussions on the Introductory Topics of biblical truth, religious myth, and the foundational nature of the Old Testament in the Catholic Canon of Scripture, the course introduces the student in the remaining four sessions to the four divisions of the Old Testament in the Catholic Tradition: 1) the Pentateuch; 2) the Historical Books; 3) the Prophetic Books and 4) the Wisdom Literature.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.

• Studying the Old Testament as a work of Literature, the students will develop a knowledge of and ability to distinguish the different sources of the narrative text and genres employed to convey the theological meaning and message of the text.
• Studying the Old Testament texts as written for people in particular historical contexts, the students will develop an ability to identify the political, sociological and cultural backgrounds that contributed to the formation of the faith message of the text.
• Studying the Old Testament as a theological reflection on the political, sociological and cultural contexts of its time the students will familiarize themselves with the theology of the different authors of the Old Testament narrative.
• Studying the Old Testament as a theological reflection for all peoples of faith throughout history, the students will develop the ability to identify, discuss and articulate the interconnectedness of the biblical text with our contemporary world, its meaning and relevance for that world.
• Studying the Old Testament as foundational roots and a nurturing source of Christian Spirituality, the student will develop a sound spiritual foundation for a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ within the context of the Catholic ecclesial communion, by identifying the theology of the Kingdom of justice, peace and freedom proclaimed by the prophets and begun by Jesus, the Messiah.

• No books required. All readings are online.
• Optional Book: Frigge, Marielle Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, 2013 ISBN: 1599824248; ISBN-13: 978-1599824246;
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• Optional Book: Ed. Donald Senior, John J. Collins and Mary Ann Getty The Catholic Study Bible. Third Edition NAB, Revised Edition New York: Oxford University Press, 2016 ISBN: 0190267232; ISBN-13: 978-0190267230; ASIN: B01AI5I8Y6

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    NOTE: Two Optional Bibles (choose one OR the other) will not be directly used in the course but may help some people who want to learn more or would like those resources for their study or personal use.
    

• Optional Book: Harold W. Attridge The Harper Collins Study Bible, Revised Edition. NRSV. Ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2006 ISBN: 0060786841; ISBN-13: 978-0060786847; ASIN: B01DSV8ZN6

  • Order Here
    

    NOTE: Two Optional Bibles (choose one OR the other) will not be directly used in the course but may help some people who want to learn more or would like those resources for their study or personal use.
    

• Week 1: Introduction to the Old Testament
  • The student will be able to articulate what Dei Verbum means when it says that the truth of Scripture lies in the context of its salvific function both in the Old and the New Testaments.
• Week 2: The Pentateuch
  • The student will be able to show the unity of purpose in the four major movements of the narrative in the Pentateuch: the creation of the world, the creation of God’s people, the exodus of God’s people from Egypt and the giving and revision of the Law.
• Week 3: The Historical Books
  • The student will be able to discuss the theological prism through which the Deuteronomistic Historian views the historical events presented in the six Historical Books with particular focus on the Theology of Kingship in accomplishing God’s purposes in history.
• Week 4: The Prophets
  • Considering the tension created by the events of history the student will be able to discuss the role of the Prophet in calling God’s people to establish God’s reign in history, then and now.
• Week 5: Wisdom Literature
  • Identifying the theological assumptions foundational to the text, the student will be able to discuss the search of the authors to harmonize our lives with the rhythms and order of creation even in the mystery and uncertainty of tragic situations that often spring up unbidden in daily life in the social and cultural contexts of the five books.