Interpreting the Old Testament (BA2300T)

Content

In this unit students will gain an overview of diverse approaches and methods employed in the interpretation of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). These methods will be employed to consider the main theological themes such as creation, election, justice, covenant, mercy, prophecy, suffering, death, gender and ecology. Consideration will be given to the ways in which different scholars and traditions have understood the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Introduction to the Old Testament or equivalent

Pedagogy

Weekly readings and lectures, tutorial interaction, online lessons and formative feedback activities

Indicative Bibliography

• Brueggemann, Walter. Truth Speaks to Power: The Countercultural Nature of Scripture. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013.
• Davis, Ellen F. Imagination Shaped: Old Testament Preaching in the Anglican Tradition. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1995.
• Dell, Katharine. Who needs the Old Testament?: Its Enduring Appeal and Why the New Atheists Don't Get it. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2017.
• Dube Shomanah, Musa W., The HIV & AIDS Bible: Selected Essays. Chicago, IL: University of Scranton Press, 2008.
• Fishbane, Michael A. The Garments of Torah: Essays in Biblical Hermeneutics. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1989.
• Hanson, Paul D. Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co., 2010.
• Henze, Matthias. Mind the Gap: How the Jewish Writings Between the Old and New Testament Help Us Understand Jesus. Minneapolis MN: Fortress Press, 2017.
• Melcher, Sarah J. Ed. The Bible and Disability: A Commentary. Edited by Sarah J. Melcher, Mikeal C. Parsons and Amos Yong. Studies in Religion, Theology, And Disability. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2017.
• Scholz, Susanne. Introducing the Women's Hebrew Bible: Feminism, Gender Justice, and the Study of the Old Testament. London: T & T Clark, 2017.

Assessment