Theology and Justice in the Prophets (BA9709T)

Content

Students in this unit will study the phenomenon of Israelite prophecy in its ancient West Asian (Near Eastern) context. Each instance of a difference in justice and theodicy themes will be studied within individual literary prophetic books and prophetic characters’ narrative appearances. Emphasis is on justice issues in Amos and Hosea, and theological themes more generally in Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ezekiel. Consideration will be given to the relevance of these texts in the global context.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

BA8000T/BA8009T Introduction to the Old Testament or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures and assessment that require application of advanced concepts and skills, critical analysis and competent communication. This includes the demonstration of knowledge with specific skills, tools and applications to complex real world disciplinary or professional problems.

Indicative Bibliography

• Anderson, Gary A. Sin: A History. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009.
• Baltzer, Klaus. Deutero-Isaiah: A Commentary on Isaiah 40-55. Edited by Peter Machinist. Translated by Margaret Kohl. Hermeneia: Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2001.
• Barton, John. Oracles of God: Perceptions of Ancient Prophecy in Israel after the Exile. London: Darton, Longman, and Todd, 2007.
• Block, Daniel. The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 25-48. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
• Doan, William and Terry Giles. *Prophets, Performance and Power. New York: T & T Clark, 2005.
• Dube Shomanah, Musa W., Grant Me Justice! HIV/Aids and Gender Readings Of The Bible. Edited by Musa W. Dube and Musimbi Kanyoro. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2004.
• Houston, Walter J. Contending for Justice: Ideologies and Theologies of Social Justice in the Old Testament. London: T & T Clark, 2006.
• Lundbom, Jack R. The Hebrew Prophets: An Introduction. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.
• Robinson, Bernard. “Jeremiah’s New Covenant: Jer 31, 31-34.” Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 15 22 (2001): 181-204.
• Sweeney, Marvin A. The Prophetic Literature. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005.

Assessment