The Book of Psalms and Spirituality in the Coptic Church (BA9500A)

Content

This unit offers a study of the book of Psalms. It involves an introduction to the literary genres of the book and its various authors with special emphasis on David. The unit will study the centrality of the book of Psalms in the spiritual life and liturgical prayers of the Coptic Church. The unit also introduces students to exegetical methodologies of Hebrew poetry.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

An Old Testament Introduction unit at any level

Pedagogy

Lectures, classroom or online discussion, guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and notes

Indicative Bibliography

• Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books, 1985.
• Alter, Robert. The Book of Psalms. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2007.
• Brueggemann, Walter. The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984.
• Bullock, C. Hassell. Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction. Encountering Biblical Studies, edited by Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001. (recommended for purchase)
• Futato, M.D. and D.M. Howard. Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook. Kregel Academic, 2007.
• Johnston, P.S. and D.G. Firth. Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches. InterVarsity Press, 2013.
• Mays, J. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
• McCann, J. Clinton, Jr. A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalm: The Psalms as Torah. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993.
• Reardon, Patrick Henry Christ in the Psalms. Conciliar Press, 2000.
• Taft, R.F. The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West: The Origins of the Divine Office and Its Meaning for Today. Liturgical Press, 1986.
• Tarazi, P.N. Psalms and Wisdom. St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1991.
• Witvliet, John D. The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction & Guide to Resources. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.

Assessment