This course begins with a panoramic view of the history of the Bible, the origin, and the emergence of different translations of the Bible. It would also explain the formation of the Bible and the existence of some non-canonized writings, manners, and customs of Bible times. An insight into the traditions of the people who lived in Bible times from the Hebrews to the Babylonians to the Greeks (family life, hospitality, feasts, dressing, and vocations) shall be studied as an introduction for an in-depth study of the first five books of the Old Testament. Emphasis would be on the theme and contents of each book along with the meaning and significance of the historical events and messages of the books. Emphasis would also be placed on how God’s moral foundation for the nation of Israel speaks to the people and nations of all times. The focus of our study includes an overview of:-
- The structure of the Bible: Old and New Testaments along with the categorisation and broad themes of their books
- Canonology, translations, and versions of the Bible
- Bible times
- The peoples referred to in the Bible and their cultures
- Basic questions often asked about the Bible
- The first five books of the Hebrew Bible are called the ‘Pentateuch’ (Comprising Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy)
- To read and interpret the Pentateuch in light of its ancient near eastern and canonical texts
- To identify theological themes that run throughout the Pentateuch. Examples are themes pertaining to creation, the origin of man, sin, choice of Abraham, the origin of the nation of Israel, and the messianic
- Practical implications of the central themes of the Pentateuch for the practice of Christianity
Course objectives
At the end of this course, students are expected to have a full understanding of:-
- The structure of the Bible
- Canons, translations, and versions of the Bible
- Basic questions asked about the Bible
- The Pentateuch along with the basic theological themes included therein and the practical implications of these for Judaism and Christianity today
- Focus on the symbolic and linguistic indicators of the Messiah in the Pentateuch