The OT books Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations cover a broad range of Israel’s experience with God, presenting both affirmation and critique of traditional beliefs. These books give us space and language to grapple with some very postmodern questions. This course will touch on these and other topics as students gain familiarity with these intriguing and challenging biblical texts.
Some questions/topics to be covered:
- how do we construct meaning in relation to suffering
- what role should we accord to voices from the past
- what is the value of work
- how can we navigate an uneven world
- what truths should guide our use of power
- can we define a truly good life, or a truly good person
- how does God meet us in the midst of life
- can faith find room for both joy and protest?
Old Testament Poetry and Wisdom Literature
Professor: Dr. Michael Woodcock
Location: TBD