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| [back to main course list] REL 250: THE OLD TESTAMENT AND ITS AGE (UP Group I.A)Prophets, priests, and poets, historians, law-givers, and sages- they all have contributed to the Hebrew Bible. This ancient literature, called by Jews the "Law, Prophets, and Writings" and called by Christians the "Old Testament," has played a pivotal role in the development of both Judaism and Christianity. Further, it has also indirectly left its mark on the religion of Islam. Hence the Bible has an abiding influence on religious life and self- understanding in the western world.In order to appreciate the content and significance of the Bible, selected portions of it will be studied against the background of the Ancient Near East out of which it arose. The course will examine representative genres and major themes of this religious literature. Students will become acquainted with current approaches and central issues in Old Testament scholarship. |
