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Introduction to the Old Testament
Welcome!
Module Leaders:
Rev'd Dr Adrian Chatfield
Email: chatfield.adrian@gmail.com
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Rev'd Dawn Glen
Email: dawn.glen@derby.anglican.org
Please Watch This Video First
Optional Books & PDF
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New students only: join the Forum here if you've not already done so - instructions can be found here.
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You can buy a text book to accompany the Hayes Lectures, or hard copies of the alternative texts, from Amazon or other good booksellers.
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'The Hub' Church of England Library Resource, access instructions can be found here.
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A Short Study Skills Guide, can be found here.​
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Torrence, John R (2020) Accelerated Learning Unlocked.
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'The Hub' Church of England Library Resource, access instructions can be found here.
SESSION 1 SHARED LEARNING MORNING
Background and Genre
During this Study Day we will explore something about the Ancient Near East which is the backdrop to the Old Testament. We will look at a simple timeline of OT events and explain the importance of understanding the different literary genres present in this extensive text. In the final session we will look at how to create good reflective posts on the Forum and think about engaging with each others' posts . (Lectures 1 & 2)
SESSION 2
Genesis and the Creation Stories
In this session we will explore the two creation stories contained in Genesis 1-3. These stories fall into the genre of Foundational Myth/Legend and are based on existing ANE myths. We will see as we progress through the preparatory reading how the writers of these stories took familiar myths of the day and transformed them into a powerful new understanding of a non-mythological God who cares deeply for all creation. (Lectures 3 & 4)
SESSION 3
Methods of Study
In this session we will explore some of the ways that biblical scholars have used to open up the Old Testament and shed new light on this amazing spiritual resource. We will be particularly concentrating on Source Criticism (otherwise known as The Documentary Hypothesis) which will help with our exploration of the Pentateuch. Please note that the word 'criticism' when used in this way does not mean something negative. It is more about thinking deeply about something and using our God-given intellect to analyse and reflect thoughtfully on things. (Lecture 5)
SESSION 4
The Patriarchs
In this session we will be exploring the biblical figures of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, collectively known collectively as the Patriarchs. We will also briefly touch on the story of Joseph. This will bring us to the end of Genesis (Lecture 6).
SESSION 5 - SHARED LEARNING MORNING
Exodus, Law and Covenant
In this session we will be exploring the significance of the Exodus in Israelite history and the important themes of Law and Covenant in the Old Testament. In the final session we will look at Literary Criticism which is a useful tool for the module assignments as well as bible study in general. By the end of this session we will have brought our studies through to the end of the book of Numbers. (Lectures 8-10)
SESSION 6
Deuteronomy
Continuing through the OT timeline, in this session we will conclude our study of the Pentateuch and begin our study of what is known as 'The Deuteronomistic History' by exploring the themes of the book of Deuteronomy. (Lecture 11)
SESSION 7
1 & 2 Samuel
Continuing along the timeline we now come to an exploration of the rise of the monarchy narrated in the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. The mondachy is something that had Yahweh warned against and, as we shall see, it does not work out well. (Lecture 13).
SESSION 8
1 & 2 Kings
The history of the Hebrew peoples continues, following the divison of the Kingdoms after the death of Solomon. Now Israel and Judah, the history of God's chosen people continues with a host of kings, some good, some bad, some both! In this session we will explore the books of the explore the effects of this part of OT history on the faith and life of the Hebrews. (Lecture 14)
SESSION 9
Prophets and Prophecy Part 1 - Amos
In this session we will examine the characteristics of prophecy in the Old Testament as well as exploring the call, personality and messages of some of the major prophets from both before and during the Babylonian exile. We will focus on the book of one of the major Israelite prophets, Amos, which is also considered to be a paradigm. (Lecture 16)
SESSION 10
Prophets & Prophecy Part 2 - Hosea & Isaiah
In this session we will examine the characteristics of prophecy in the Old Testament as well as exploring the call, personality and messages of some of the major prophets from both before and during the Babylonian exile. We will focus on the book of one of the major Israelite prophets, Amos, which is also considered to be a paradigm. (Lecture 17)
SESSION 11
The Prophets Part 3 - Jeremiah & Ezekiel
In this session we will explore the prophetic messages of what are known as the exilic prophets: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Duetero Isaiah and Tritto Isaiah. These prophets are concerned with the problems and suffering surrounding the destruction of the temple and the exile as the history of the Hebrews continues. They are responding to the crisis. (Lecture 19)
SESSION 12 - SHARED LEARNING MORNING
The Restoration & The Writings
This study day is in person at St Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor, Chesterfield, S45 9BU. We are now at the end of the OT timeline. In this session we will explore some of the other responses to the crisis of exile in what is know as the Writings which is the corpus of biblical literature that includes Lamentations, Psalms and Proverbs as well as Job & Ecclesiastes (the latter 3 books are also known as Wisdom Literature) as well as the reactions to the return of the Israelites from Babylon, back to their beloved promised land and what this means for their future. (Lectures 20, 21, 22 & 24). Click on the picture as usual for full details and preparation.
ASSESSMENT
One Assignment, Three Options
There is one ssignment for this module. You can find instructions and guidance by clicking on the picture to the left. Your engagement with the module through Shared Learning Mornings, Learning Support Group Sessions and the Forum will also form a part of your overall module mark.