The Global Bible

Catalog description

The Bible - in different versions - is sacred to Jews and Christians and plays an important role in Islam. It is similarly influential in modern politics, philosophy, literature, and art. Because of its sacred status, religious communities have constantly interpreted the Bible in order to renew its meaning for new and diverse settings. Non-religious communities read and interpret the Bible stripped of its sacred status, but with an awareness of its significance for so much of the world population. The central question we address in this course is how groups and individuals interpret and reinterpret an authoritative text in order to adapt it to new social and cultural circumstances. We explore this central question through our examination of the reception of the Bible among diverse communities of Jews, Christians, Muslims and other ancient and modern groups. There are no prerequisites. The course invites students with and without prior knowledge about the Bible to reflect critically on its origins and how its reinterpretations have varied in time and place. Co-curricular opportunities allow students to engage with biblical interpretation in unique settings. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.