Introduction to the Pentateuch

Catalog description

This course provides a detailed study of one of the major foundational and influential group of texts in human history— the five books at the beginning of the Jewish and Christian Bibles referred to as Torah, the Pentateuch, or the Five Books of Moses. It will examine the socio-historical settings, theological ideas, literary genres, scholarly theories about the Pentateuch, as well as ancient and modern interpretations. It will critically evaluate key themes such as the depiction of God, creation, covenant, biblical law, worship and cult. It will also examine main characters of the Pentateuch, notably Adam and Eve, Noah, the patriarchs and matriarchs, Moses and Miriam among others. The aim is to understand ancient Israelite religious perspectives while also relating the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible to contemporary thought, thereby highlighting its permanent significance.