Religion 106, Sections A and B (Fall 2005)
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
Instructor: Dr. David C. Aune Cell phone: (419) 512-5689
Office: 41 Miller Hall E-mail: daune@ashland.edu
Office phone: X5238
Office hours: M,W, F at 10:00AM and 1PM; Tues at 1:30PM; other times by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course not only offers an opportunity to study the basic content of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) but also provides some helpful methods for interpreting and applying the Bible in contemporary times. We are particularly interested in the Bible's influence upon our shared Judeo-Christian tradition. We focus on the more interesting and influential texts, making this inquiry lively and relevant, not boring or obtuse! Classes will consist of interactive lectures, discussion, periodic group work and occasional video presentations. No previous knowledge of the Bible is required
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT OUTCOMES
The objectives of this course are as follows:
1. To become familiar with the Biblical story as developed in the three major divisions of the Hebrew Bible--the Pentateuch (first five books of Moses), the Prophets (including the historical books) and the Writings (poetic and wisdom literature) and in the four major divisions of the Christian New Testament--the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and the Apocalypse (Revelation). Students completing this course should have some overall sense of what the Bible is about while gaining a deeper knowledge of key Biblical passages.
2. To recognize that the Bible developed in particular historical and cultural contexts. In other words, students completing this course should understand that the Biblical writings were recorded over a long period of time by a variety of different authors who sought to instruct, admonish and encourage others with God Word. Students will demonstrate this understanding through class discussions, written assignments and exams.
3. To develop and practice an approach to interpreting the Bible which focuses first on the original meaning of the text (what it probably meant to its original readers) before making responsible applications to contemporary society (what it means for us). This approach takes Scripture seriously while openly acknowledging that the texts need to be translated into our words and experiences. Students will demonstrate this approach through class discussions, written assignments and exams.
4. To gain an appreciation for the Bible's enduring spiritual and ethical dimensions and how they continue to shape the Jewish and Christian faith traditions. In particular, this means seeing that the Bible's message promotes not only devotion to God but also social justice, redemption and human flourishing. Again, students will demonstrate their insights through class discussion, assignments and exams.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK (Available in the AU Bookstore):
New Interpreters Study Bible (NISB) New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Careful reading and preparation of all assignments . Since our textbook is the Bible, focus on the Biblical texts themselves before moving to the notes or excurses sections in the NISB. Use the categories/topics listed on the syllabus to guide your reading. Always, always, always bring your Bible to class.
2. Attendance and class participation (25 points) . You will be expected to attend class regularly, participate in class discussions and generate thoughtful comments and questions about the material. Not having a Bible with you in class signifies lack of interest in the course. Class discussions and group work will be fruitless if you do not keep up with the reading. If, for any reason, you must miss class, you are responsible for getting the information that was covered.
Assessment of your class participation at the end of the semester will be as follows:
Grade A (25-23 points): Nearly perfect attendance (missed three classes or less), frequent substantial comments or questions, demonstration of serious interest in the course material.
Grade B (22-20 points): Regular attendance (missed less than five classes), occasionally raised substantial comments or questions in class, demonstration of some interest in the course readings.
Grade C (19-18 points): Sporadic attendance (missed more than five classes), sometimes raised comments or questions, demonstration of little, if any, interest in the course readings.
Grade D (17-16 points): Infrequent attendance (missed more than six classes), and demonstrated very little interest in the class.
Grade F (15 points or lower): Infrequent attendance (missed more than six classes) and demonstrated no serious interest in the course. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student's grade even further (to the point of course failure) if the student misses an inordinate number of classes.
3. Two in-class examinations (100 points each) that will assess your understanding of significant terms, concepts, persons and places and selected key Biblical texts. The exams will not be comprehensive. You will receive a study guide from which most of the questions will be taken. In addition, we will devote class time to a review session prior to each exam.
4. Final examination (150 points) consisting of objective questions, identifications and essays; similar to previous exams but focused on the New Testament. Although the final is not comprehensive, there may be a question requiring you to consider larger themes and issues from throughout the course.
5. The remaining 225 points for this course will be made up of three written assignments (75 points each) . Throughout the semester, Dr. Aune will hand out seven assignments consisting of questions for study and reflection. You are required to submit at least three of these assignments (at least one before mid-semester). Plan ahead to choose the topics that are of greatest interest to you. The assignments must be type-written, approximately 4-5 solid pages (at least 2000 words). In order to receive full credit, the assignment must be received on the day that it is due . Late papers, for whatever reason, will be penalized 5 points for every day they are late.
You may receive up to 10 additional extra credit points by attending any of the three fall Symposium events (5 points per event) and submitting a 1-2 page report on each event that connects the message of the speaker(s) with any relevant Biblical text or concept. The three events/speakers from which you may choose are as follows:
Jessica Stern (7PM, Monday Sept 26 th in Upper Convo )
Daniel Pipes (7PM, Tuesday Oct 4 th in Upper Convo )
Panel discussion: Listening through the Hatred (7PM, Mon Oct 17 th in Upper Convo )
Assessment of final grade will be determined as follows: 561-600 points A
Class participation 25 points 540-560 points A-
Exam #1 100 points 525-539 points B+
Exam #2 100 points 501-524 points B
Final Exam 150 points 480-500 points B-
Three best assignments 225 points 465-479 points C+
(up to 10 extra credit points) 444-464 points C
600 points 420-443 points C-
Etc.
359 or lower F
Reasonable accommodations shall be made for students with documented learning disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Classroom Support office and inform the instructor of his/her needs.
All students are bound by the academic integrity policy in the most recent AU student handbook. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to plagiarism (the intentional or unintentional presentation of someone else's words or ideas as one's own without proper documentation), fabrication (the intentional falsification or invention of research, citations or other information) and cheating (an act of deception in which a student represents mastery of information that s/he has not mastered). The process for dealing with violations and the appeals process are detailed in the Student Handbook.
Instructions for Reading Assignments
• The reading assignments are listed by the day they are due. Class lectures and discussions may not always correspond with the day's readings but you are nevertheless responsible for what is listed on the syllabus. Be careful not to fall behind! Shorter reading assignments (less than 3 chapters) should be done especially carefully.
• Biblical reading assignments are given by book, chapter and verse.
• In addition to the primary source reading from the Bible, most assignments also contain additional readings from the NISB, especially introductions and Excursus readings. You are encouraged to read the notes at the bottom of the page of the NISB, but be sure to recognize that these are scholarly opinions or interpretations of the Bible, not the Bible itself.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Mon 8/29 Introduction: Overview and Approaches to the Bible
Organization and overall purpose of the Bible
Introduction to the NISB and other concerns
Wed 8/31 Sacred Stories of Creation NISB intro to Genesis (pp. 1-4)
Six Days, Celebration and Sabbath Rest Genesis 1:1-2:3
Central purpose and meaning of this six day creation story
Humankind's creation in God's image
Significance of God's rest on the Sabbath day
Excurses: Creation ordering chaos; In God's Image; Dominion?
Fri 9/2 Stories of Creation, continued
Man Formed from the Dust of the Ground Genesis 2:4-25
Distinctive aspects of this second poetic narrative
Significance of woman's creation from man and becoming one flesh
Overall message conveyed by both creation accounts taken together
Excursus: Gender in Genesis (pp.10-11)
Mon 9/5 No class (Labor Day)
Wed 9/7 Decline of Humanity Narratives
Rebellion in the Garden of Eden and its Consequences Genesis 3-4
Purpose of the Serpent's questions to the woman and her reactions
Alienation, separation, shame and blame resulting from the rebellion
Misdirected rage and the first recorded murder in the Bible
Excursus: Sibling Rivalry in Genesis (p. 13)
Fri 9/9 Decline of Humanity Narratives, continued
Continued Depravity, the Flood and the Tower of Babel Genesis 6-11
Growth of alienation and distortion of God's created order
Faithfulness and failure of Noah and his descendants
Scattering of persons as punishment for making a name apart from God
Mon 9/12 Beginning of God's Chosen People: The Abrahamic Covenant
From Abram to Abraham (father of a multitude) Genesis12-15 Call of Abram and Promised Blessings (Property, Progeny, Protection)
Excursus: Promise to the Patriarchs (pp. 26-27)
The Birth of Ishmael and the Promise of Isaac Genesis16-17
Wed 9/14 Promises fulfilled through Abraham's Descendants
Abraham, Lot and the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis18-19
The gift of Isaac, Abraham's test and God's provision Genesis 21-22
Excursus: Moral Dilemma of Sacrifice of Isaac (p. 43)
Fri 9/16 Covenant Blessings Experienced by Jacob and Descendants
From Jacob to Israel (the one who struggles with God) Genesis 27-28,32
Joseph's trials and God's protection of the Israelites in Egypt Genesis 37,39-46; 50
Mon 9/19 Exodus and the Sinai Covenant: Defining Events for the Israelites
NISB Intro to Exodus (pp. 85-86)
The early life of Moses and his encounter with God Exodus 1-3
Exodus from Egypt : Plagues, Passover, Parting (of the sea), Praise & Provision Exodus 6-17
Excursus: Salvation and the Sea (pp. 106-7)
Wed 9/21 Significance of the Sinai Covenant (including the Ten Commandments)
Moses prepares the people and receives the covenant on Mt. Sinai Exodus 19-20, 23
Excursus: Covenant (pp. 113-114)
Fri 9/23 God's Mercy Despite Continued Lack of Faithfulness
Golden Calf incident and its significance Exodus 32-34
Excursus: The Character of Israel 's God (pp. 134-5)
Lack of faith leading to wilderness wanderings in Numbers Numbers 13-14
Review for exam #1
Mon 9/26 Exam #1
(Reminder: Jessica Stern on 9/26 at 7PM)
Wed 9/28 Deuteronomic History, Part 1: From Moses to Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan
The Deuteronomic theology of blessings and curses Deuteronomy 1-8, 27-29; 30-31
NISB intro to Joshua (pp. 303-4)
Joshua's leadership and divine blessing of conquest in the Promised Land Joshua 1-8
Excurses: Israelite Conquest of Canaan (pp. 307-8); Holy War (p. 314)
Fri 9/30 Deuteronomic History, Part 2: From the Tribal Confederacy to the Monarchy
NISB intro to Judges (pp. 343-4)
Israel 's unfaithfulness during the period of the Judges Judges 2
Three representative Judges: Deborah, Gideon and Samson Judges 4-8; 13-16
NISB intro to 1 Samuel (pp. 391-2)
Samuel as a transitional figure between the judges and the kings 1 Samuel 1-3
The people demand a king: Saul is chosen and rejected by God 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15
Excursus: Biblical Ambivalence to Government (pp. 407-8)
Mon 10/3 Deuteronomic History, Part 3: From David to Solomon and the Divided Kingdom
King David as a man after God's own heart 1 Samuel 16-17; 2 Samuel 2; 5; 7
NISB intro to 2 Samuel (pp. 439-40)
David's sin with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah and its aftermath 2 Samuel 11-15
NISB intro to 1 Kings (pp. 479-80)
The Blessings and Curses of King Solomon 1 Kings 1-6; 11
(Reminder: Daniel Pipes on 10/4 at 7PM)
Wed 10/5 Biblical Prophets and the Call to Covenant Faithfulness
Elijah brings healing and confronts Ahab and the priests of Baal 1 Kings17-19
NISB intro to Amos (pp. 1279-80)
Amos and God's judgment on social injustice and idolatry Amos 1-2; 6, 8-9
Fri 10/7 Isaiah's Message and Promise of a Messiah
Early Isaiah: Proclamation of Justice, Mercy and a Messianic Kingdom Isaiah 1-2; 5-9; 11
NISB intro to Isaiah (pp. 955-6)
Mon 10/10 Prophetic Writings During and After the Fall of Jerusalem
NISB intro to Jeremiah (pp. 1051-53)
Jeremiah: Divine Judgment and Promise of New Covenant Jeremiah 1-5, 7, 25, 29, 31
Excursus: Divine Character in Jeremiah (pp. 1093-94)
Later Isaiah: Words of Healing and Hope for all Nations Isaiah 40; 52-53
Excursus: Vicarious Suffering (p. 1031)
Wed 10/12 Selected Writings during the Restoration: Israelites in Relation to Other Nations
NISB intros to Jonah (p. 1247) and Esther (pp. 689-90)
The story of Jonah and God's compassion upon Israel 's enemies Jonah 1-4
The story of Esther and preservation of the Jewish people Esther 1-9
Fri 10/14 The Psalms as Israel's Worshipbook
NISB intro to Psalms (pp. 749-51)
Introduction to the Psalms and Traditional Wisdom Psalm 1
Excursus: 'Ashre (pp. 754-5)
Psalms of petition and lament (individual and communal) Psalm 3, 22, 51, 79
Excursus: Penitential Psalms (p. 797)
Psalms of trust and confidence in God Psalm 23, 46, 90, 121
Excursus: Death, Future Life and Sheol (pp. 835-6)
Psalms of thanksgiving and hymns of praise Psalm 8, 103, 136, 147
Mon 10/17 Traditional Wisdom Literature NISB intro to Proverbs (pp. 893-5)
Blessings for those who fear God and follow Wisdom Proverbs 1-3, 7-8
Excurses: Fear of the Lord (p. 897); Person of Wisdom (pp. 898-9)
Examples of practical wisdom: self-restraint and work Proverbs 10, 15-16
Excursus: Consequences and Prosperity (p. 912)
(Reminder: Listening through the hatred on 10/17 at 7PM)
Wed 10/19 Non-Traditional Wisdom: Questioning Simple Answers
NISB Intro to Ecclesiastes (pp. 929-30)
Ecclesiastes and the challenge of easy answers Ecclesiastes 1-12
NISB intro to Job (pp. 703-4)
Job's suffering and the question of God's justice Job 1-5
Excurses: Satan and God in the Book of Job (pp. 747-8)
Fri 10/21 Conclusion to Wisdom Literature
Attempts to make sense of human suffering Job 7-14
God's answer to Job and Job's repsonse Job 38-42
Review for exam #2
Mon 10/24 Exam #2
Wed 10/26 Jewish Context of the New Testament and the Message of Jesus
Persecutions and struggles in the Second Temple period 1 Maccabees 1-4
Historical developments and diversity in early Judaism
Jesus of Nazareth as depicted in Gospel traditions NISB intro to Mark (pp. 1801-1803)
John the Baptist and preparations for the Messiah Mark 1
Fri 10/28 Gospel of Mark: Jesus as Servant-Messiah
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and begins his ministry Mark 1
Jesus' authority over evil and the purpose of his parables Mark 2-4
Jesus' break with Jewish tradition and radical redefinition of purity Mark 7
Mon 10/31 Jesus as Servant-Messiah in Mark, continued
Identity of Jesus, his suffering and example of service to others Mark 8-10
The way of the cross: Jesus' passion, death and resurrection Mark 11, 14-16
Wed 11/2 Gospel of Matthew: Jesus as Great Teacher and King NISB intro to Matthew (pp. 1745-7) Genealogy and birth of Jesus as fulfillment of God's promises Matt 1-2
Jesus' experience of testing in the wilderness Matt 4
Sermon on the Mount: fulfilling the Law through a higher righteousness Matt 5-7
Fri 11/4 Gospel of Matthew, continued
Kingdom parables and treasures new and old Matt 13
The two greatest commandments and preparation for judgment day Matt 22, 25
Jesus' resurrection and the Great Commission Matt 28
Mon 11/7 Gospel of Luke: Jesus as Savior of All Peoples NISB intro to Luke (pp. 1847-50)
Miraculous births of John and Jesus Luke 1-2
Jesus announces God's plan for the outcast and outsiders Luke 4
Outreach to the outsiders and redefinition of neighborly love Luke 9-10
Wed 11/9 Gospel of Luke, continued
Parables and teachings about God's inclusive love Luke 15; 18-19
Jesus' resurrection appearances and promise of the Spirit Luke 24
Fri 11/11 Gospel of John: Jesus as Incarnate Son of God and Giver of Eternal Life
NISB intro to John (pp. 1905-7)
Significance of the Word (divine presence) becoming flesh (human) John 1
The first sign of God's glory: water changed into wine John 2
Jesus' dialogues with Nicodemus and the woman at the well John 3-4
Mon 11/14 Gospel of John, continued
Further signs of God's glory: Feeding 5000 and raising Lazarus John 6, 11
Example of servanthood and the new commandment John 13-14
Doubting Thomas and the purpose of John's gospel John 20
Wed 11/16 Acts and Beginning of Christian Communities NISB intro to Acts (pp. 1953-54)
Descent of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of a New Era Acts 1-2
Holy Spirit expressed in the life of the community Acts 3-4
Fri 11/18 The Apostle Paul and the Significance of his Calling
God calls Saul (Paul) to be an apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews) Acts 9
Paul's description of his calling as an apostle Gal 1:11-17
Mon 11/21: No Class (Dr. Aune away at Society of Biblical Literature Meeting)
Wed 11/23-Fri 11/25: No Class (Thanksgiving)
Mon 11/28 Paul's Gospel of Justification by Grace through Faith NISB intro to Galatians (pp. 2079-80) The occasion and purpose of Paul's letter to the Galatians Gal 1-2
Freedom in Christ and Fruit of the Spirit Gal 3, 5-6
NISB intro to Romans (pp. 2007-8) Paul's letter to the Romans and salvation by grace received through faith Rom 1-3
Wed 11/30 Paul's Message of Grace as developed in Romans
Experiencing God's grace and life in the Spirit Rom 5-8
Exhortations to sacrificial love and service to others Rom 12-13
Fri 12/2 Overcoming Problems in the Corinthian Community NISB intro to 1 Corinthians (pp. 2035-7)
Problems in Corinth : disunity and the abuse of power 1 Corinthians 1-2
Pauline images of the church: God's Temple and Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 3, 12 Unselfish love as the more excellent way 1 Corinthians 13
The certainty and centrality of Christ's resurrection 1 Corinthians 15
Mon 12/5 Essential Christian Teachings in the Later New Testament Writings
NISB intro to James (p. 2171)
James: faith and the necessity of Christ-like actions James 1-5
NISB intro to 1 Peter (pp. 2181-82)
First Peter and the reality of suffering with Christ 1 Peter 1-4 NISB Intro to 1 John pp. 2195-6)
First John and the centrality of God's love 1 John 1-5
Wed 12/7 The Revelation (Apocalypse) of Jesus as Lord NISB intro to Revelation (pp. 2211-13)
Christ revealed as the living Lord who has conquered sin and death Revelation 1, 4-5
Visions of heavenly warfare and its consequences Revelation 12-14
Fri 12/9 Revelation: Visions of God's Ultimate Triumph over Evil
Fall of Babylon ( Rome ) and defeat of the beast and the dragon Revelation 18-20
Heavenly descent of the new Jerusalem and the promises of God fulfilled Revelation 21-22
Review for final exam
Final Exam:
Section AMonday, December 12 at 8AM
Section BWednesday, December 14 at 1:30PM