Biblical Studies 2000-2001 John Bellaimey The Breck School Grade 12, one semester course Overview In this course, we will survey the literature, history, cultures, language, and ethics of the Bible. Topics will include the development of the Jewish nation, the competing portraits of God within the Bible itself, the archaeological and cultural evidence, a study of the beauty of Biblical poetry, the modern quest for the historical Jesus, and a reading of some of the books that were excluded from the canon of scripture. One-semester course for seniors, which satisfies the religion requirement. Course Content: I. Compass-points, hopes and fears, and preconceptions II. Swift survey of the whole Bible, texts and contexts III. The book of Genesis and the Genesis of Ethics IV. Exodus and Liberation Theology V. The story of David VI. The Prophets - selections from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah VII. The "disappearance" of God VIII. Portraits of God in the Old Testament IX. OT Poetry X. How the Hebrew Bible reached its final form (the canon) XI. The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, & Luke in Parallel XII. The Mystical Gospel: John XIII: Paul: "founder of Christianity?" XIV. Portraits of Jesus XV. New Testament Ethics XVI. Books Left Out of the Bible: Secret Books, Apocryphal Tests XVII.NT Poetry XVIII. The divorce with Judaism: Christianity appears as a separate religion XIX. Heresies XX. Jesus in the other world religions Materials and Activities: Books:HarperCollins NRSV Study Bibles for everyone. Commentary for everyone, Don't Know Much About the Bible Short excerpts from The Genesis of Ethics, The Tao of Jesus, Living Buddha, Living Christ, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Beyond Bumper-Sticker Ethics Lots of library research among the commentaries, concordances, etc. Grading Two tests on the historical/literary material (100 pts. each) A short interpretation paper, (2 - 3 pages, 100 pts.) Occasional reading quizzes ( 10 - 25 pts. each) Wholehearted class participation (20% of grade) No final exam email: <john.bellaimey@breckschool.org> Return to RSiSS Syllabi