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RLST 145: Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)

Lecture 5 - Critical Approaches to the Bible: Introduction to Genesis 12-50 << previous session | next session >>

Overview:

This lecture introduces the modern critical study of the Bible, including source theories and Wellhausen's Documentary Hypothesis, as well as form criticism and tradition criticism. The main characteristics of each biblical source (J, E, P, and D) according to classic source theory are explained. This lecture also raises the question of the historical accuracy of the Bible and the relation of archaeology to the biblical record.

Reading assignment:

Bible: Introduction to the Torah, (JSB pp. 1-7); Gen 5-11

Habel, Norman. Literary Criticism of the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971. pp. 1-42

For Section Discussion:
(1) Gen 1-3
(2) Boyarin, Daniel. "Behold Israel According to the Flesh" and "Different Eves." In Carnal Israel. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. pp. 31-46, 77-106
(3) Pagels, Elaine. Adam, Eve and the Serpent. New York: Random House, 1988. pp. 57-77
(4) Trible, Phyllis. "Depatriarchalizing in Biblical Interpretation." In JAAR 41. pp. 30-48

Class lecture:

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