This course introduces the Pentateuch and Historical Books of the Old Testament. The Pentateuch is the origin story of Israel, told against the backdrop of creation, sin and God’s promise to bless all humanity in Abraham. God saves Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, from their enemies, invites them to become his people through an eternal covenant, and teaches them how to live holy lives in community with others. The Historical Books tell the story of this covenant from Israel’s occupation of the land of Canaan in the 12th century BC to the achievement of national independence under the Maccabees in the 2nd century BC. This thousand-year epic reveals the highs and lows of the human condition – fidelity and betrayal, violence and healing, exile and restoration – and the omnipresence of God’s grace and truth.
In addition to being foundational for Jews and Judaism, this literature is essential reading for Christians. Jesus proclaimed the impending arrival of God’s kingdom; the Pentateuch and Historical Books show us what that kingdom looks like. Jesus commanded his followers to love God and neighbor; the Pentateuch and Historical Books define what that love entails. Christians confess Jesus to be the incarnation of God’s revelatory Word; the Pentateuch and Historical Books portray that Word active in history before he became flesh. Ignorance of these books is ignorance of Christ.
This course will explore the Pentateuch and Historical Books through the recently revised translations, notes and introductions of the New American Bible authorized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (NABRE). This is the form in which US deacons are most likely to encounter these texts in their preaching, teaching and evangelization. The course will familiarize them with this central resource for ministry and formation.
- Instructor: Dr. Chris Seeman
- Formator: John Bateman