Assessment

Formative Essay 25% + Tutorials 15% + Exam 60%

Module Aims

This module aims to familiarize learners with the stories of the beginnings of God’s chosen people in the Pentateuch (especially Genesis and Exodus), as well as current approaches to their interpretation for Christian theology. The five Books of Moses (Pentateuch) are a primary text within Judaism and Christianity, serving as a foundation for Jewish and Christian belief and practice. Diverse aspects of God are revealed in these ancient texts, and Christians have seen the journey of faith reflected in the stories of the biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. While we can learn from the moral teaching of the Law of Moses (especially the Decalogue), many historical, literary, and theological questions arise. Moreover, Pentateuchal texts can offer helpful insights for Christian faith and spirituality, but this involves interpretation.

Indicative Syllabus

1. Outline of module and introduction to the Pentateuch
2. Literary forms in the Pentateuch and the JEDP source critical theory
3. Call of Abraham and the covenant of promise (Genesis 12 & 15)
4. Covenant of circumcision and near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 17 & 22)
5. Enslavement of the Israelites and birth of Moses (Exodus 1-2)
6. Call of Moses and the first Passover (Exodus 3 & 12)
7. Crossing of the Reed Sea in narrative and song (Exodus 13-15)
8. Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5)
9. Covenant Code and sealing of Sinai covenant (Exodus 24)
10. Priestly creation narrative (Genesis 1)
11. Garden of Eden creation story (Genesis 2)
12. Story of sin and expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3)

Learning Outcomes

• — Explain the main events and characters in selected chapters of Genesis and Exodus, outline the significance of the covenants, and describe the major literary and theological elements in those texts.
• — Articulate major features of key narratives in Genesis and Exodus, and indicate how these texts are reinterpreted in the New Testament and Christian tradition.
• — Apply literary and theological approaches to selected episodes in Genesis and Exodus.
• — xpress insightful perspectives on Genesis and Exodus gained from a close reading of the biblical text with judicious use of secondary sources.
• — Provide a concise summary of theological themes in Genesis and Exodus, especially the nature and character of the God revealed in those books, and present the results clearly in writing.
• — Demonstrate discernment regarding problematic historical, ethical, and social issues within the biblical text as well as a prudent judgment regarding the question of creation and evolution.

Bibliography

• — Anderson, B. A., and P. Gooder, An Introduction to the Study of the Pentateuch. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2017. [222.106 AND]
• — Blenkinsopp, J., The Pentateuch. New York: Doubleday, 1992. [222.1061 BLE]
• — Boadt, L., Reading the Old Testament. 2nd ed. New York: Paulist, 2012. [221.61 BOA]
• — Boehm, O., The Binding of Isaac. LHBOTS 468. London: Continuum, 2007. [222.1106 BOE]
• — Brettler, M. Z., How to Read the Bible. Philadelphia: JPSA, 2005. [221.61 BRE]
• — Briggs, R. S., and J. N. Lohr, eds., A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012. [222.1061 BRI]
• — Collins, J. J., Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004. [220.44 COL]
• — Duggan, M. The Consuming Fire: A Christian Guide to the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2010. [221.6 DUG]
• — Edelman, D. V., et al., Opening the Books of Moses. London: Routledge, 2014. [Ebook]
• — Hawkins, R. K., Discovering Exodus: Content, Interpretation, Reception. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2021. [222.1207 HAW]
• — Houston, W., The Pentateuch: SCM Core Text. London: Hymns Ancient & Modern, 2013. [Ebook]
• — Moberly, R. W. L., The Bible, Theology, and Faith: A Study of Abraham and Jesus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. [Ebook]
• — Phillips, A., Lower than the Angels. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 1996. [222.1107 PHI]
• — Ratzinger, J., ‘In the Beginning’: A Catholic Understanding of the Story of Creation and the Fall. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1995. [231.765 RAT]
• — Sarna, N. M., Exploring Exodus. New York: Schocken, 1987. [222.1206 SAR]
• — Sarna, N. M., Understanding Genesis. New York: Schocken, 1966. [221.7 SAR]
• — Ska, J. L., “Genesis 22: What Question Should We Ask the Text?” Biblica 94 (2013) 257-67. [Ejournal]
• — Sweeney, M. A., The Pentateuch. Nashville: Abingdon, 2017. [Ebook]