Assessment

Continuous Assessment: 20% + Research Essay 30% + Exam 50%

Module Aims

This module introduces learners to the important role of ‘prophet’ in biblical literature through the interpretation of selected texts from the second division of the Hebrew Bible (Nev’im). It explores the function and role of biblical prophets according to the paradigm offered in Walter Brueggemann’s classic work, The Prophetic Imagination. It aims to deepen learners’ understanding of biblical poetry and broaden learners’ ability to interpret biblical texts through exegesis of a range of prophetic genres. The module also develops learners’ fluency with biblical theology by tracing some key themes, e.g. covenant faithfulness, Zion theology, and the Exodus motif, through the selected pericopes. A major focus of the module is on the continuing relevance of prophetic critique and energising as a catalyst for societal transformation though the promotion of social justice, and learners will be guided to identify modern-day prophetic voices and evaluate their contribution to society using the criteria of Brueggemann’s model.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Role and characterisation of prophets in narrative texts: Nathan and Elijah
• The socio-political and historical background of the 8th century and the Babylonian exile, including Ancient Domination Systems
• Walter Brueggemann’s model of the role and function of a biblical prophet: prophetic imagination; dominant consciousness and the alternative community of Moses; critiquing and energising
• Key theological themes in the Hebrew Bible: Exodus, Covenant, Zion, Social Justice
• Exegesis of selected passages in the prophetic literature, esp. Amos, First Isaiah, Jeremiah and Second Isaiah
• The contemporary relevance of prophetic texts and the challenge of interpretation post-Holocaust.
• Modern-day prophets e.g. Martin Luther King Jr, Greta Thunberg

Learning Outcomes

• — interpret prophetic texts within their historical, socioeconomic, political and religious context.
• — Apply appropriate reading strategies to a variety of prophetic genres
• — discuss and compare how different texts employ key theological themes and motifs.
• — Discuss the role of prophetic imagination in advocating for social justice in both biblical and modern contexts.
• — Suggest ways in which the prophetic literature continues to be significant for the life of faith.

Bibliography

• — A Bible. (Recommended NRSV Study Bible)
• — Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination. 40th Anniversary Edition, Minneapolis MN: Fortress Press, 2018, (or the 2nd Edition, 2001)
• — Marcus Borg, “Reading the Prophets Again,” Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally (New York: HarperOne 2002) 111-144.
• — Additional reading material posted on Moodle, mainly consisting of chapters from the sources listed below.
• — Keith Bodner, 'Nathan: Prophet, Politician and Novelist?' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 95 (2001), 43-54.
• — Carol J. Dempsey, The Prophets: A Liberation-Critical Reading, Fortress Press, 2000.
• — Abraham Heschel, The Prophets, Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2001.
• — Paula S. Hiebert, "Second Isaiah's Image of YHWH's 'New Thing'" The Bible Today 46/6 (Nov/Dec 2008):359-364.
• — Robert D. Miller II, "Amos, Prophet of Ubuntu. New Insights on Amos's Concept of Justice," Stone Campbell Journal (Fall 2020) 239-251.
• — Jessie Rogers, "The Story of Naboth's Vineyard as Biblical Basis for Christian Advocacy," The South African Baptist Journal of Theology 14 (2005): 247-250.
• — Jessie Rogers, “To Tear Down and to Build Up: insights from Jeremiah for the Irish Church,” The Furrow 71/2 (February 2020): 75-81.
• — Marvin A. Sweeney, Reading the Hebrew Bible after the Shoah: Engaging Post-Holocaust Theology. Fortress Press, 2008.