Old Testament Foundations

This course aims to present an overview of the background and contents of the books that make up the Old Testament, and to offer some reflection on the question of how they are best read together as part of the Christian canon of Scripture, and how they should shape both the Christian life and the Christian engagement with culture. After addressing key interpretive issues, the course surveys the contents of the Old Testament with a focus on the historical context, literary shape, and theological and ethical challenge of each book. At the end of the course, students should have a new appreciation for the Old Testament as an integrated but diverse whole, and for its potential as a resource for the Christian journey.