Lesson One – Intro to the Bible

Assigned reading is scheduled from required texts listed in the provided syllabus. It is important that you review the biblical references to grasp a better understanding of the cross references of each author.

As you read Chapter 1 in Chance/Horne, you will be introduced to the Christian and Hebrew Bibles. You will begin recognizing the communities who shaped the books into the present canonical form so that they are sequentially read in a preferred order. It is important that you pay close attention to the connections between certain books and the relationship that closely ties them together.

In addition, you will begin the process of knowing intertextual reading. The interpretational through literary, social and cross referencing, will give you insight to what the texts are encouraging you to understand.

As you read, try to cross-reference and find a portion of historical data that gets affirmation due to the examination of other literature.

In Chapter 2, as you read, take note of the basic outline of the story of Israel. You will notice the authors have summarized the historical narratives of the Bible. You should be able to grasp an understanding of the way social texts can impact or influence the various ways biblical stories may be told.

In your reading of Bickel/Jantz, you will be introduced to why the Bible is popular, how you can trust different translations, languages and interpretation.

Whatever your decision to take this course, philosophical or religious studies, I challenge you to take notes and document page numbers for group discussions that we will have online. When you read the texts, refer to the introduction boxes that begin each chapter. These are great learning guides that will direct you to the key points of each section. There will undoubtedly be key components for each student individually that will answer unresolved questions. You will become well versed in historical facts and terminology. You will have an acknowledgement of the Books of the Bible and how they are divided into categories and how the Hebrew Bible is alike and different from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Protestant Apocrypha.

You will have a good understanding of the various emphases that Genesis, meaning "beginning" and how it portrays the history from creation of nature and humankind in the first eleven chapters. You will recognize the rebellious people and decision of God to destroy the human race and create again, but compelled to offer a covenant. In the following chapters of Genesis, you will see the rebellion and plagues that come over the land as kings and rulers disobey. God also has a promise to Abraham and will through his family overcome the separation that has scattered all creation. He promises a land of milk and honey. Abraham, although tested to the limit of even being asked to sacrifice his only son, displays great faith and trust in God.

Note the historical settings and the map references that show the Promised Land and ways of travel from Exodus. Also, pay close attention to the divided and united monarchy of kings.

Discussion One

The first discussion question will be posted by the instructor in the discussion group.  Answer the discussion question and then respond to two other students.

Quiz One

Take the first quiz by clicking the quiz button below.