A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament

OT507 offers a theological introduction to the Old Testament. In it, we will approach the Old Testament both as a theological witness to the faith of ancient Israel and as an on-going theological witness for the church today. The course will trace the broad contours of Old Testament theology, focusing on the most important themes, questions, dynamics, and perspectives that cut across the canon.

Attending to the theology of the Old Testament requires careful consideration of: (a) the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which these texts were formed; and (b) how theological claims are formulated in and expressed by the various literary forms found within the OT (law, poetry, laments, wisdom sayings, prophetic speech, short stories, etc.). As is true of all introductory courses, the scope of this course will not be exhaustive. As such, while we will spend time in each of the three main parts of the OT (Torah, Prophets, Writings), not all books will receive equal airtime.

From start to finish, the focus of the course will be on equipping you with the “footholds and frameworks” needed to read the OT with greater confidence and curiosity. Throughout the course, you will also encounter diverse theological voices and engage with their perspectives on the meaning and significance of the Old Testament.

Continuing Education Units: