Theo 215
INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT
Felipe Fruto Ll. Ramirez, SJ
T Th 2:00 – 3:15 pm

This course begins with the study of the origin and formation of the OT books, the geography and culture of the Ancient near East, and the history of Israel that has given shape to religious thoughts of the Bible. Discussion centers on major theological themes that run through the OT books: Covenant, Law, Davidic kingship, Deuteronomic and Levitical legislations, etc. To prepare the students for further studies in Scriptures hermeneutical questions and exegetical methods are also treated and evaluated.

Readings:Barry L. Bandstra, Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, 2d ed. (Belmorst, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1999); Wilfred J. Harrington, Key to the Bible. Vol. 1: Record of Revelation (Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1974); Terence Keegan, Interpreting the Bible (New York: Paulist Press, 1985).