Hebrew Scriptures – Theology and History (NAIITS)

Semester 1

Available Online

Through a consideration of the historical, sociological and theological context in which the Hebrew Scriptures came into existence, this unit will provide the student with an understanding of the major emphases of the texts. In addition, the student will be introduced to themes in the Hebrew Scriptures that find parallels in what has been coined by some as the “Old Testament of Native North America.” This will subsequently be applied to the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts of Australia.

(NAIITS Indigenous studies unit – open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants)

Code

BA9721W

Level

Postgraduate

Discipline

Biblical Studies (BS)

Field

Old Testament (BA)

Prerequisites

BN8002W. This is an elective unit in the NAIITS Indigenous theology program, building on the principles introduced in BN8002W.

Online

Yes

Location

On NAIITS international learning platform view location >

Faculty

Mark Brett, with NAIITS faculty view profile >

Class Time

Combination of Synchronous online mode via Zoom and additional asynchronous component
(Three hours per week equivalent)

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic contents of the major sections of the Hebrew Bible, with particular attention to the Torah and historical books.
2. Critically examine the contexts in which the biblical texts emerged in antiquity: historical, social, political, and literary.
3. Articulate the connection between the OT and the student’s ministry setting.
4. Analyse the contexts in which the scriptures came into existence, in order to identify the significant theological themes they present.
5. Consider and examine parallels between Hebrew Scriptures and other selected traditional scriptures and rituals.
Assessment
- Quizzes/tests (1,500 words) (20%)
- Written essay (1,500 words) (20%)
- Project report (4,000 words) (60%)
Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue
- Boer, Roland. Postcolonialism and the Hebrew Bible: the next step. Vol. 70. SBL Press, 2013.
- Brett, Mark G. Decolonizing God-The Bible in the Tides of Empire. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2008.
- Collins, John J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2nd edition, 2014
- Elsmore, Bronwyn. Like them that dream: The Maori and the old testament. Oratia Media Ltd, 2015.
- Eskenazi, Tamara Cohn, ed. The Torah: A Women’s Commentary. CCAR Press, 2017.
- Gossai, Hemchand ed. Postcolonial Commentary and the Old Testament New York: Bloomsbury, 2018.
- Sanneh, Lamin O. Whose Religion Is Christianity? : The Gospel Beyond the West. Grand Rapids Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 2003.
- Woodley, Randy. Shalom and the community of creation: An indigenous vision. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2012.

Hebrew Scriptures – Theology and History (NAIITS)

Learning outcomes

Assessment

Recommended reading

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