Manners and Customs of the Bible

DETAILS

• Research Paper on Cultural Themes:
  • Write a research paper exploring a specific cultural theme or practice in the Bible, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and critical analysis.
• Cultural Exegesis of Biblical Passages:
  • Engage in cultural exegesis exercises, applying the principles learned to specific biblical passages to uncover hidden cultural meanings.
• Artifact Analysis Project:
  • Undertake a project analyzing cultural artifacts related to the biblical world, drawing connections between archaeological findings and biblical narratives.
• Presentation on Social Structures:
  • Deliver a presentation on the social structures and hierarchies evident in a selected biblical passage, providing cultural insights.
• Field Trip or Virtual Tour (Optional):
  • Participate in a field trip or virtual tour to a museum or archaeological site showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the biblical world.
• Class Participation and Discussion:
  • Actively engage in class discussions, sharing insights, questions, and reflections on the cultural and contextual aspects of the Bible.

CURRICULUM

1. Introduction to Cultural Exegesis:
   • Establish the importance of cultural exegesis in biblical interpretation, emphasizing the role of manners and customs in unlocking the deeper meaning of biblical passages.
2. Domestic Life in Ancient Israel:
   • Explore the domestic aspects of daily life in ancient Israel, including family structures, housing, clothing, and dietary practices as reflected in the biblical narratives.
3. Social Structures and Hierarchies:
   • Examine the social structures, hierarchies, and community dynamics prevalent in biblical times, shedding light on the societal context of biblical stories.
4. Religious Practices and Rituals:
   • Investigate the religious practices and rituals of ancient Israel, as well as the customs of neighboring cultures, to better understand the religious milieu in which biblical events unfolded.
5. Economic and Agricultural Insights:
   • Gain insights into economic activities, trade, and agricultural practices in biblical times, illuminating the economic backdrop of biblical stories.
6. Legal and Judicial Systems:
   • Study the legal and judicial systems of ancient Israel, exploring how biblical laws and justice were administered within the cultural and legal frameworks of the time.
7. Art and Symbolism in the Bible:
   • Analyze artistic expressions, symbolism, and cultural artifacts found in the Bible, discerning their significance in conveying spiritual truths and cultural messages.
8. Cultural Changes and Influences:
   • Trace the cultural changes and influences on biblical societies over time, understanding the historical context in which the Bible was written.

PREREQUISITES

1. Introduction to Biblical Studies:
   • Successful completion of introductory courses in biblical studies to ensure students have a foundational understanding of the structure, themes, and content of the Bible.
2. Biblical Hermeneutics:
   • Familiarity with principles of biblical hermeneutics (interpretation) to provide a basis for engaging in cultural exegesis and extracting deeper meanings from biblical passages.
3. Old Testament Survey:
   • Completion of an Old Testament Survey course is recommended to provide students with a broad understanding of the narratives, themes, and characters in the Old Testament.
4. New Testament Survey (Optional):
   • While not mandatory, familiarity with the New Testament can provide additional context for understanding the cultural and historical transitions between the Old and New Testaments.
5. Basic Archaeology (Recommended):
   • While not mandatory, a basic understanding of archaeological methods and findings is recommended to enhance appreciation for the artifacts and cultural context discussed in the course.
6. Introduction to Ancient Near Eastern History (Optional):
   • While not mandatory, knowledge of the history of the Ancient Near East can provide a broader historical context for understanding the cultural milieu of biblical times.
7. Research and Writing Skills:
   • Proficiency in research and writing skills, as students will be required to complete a research paper and engage in written assignments that analyze cultural themes in the Bible.
8. Class Participation Skills:
   • Ability to actively engage in class discussions, share insights, and contribute meaningfully to discussions about the cultural and contextual aspects of the Bible.

These prerequisites are designed to ensure that students entering the “Manners and Customs of the Bible” course have a solid foundation in biblical studies, hermeneutics, and related disciplines. This foundational knowledge will enable them to effectively explore and apply cultural insights in their study and interpretation of the Bible.