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Jehon Grist—Reading the Bible: The Biblical Facts of Life (Zoom only)
April 14 @ 5:15 pm - 6:45 pm
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Program Fee:
The Hebrew Bible is surprisingly candid about the good and the bad of sexual relationships. Marriage may be the Bible’s procreative ideal, but variations on the theme are frequently woven into the narrative and poetic texts. Our class will begin by exploring Egyptian, Mesopotamian and other Near Eastern literature to discover their sexual perspectives and how they may have influenced some views of Biblical writers. From there, we’ll translate and analyze sample Biblical texts, from Torah Law to the inspiring and joyous Song of Songs, to the shocking tirades of Ezekiel. Hebrew text and an English translation (with which we will frequently disagree) will be on-screen throughout so students without a Hebrew background can fully participate in the material discussed.
Sessions will include richly illustrated historical and archaeological background so that students can fully appreciate the world that produced the literature of love and passion. Texts, notes and additional readings will be provided by the instructor.
9 Sundays: April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; June 2, 9 @ 5:15-6:45pm
