COURSE TITLE: ONE LEG OF THE STOOL: THE SACRED SCRIPTURES PART III: THE OLD TESTAMENT – AN INTRODUCTION The Rev. Dr. David A. Zwifka Instructor

Introducing the Old Testament  Divine Revelation  Types General: General revelation refers to the general truths that can be known about God through nature. Special: Special revelation refers to the more specific truths that can be known about God through the supernatural; how God has chosen to reveal God’s “self.”  Faith as a response to revelation Personal Communal

Introducing the Old Testament  Nature of the Old Testament  Organization [Jewish: TaNaK]  Law (Torah) - Ta  Prophets (Nebi’im) - Na  Writings (Ketubim)- K  Historical (additional division added by Christians)  Canon (qaneh)

Introducing the Old Testament  Long View  Pentateuch 5 Books (Genesis-Exodus) Pre-history (call and preparation of a “people”) Deliverance Obligations of Covenant

Introducing the Old Testament  Long View  Historical Books (Former Prophets) Promised Land Conquest Settlement and Struggle for survival Monarchy  Exile and the Post–Exilic period (Resettlement)

Introducing the Old Testament  Long View  Writings (Wisdom)  Prophecy Major Minor (The Twelve Prophets

Introducing the Old Testament  Learning Objectives At this point, with assigned readings and class presentations, you should be able to discuss the following topics:  What does the term “Bible” mean?  Explain “divine revelation.”  Explain how one should read and make use of the Bible.  Describe the primary difference between the Christian and the Jewish understanding of the Old Testament.  Describe the main divisions of the Old Testament as it is used by the Episcopal Church.  Define the following terms: Canon Septuagint Apocrypha Testament  Explain why Jews, Protestants and Catholics disagree about the number of books that comprise the Old Testament.  Give a brief overview of the Old Testament discussing the principal divisions, books, history and composition.