Biblical Wisdom (DPT)*

OT 5XW5

Winter 2021

Last Revised: December 14, 2020

This course is an exploration of biblical wisdom literature with an emphasis on the important role it plays in the Old Testament. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the book of Job will be studied in the context of the ancient Near East, with its influence upon later Second Temple literature and the New Testament also explored. The course will examine the role of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology and consider wisdom as both a practical & ethical category with a view to appropriating wisdom literature into contemporary contexts. This course will facilitate critical reflection and examination of worldviews and professional practices and their potential for transformation through attention to biblical wisdom. Important themes will be explored such as: the fear of the Lord; loving God for God’s sake; theology as wisdom; and the wisdom of worship and prayer in Christian life and ministry today.

Knowing

To know the place of wisdom in OT theology
To gain an introductory knowledge of relevant Ancient Near Eastern Literature
To know the content, historical contexts, and theological message of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
To have a thorough knowledge of the contents and message of the book of Job and its role in inner biblical wisdom dialogue

Being

To embrace the contemporary relevance of Old Testament Wisdom Literature for the Church today
To be transformed through attention to Christian wisdom
To grow closer to God through study of the wisdom literature

Doing

To be able to discuss the relation of the book of Job to discussions of theodicy and modern liberation theologies
To be able to interpret Wisdom literature in its original contexts
To be able to draw on Wisdom literature in service of critical reflection and examination of professional practices
To be able to bring out the relevance of Wisdom literature for contemporary audiences