Courses

This course explores the theme and traditions of wisdom in the Old Testament as a catalyst for personal reflection and contemporary ministry. The focus will be on the OT books of Job, Proverbs, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes as well as other texts that deal with the theme of wisdom elsewhere in the Old Testament. Giving attention to its original meaning within ancient Hebrew communities will unlock its riches for life today both individually and corporately. Attention will be given to historical context, rhetorical meaning, theological message and contemporary relevance. Specializations: Biblical Studies (BS), Pastoral Studies (PS), Church & Culture (CC)

My mission in this course is to equip you with the necessary information, perspectives, and skills for using the Wisdom Literature and Tradition of the Old Testament in effective Christian ministry. My hope is that you will embrace these texts and traditions as relevant material for today and be moved by their themes to love God and people.

Knowing

• To know the content, literary structure, history, and theology of the books of Job, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes and other key wisdom texts in the Old Testament as well as the relevance of these books to contemporary life.

Being

• To embrace wisdom literature as relevant material for today and be moved by its themes to love God, humanity, and creation in greater ways.

Doing

• To demonstrate proficiency in interpreting wisdom literature in its original context and in applying this literature to contemporary audiences.