Courses

For a “holy” book millions revere as sacred scripture, the Bible contains some of the most scandalous stories in world literature: tales of temptation, intrigue, jealousy, betrayal, bloodshed, lust, and lies. Why are these stories so memorable after millennia? One answer is that great literature tells the truth about humans. A recurring theme suggests that the greatest sinners can become the greatest saints. We identify with those who have stumbled, suffered, and endured—and often look for a sense of justice that helps resolve our own contradictions. In this course, we will place these stories in historical context using current cultural, historical, and archaeological research. We'll come to understand their religious and social functions within the Bible. We will read about Adam and Eve expelled from the Garden of Eden; Cain and Abel; Dinah and Judah; Saul and the witch of Endor; David and Bathsheba; Amnon and his sister, Tamar; Absalom and Mary Magdalene; Samson and Delilah; and many others.