Lesson 2: The Book of Genesis

Learning objectives:

Understand the difference between myth, legend, saga, fairy tales and history.

Preparing for your seminar:

What are some of the ways in which we still tend to be dualistic? What are some of the ways in which we still feel threatened by chaos?

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Lesson 8: The Abraham Saga, part 1

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

Develop a chronology of the period, which parallels events in Egypt and in the life of the Patriarchs.

Preparing for your seminar:

What are some of the times in your life when you felt called to leave security behind? How do you respond when the sense of calling is not clear?

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Lesson 11: The Joseph Novel

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

Reflecting on holy scripture stimulates associations with other things. These associations are important because through them we discover our identities and significance. A poetic image contains a power beyond its surface meaning. It is as if the imagery becomes alive through our associations. These images and metaphors can become like vessels carrying the waters of meaning for our lives. The programme's four-source model [Common lessons and Supporting materials, Section 2-10] presents the categories Tradition, Culture, Position, and Action. Reading scripture for its associative power provides a way to draw together these sources of meaning for our lives. Take a page in your notebook and title it ‘Associations Exercise.’ Read Genesis 50:14-21 several times and allow your mind to associate freely with the images contained in the reading. Write down whatever comes to your mind as you consider the passage. Write as much or as little as you want. Reread your notes, considering the sources of your thoughts. Mark each thought with a T, C, A or P to indicate its source and record any new thoughts, learnings, or questions.

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Lesson 18: The Conquest of Canaan

Preparing for your seminar:

What are examples of syncretism that you see in the world today? How have other traditions impacted on your faith and religious practice?

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Lesson 23: David the King

Learning Objectives:

Give a reason for the weakness of the loyalty between the northern tribes and Judah under David. Cite an action by David intended to cement the loyalties of the various tribes. State two major differences between the ‘everlasting covenant’ and the covenant made under Moses.

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Lesson 28: The Deuteronomic Reform

Learning Objectives:

State the major difference between the Code of Deuteronomy and those which preceded it. Describe a new regulation the Code made about the slaughter of animals for food, and state how it changed the relation between worship and daily life.

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Lesson 32: The Restoration

Learning objectives:

Name three ways the Jews maintained their identity during the Exile.

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

‘Culture shock’ describes the feelings of alienation of people who move to a very different culture. It is a radical form of homesickness. Relate a time when you felt ‘culture shock’ or homesickness to the Jews’ experience in exile. How might the experiences have been the same? How might they differ?

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