The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East

Course Description

Embark on a fascinating journey through time with our course, "The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East." This introductory-level course offers a unique and insightful perspective on the Bible by exploring its connections to neighboring civilizations during biblical times. Through a comparative study, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the ancient Near Eastern context influenced and shaped biblical traditions, genres, and themes.

What Students Will Learn

Students will develop a new understanding of the ancient Near Eastern context of central biblical themes and genres, including:

• Creation Traditions
• Flood Stories
• Tower of Babel Story
• Law Literature
• Prophecy
• Wisdom

By examining these topics through a comparative lens, students will gain fresh insights into the Bible's historical and cultural background, enhancing their comprehension of religious texts and ancient civilizations.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in biblical studies, ancient history, or comparative religion. The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of the subject matter.

Course Content

• Introduction to the historical and cultural context of the Ancient Near East
• Biblical Creation Traditions in their Ancient Near Eastern context
• The Biblical Flood Story compared to other ancient flood narratives
• Theological perspectives on the Creator God: Biblical vs. Ancient Near Eastern gods
• The Tower of Babel story in its historical context
• Biblical Legal Literature and its Ancient Near Eastern parallels
• Ancient Near Eastern influences on Biblical Prophecy
• Biblical Wisdom literature in the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions

Who This Course Is For

This course is perfect for:

• Students of religious studies, history, or archaeology
• Bible enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of scripture
• Anyone interested in ancient civilizations and their cultural interconnections
• Individuals seeking a broader perspective on the origins of biblical narratives
• Lifelong learners curious about the historical context of religious texts

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various ways:

1. Enhanced understanding of religious texts and their historical context
2. Improved critical thinking and comparative analysis skills
3. Better appreciation of cultural influences on religious traditions
4. Ability to engage in informed discussions about biblical topics and ancient history
5. Foundation for further studies in theology, archaeology, or ancient Near Eastern studies
6. Enriched personal understanding of religious and cultural heritage

Syllabus