This course is a general introduction to the Old Testament texts which, throughout the history of interpretation, have raised serious questions in Judaism, Christianity or in contemporary cultures building upon those, and have often become the subject of apologetic discourse. The presentation will outline the basic aspects, reasons and interpretative paradigms that have played a role in the hermeneutical process.
Controversial texts in the Old Testament
This course examines controversial texts of the Hebrew Bible from the point of view of the contemporary Christian reader. The texts discussed often played - not only in the contemporary discourse, but throughout the history of the Old Testament hermeneutics - an important role in challenging the relevance and normativity of the Old Testament for modern theological thinking. The course reveals the history of the interpretation of these texts and seeks the hermeneutical key through which the texts can retain their legitimacy in the canon of the Christian church and beyond.
Competences
Specific competences
The student will become aware of the differences in the hermeneutical principles of the original authors of the Old Testament and the modern reader. He/she will be able to apply the hermeneutical considerations learned in the case studies to any problematic biblical text.General competences
By confronting critical situations in the Old Testament, the student develops a nuanced attitude toward situations that differ from the ordinary. The course develops the student's critical thinking, discernment and reflection skills.Course structure
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Introduction. Is the Old Testament a Christian text?
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It repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth (Gen 6:6) – Limits and possibilities of Old Testament theology
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The LORD thy God is a jealous God (Deut 6:15) – Exclusivism and intolerance in the Old Testament
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I loved Jacob and I hated Esau (Mal 1:2-3) – Election and rejection
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O God, to whom vengeance belongs, show thyself (Zsolt 94:1) – The place of negative emotions in Israel's faith
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I will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children (Ex 20:5) – The problem of collective responsibility in the Old Testament
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Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? (Job 10:10) – The unknown faces of Old Testament anthropology
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The LORD encountered him and sought to kill him (Ex 4,24) - Is the God of the Old Testament dangerous?
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Spare no one, but kill alike men and women(1Sam 15:3) - Holy war?
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Take your favored one, and offer him as a burnt offering (Gen 22:2) - Unrealistic ethical standards?
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Vanity of vanities! (Préd 1:2) - Philosophy of life from the margins of the Old Testament
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He cursed them in the name of the LORD (2 Kgs 2:24) – Holiness and worldview in the Old Testament
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It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10:31) - The other face of the New Testament
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Evaluation
Total estimated time
Classroom study
- 2 hours/week (Course: 2 | Seminar: 0 | Practice: 0)
- 28 hours/semester (Course: 28 | Seminar: 0 | Practice: 0)
Individual study
- Time for studying course notes and bibliography: 40 hours/semester.
- Time for further documentation in libraries, electronic platforms, or on the field: 20 hours/semester.
- Time for preparing essays, papers, or documentation: 0 hours/semester.
- Time for personal tutoring: 0 hours/semester.
- Total individual study: 60 hours/semester.
- Total estimated time: 88 hours/semester.
Examination
Az írásbeli vizsga a kurzus keretében tárgyalt tematikákhoz kötődik. A cél a probléma-alapú megoldási készség felmérése. Az írásbeli vizsgán egy-egy problémás textus kapcsán kell a hallgatónak arra reflektálnia, hogy az adott bibliográfia ismeretében hogyan értelmezi a megjelölt bibliai perikópát vagy tematikát.
