Class 1 - Intro. and Genesis

"Understanding the Bible" was originally a six week course that introduced students to the basic structures, stories, and modern criticism of the Bible. The class is very loosely based on the book with the same title by John Buehrens. Students were invited to read that book as well as the Bible, but not required to prepare anything before class. The class is open to anyone who shows up and welcomes "stupid" questions. The translation used for the class is the NRSV and the recommended version is the Harper Collins Study Bible. At the end of the class, we decided to begin a more extended and in depth study beginning with Genesis in May.

Week 1 introduced the Buehrens book, the structure of the class, and Genesis. The key points covered in Genesis were: the two creation stories, theme of temptation, first murder, apocalypse, and the family of g-d.

Theories on Genesis, role of narrative, and influence on literature will be some of the ideas addressed in the more in depth class.