Old Testament Scripture
Preparatory Homework
In preparation for the November 11 class on Old Testament Scripture taught by Patrick Russell, Ph.D.,
students were asked to
read the following bibilical texts. These texts were read “out of context,”
which can make it hard to know what is going on in the story or passage.
The point was just to get the flavor of the different types of material in the Bible.
The word "Bible" comes from the Greek, ta biblia, which literally means "the books." So the
Bible is really a collection of books. This is why we call them "The Book of Genesis," "The Book of Judges," etc.
So when we are reading the Bible, we are really reading from a "library" - the library of Israel's sacred writings.
These readings serve two purposes. First, they give a "taste" of the different kinds of
material that is in this "library" that we call the Bible. Second, many of the selected passages
highlight important moments in the various books - moments that have become very foundational
for our understanding of how God works with us.
Readings from the Pentateuch
- Genesis 1-3
- Genesis 6-9
- Genesis 15 and17
- Exodus 19-20
- Deuteronomy 27-28
Readings from the Historical Books
- Joshua 24
- Judges 3
- 1 Samuel 8-10
- 2 Samuel 7
- 1 Kings 11-13, 17-22
- Ezra 7 and 9
- Ruth 1-4
Readings from the Prophets
- Amos 3-4
- Micah 6
- Jeremiah 2-3
- Ezekiel 37
Readings from Wisdom Literature
- Job 1-3
- Proverbs 8 and 22
- Daniel 7
Also used were abridged versions of
Divino Afflante Spiritu and
Dei Verbum.
Dr. Russell did not expect students to have necessarily read these documents – so they could
consider it “extra credit.” However, he began the session by talking about the
Catholic understanding and way of interpreting scripture, which these church documents address.
He has underlineded key passages in case someone wants to “skim” the documents.
Practicum in Spiritual Formation
November is often considered the month of saints, with Nov. 1 celebrating the Feast of All Saints
and Nov. 2 the Feast of All Souls. In honor of this, the class spiritual formation time consisted of
a presentation about saints (viewable in
this slide presentation
and in
this audio recording.) and a group
recitation of a
Litany of the Saints.
Another useful item is this
list of patron saints.
Class Notes
Dr. Russell used these PowerPoint files for his presentation.
Audio Recordings
Audio recordings of this day's activities are available here.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this four-CD audio set for $20,
please call the OEC at 608-821-3160.
Welcome, Introduction (7:40)
Overview (13:10)
Genres of Scripture (36:45)
The Creation Stories in Genesis (27:10)
The Creation Stories in Genesis (continued) (25:10)
The Journeys of our Forebearers (23:30)
The Journeys of our Forebearers (continued) (1:06:45)
Exodus (24:30)
Two Tellings of Israel's History (24:25)
Two Tellings of Israel's History (continued) (1:25)
The Prophets (1:35)
The Prophets (continued) (40:05)
Spiritual Formation Homework
For ongoing spiritual formation, participants are asked
to continue with the previous months' practices (Morning Offering, Examination of Conscience, Spiritual Communion)
and to undertake the following: Every day ask a saint (canonized or not) or the souls in purgatory
to intercede for something specific. Include practical everyday affairs along with major needs.
Keep a log of prayers that are answered. Every day pray for someone else by name.
