Whole Bible Survey: Part 1 (Old Testament) from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the themes of the bible
List the major steps in old testament history

Describe the makings of the bible

Identify the themes of the bible
List the major steps in old testament history
Describe the makings of the bible

Syllabus

Introduction to the Bible

This video describes the Beginner's Bible Survey video series. It introduces the various topics that the student will be presented with across the entire series, including the courses Whole Bible Survey: Part Two and Whole Bible Survey: Part Three which follow this course, Whole Bible Survey: Part One.

The Bible itself has a long history of formation and transmission. In this video we cover the two languages that the Bible was written in – Hebrew and Greek – and the process of manuscript creation, copyists and their errors, manuscript families, and finally the translation process of putting the original texts into our own language. (Part 1)

The stories recorded in the Bible center on events that happened in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean area. Here we cover the geography and climate of Bible times, the sections of the land of Israel itself and how they affected the events. Next we examine the six types of literature in the Bible and how to derive the most benefit from each type. Finally we look at the culture of the Bible – not only that of the Israelites but also the surrounding cultures and what effect these had on God's people in their walk with him.

The history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament, can be a confusing mass of events and details unless we back up and look at the broad historical sweep, beginning with Creation and following the Nation to their status at the time of Christ. In this video we will learn the eight stages of that history, and the formative effects that each stage had on their religious development over the centuries. (Part 1)

Since the Bible itself claims that it is the product of one author (God), there should be one storyline running from Genesis to Revelation. There are sixty-six books within the Bible, but when we "erase" the boundaries between them, we can see a single plot running from beginning to end. In this video we learn that there are three main sections in the Bible's story; each section is examined and understood in context of the overall Biblical theme.

The Bible presents God’s own version of the Creation of the Universe; the secret to unraveling the mystery is to slow down and look at the details carefully. In Genesis 1, we learn about three primary methods that God used to create the world. Once we have identified those, we will see those same three methods used all through the rest of the Bible as the Creator has continued to work in the physical and spiritual realms. (Part 1)

The whole Bible centers around a single problem: sin, and the death that results from that. Everything in the Bible focuses on solving that problem. Here we examine what exactly happened at the beginning of the human race that brought us into this dilemma – with an exact definition of sin, the lie that led us into it, and the inevitable results of sin. With this beginning groundwork we can better understand the rest of the Bible's themes as they address this one issue.

The solution to sin and death starts with the story of Abraham and the Covenant that God made with him and his Family. According to the Bible, the Covenant's blessings are nothing less than the Gospel of Christ. Here we look at the four terms of the Covenant, how God started fulfilling those terms in Abraham's life, how they were fulfilled during the history of Israel, and finally what the four terms of the Covenant mean for the Christian Church. (Part 1)

Abraham's family grew into a nation, but early in their history they found themselves helplessly enslaved by Pharaoh and the Egyptians. In order to carry out his promises to their forefather Abraham, the Lord delivered them from Egyptian slavery, destroyed their enemies, led them to Mt. Sinai and gave them his Law, thereby forming them into the nation of the people of God. This video examines that process of deliverance in detail and shows the universal pattern of salvation for all of God's people.

Israel's God differentiated himself from other gods by his Name. The Names of the Lord describe what the Biblical God is like, and the kinds of works he does. In this video we learn about the revelation of the Name of the LORD to Israel, what the purposes of his many names are, the special meaning of Yahweh, the residence of the LORD's Name in the Temple, and how Jesus fulfills that special Name in his own ministry.

The Law of God can be confusing to modern Christians. But its purpose has always been the same, in Israel's history as well as in modern times. Here we look at the giving of the Law, the three purposes of the Law, the real problem about keeping the Law of God, the spiritual intent of the Law, and the only way that a person can live up to "the righteous requirements of the Law." (Part 1)

God having witnesses on hand was a legal maneuver in order to establish the truth about who he is and what he does. Witnesses were present at all of the works of Israel's God. The entire Bible is a collection of their testimonies. This video examines the legal role of a witness, God's use of witnesses all through Israel's history, various examples of God having thousands and millions of witnesses present, and the only way to legally discount a witness's testimony. (Part 1)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Presents the Old Testament in an accessible format, making it suitable for learners with little to no prior knowledge of the Bible or its historical context

Includes quizzes after each lesson, which reinforces learning and helps students summarize and enhance their understanding of key concepts presented in the videos

Requires learners to take Parts Two and Three to complete the Old Testament survey, which may be a drawback for those seeking a standalone course

Explores the historical background of the Bible, including its languages, manuscript creation, and translation process, providing valuable context for interpreting the text

Examines the geography, climate, and culture of the Middle East during Bible times, enriching learners' understanding of the context in which biblical events occurred

Offers a non-denominational approach, presenting the Bible as a textbook and focusing on the data and themes within the text itself

Reviews summary

Accessible survey of the old testament

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to the Old Testament. Students particularly praise the instructor for being knowledgeable, clear, and engaging, making complex topics easy to understand for beginners. The course structure is frequently highlighted as well-organized and providing a solid foundation. While many find the depth sufficient for a survey, a few more experienced learners noted it can be a bit basic if you have significant prior knowledge. The inclusion of quizzes is seen as a helpful tool for reinforcing learning. A small number of reviewers felt the course had a perceived bias despite the non-denominational claim, presenting a warning for those seeking a strictly academic, neutral approach.

Reinforce learning effectively.

"The quizzes after each lesson were very helpful for reviewing the material."

"Found the quizzes a good way to test my understanding."

"They helped me remember the key points from the videos."

"Quizzes are a useful addition to the lectures and textbook."

Logical flow and good structure.

"The course structure is logical and easy to navigate."

"Appreciated the way the modules were organized, building upon each other."

"The outline provided helped me keep track of the history and themes."

"Content flows well from one topic to the next."

Provides a strong foundation for beginners.

"This course was the perfect introduction to the Old Testament for me."

"Provides a solid foundation for understanding the historical and theological context."

"Highly recommended if you are new to Bible study."

"Gave me a good overview of the major books and themes."

Knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate.

"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and his passion for the subject is infectious."

"Found the instructor's delivery engaging and easy to follow."

"One of the best instructors I've encountered in an online course."

"His ability to connect themes across the texts is impressive."

Complex topics are made easy to grasp.

"The instructor is very clear and makes it easy to understand complex concepts."

"I really appreciated how the course explained things in a simple, step-by-step way."

"Makes the Old Testament accessible and understandable for absolute beginners like me."

"The teaching approach is very clear and helps solidify understanding."

May not feel strictly neutral to all.

"Despite the claim, some interpretations felt biased towards a specific theological viewpoint."

"Not entirely non-denominational as advertised, presented certain views as fact."

"Those seeking a purely academic, non-theological approach might notice a slant."

May be too basic for advanced learners.

"While great for beginners, I didn't find much new information as someone with prior study."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on some historical or cultural points."

"Felt a bit simplistic at times, especially if you've read survey books before."

"It's definitely a survey, so don't expect detailed academic dissection."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Whole Bible Survey: Part 1 (Old Testament) with these activities:

Review Old Testament Geography

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Familiarize yourself with the geographical context of the Old Testament to better understand the events and stories.

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Study maps of the ancient Middle East.
Identify key regions and cities.
Understand the climate and terrain.

Read 'A Survey of the Old Testament' by Hill and Walton

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Gain a broader understanding of the Old Testament through a well-regarded survey textbook.

View A Survey of the Old Testament: Fourth Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the textbook.
Read assigned chapters before each corresponding course module.
Take notes on key concepts and themes.

Create a Timeline of Old Testament History

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Solidify your understanding of Old Testament history by creating a visual timeline of key events.

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Research the major periods and events in Old Testament history.
Create a chronological timeline using online tools or software.
Include key figures and events for each period.
Add brief descriptions to provide context.

Four other activities

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Discuss Key Themes with Peers

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Deepen your understanding by discussing key themes and concepts with fellow students.

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Form a study group with other students.
Choose a specific theme or topic from the course.
Prepare discussion points and questions.
Share insights and perspectives during the session.

Read 'Old Testament Today' by Goldsworthy

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Explore the contemporary relevance of the Old Testament through a theological lens.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read selected chapters focusing on key themes.
Reflect on the implications for modern Christian life.

Write a Reflection Paper on a Key Old Testament Figure

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Deepen your understanding of Old Testament characters by writing a reflection paper on their significance.

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Choose a significant figure from the Old Testament.
Research their life, actions, and impact.
Write a paper reflecting on their significance and lessons learned.
Consider their relevance to contemporary life.

Develop a Bible Study Guide

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Apply your knowledge by creating a Bible study guide for a specific book or passage in the Old Testament.

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Select a book or passage from the Old Testament.
Research the historical and cultural context.
Develop study questions and discussion prompts.
Write an introduction and conclusion.

Career center

Learners who complete Whole Bible Survey: Part 1 (Old Testament) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Studies Teacher

A religious studies teacher educates students about different religions, their histories, and their cultural impacts. This course, covering the Old Testament, helps build a foundation for understanding the core texts and historical context of Judaism and Christianity. Someone in this role would be able to teach not only the themes of the Bible but also the background of how the Bible came to be, including the languages, manuscript creation, and translation process covered in this course. The focus on the Old Testament and its themes will be particularly helpful for anyone wishing to teach this material. The course is also useful to understand the geography of the Bible, the literary types, and the culture involved in the text.

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Theological Scholar

Theological scholars conduct research and engage in the study of religious texts and traditions. This course may be useful to establish a strong base in the Old Testament, including background on the origins of the Bible, Old Testament history, and the themes of each book. A theological scholar needs to be familiar with the historical and cultural context of the Bible. This course, which includes the process of manuscript creation and the study of the geography of the Bible, is especially helpful. The course will also assist in understanding the literary types in the Bible, which is crucial to understanding the texts. A scholar would also benefit from the course's focus on Old Testament history and the major themes in the Torah.

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Curriculum Developer

A curriculum developer designs and creates educational material, including lesson plans and coursework. This course, which presents an easy to follow format and presents a wealth of information for those interested in where the Bible came from, fits well into the skill set required by a curriculum developer. This course may be useful to learn how to structure the presentation of complex information on the bible, as it is a “fundamentals” survey. This course shows how to make material understandable to a wide audience, including high school students and adults, which is a key skill for this career. Understanding the major themes of the Bible, and the history of Israel, as presented in this course, are all essential parts of religious curriculum development.

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Religious Writer

A religious writer creates content related to faith, spirituality, and religious topics. Writers in this field may find this course to be useful for building a foundational understanding of the Old Testament. This course covers the history of the Old Testament, themes, and important stories which are core to many religious texts and discussions. This course can also help writers gain perspective over Biblical history, including the background of how the Bible came to be, and the geography of Israel where the stories take place. The course's emphasis on the creation, sin, and the covenant with Abraham, all key concepts, may be useful as background knowledge for a religious writer.

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Academic Researcher

An academic researcher conducts in-depth studies on a variety of topics, often requiring a deep understanding of complex texts and historical contexts. This course may be useful to develop a deeper understanding of the Old Testament, including its history and the major themes. This course introduces the different historical stages of the Old Testament, which is essential to research in this area. The course also covers the way the Bible came to be, in addition to the languages, manuscript creation, and the translation process. Understanding themes in the Torah, including the Creation, the Covenant with Abraham, and the Law of Moses, will be particularly helpful for a researcher focusing on the Old Testament.

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Editor

An editor works on written materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. This role may need a basic grasp of the content. This course may be useful for editors who will work on texts connected with the Old Testament, as it gives background on how the Bible came to be, the history of Israel, and the themes of the various books. This course helps develop a broad understanding of the Old Testament which may be useful to working with manuscripts that reference the Old Testament. The material covering geography of the Bible, literary types, and the culture of the Bible may also be helpful for editors.

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Librarian

Librarians manage and organize collections of resources and assist people with accessing the information they need. This course may be useful for librarians working with religious texts, giving them familiarity with the Old Testament. The course gives an overview of the Old Testament, the languages it was written in, and the processes involved in copying manuscripts. This course also may be useful for understanding the types of literature found in the Bible, and the history of the Old Testament, all of which can help classify and organize religious texts.

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Nonprofit Program Coordinator

A nonprofit program coordinator manages and executes programs for charitable organizations; some of these may have a religious component. This course may be useful to develop a better understanding of the Old Testament, and the overall story of the Bible. The themes of the bible and the history of Israel are foundational to many faith-based organizations and religious nonprofits. The course provides a view of the overall biblical narrative from a historical and thematic perspective which may be useful to understanding the mission and goals of some religious groups. The course covers the Old Testament in detail which is a key part of the Bible.

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Public Speaker

A public speaker delivers messages to audiences on various topics, and a public speaker focused on religion will need familiarity with the Bible. This course may be useful for building background knowledge on the Old Testament, including its history and the main themes. This course gives an overview of the Bible, and the eight stages of history of the Old Testament, which is helpful in public speaking. The course also provides information on key elements of the Old Testament such as the creation, the covenant with Abraham, and the law of Moses, which may be useful for public speakers using the Bible in their speeches.

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Religious Consultant

A religious consultant provides expert advice on religious matters to organizations or individuals. This course may be useful as it provides a broad understanding of the Old Testament, the history of Israel, and the major themes. This course covers the background of how the Bible came to be, the languages, manuscript creation, and translation and can help establish credentials for a consultant. This course also covers the geography of the Bible, its literary types, and the culture of the Bible. The course's focus on the law of Moses, and the role of the witness in scripture may also be useful.

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Content Creator

A content creator develops material for various media. This course may be useful for those who create content related to religion. It gives a broad understanding of the Old Testament, including the history of Israel, and key themes of the Bible. Content creators can use the information in this course to produce accurate and engaging material. The course also covers how the Bible came to be, including manuscript creation, and the languages that it was written in, which may be useful for producing educational content. This course may be useful for understanding the culture of the Bible which is essential for content creation.

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Volunteer Coordinator

A volunteer coordinator works with religious organizations, and often requires an understanding of religious background. This course may be useful for coordinators who need to understand the Old Testament. This course provides a good overview of the history of Israel, and it describes the themes of the Old Testament. The course also presents all the important themes of the entire Bible and ties both Old and New Testaments into one story, which is important for volunteer coordinators. The course also explains what the Bible is, where it came from, and its context, which may be useful for working with volunteers.

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Tour Guide

A tour guide educates and entertains people while showing them different locations. For a tour guide in Israel or other places of religious importance, this course may be useful to learn the background of the Old Testament. The course covers the geography of the Bible, and the history of Israel. It also introduces the themes of the Old Testament. Tour guides focused on religious sites can use this course to provide more context about the religious stories and the historical significance of these locations. The course also provides an understanding of the various literary types of the Bible, which can be useful for a tour guide when referencing the text.

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Translator

A translator converts written or spoken text from one language to another. This course may be useful for anyone who seeks to translate religious texts, as it covers the languages in which the Bible was written, Hebrew and Greek. The course also covers the process of manuscript creation, as well as the translation process. Translators may find it useful to learn the history of the Old Testament, and the context that informs its language. Knowing the themes of the Old Testament, and the literary types that are present in the Bible, will be particularly useful to a translator.

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Archivist

An archivist is responsible for appraising, arranging, describing and preserving historical records and other valuable materials. This course may be useful for an archivist working with religious texts. The course covers the background of how the Bible came to be, including the languages it was written in, and the process of manuscript creation. It also provides an overview of the history of Israel and the themes in the Old Testament, which is helpful for an archivist working with religious documents. This course’s discussion of the bible as a textbook may inform archival approaches.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Whole Bible Survey: Part 1 (Old Testament).

A Survey of the Old Testament

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament, covering historical, literary, and theological aspects. It widely used textbook in many academic institutions. Reading this book will give you a solid foundation for understanding the Old Testament narrative and its significance. It is particularly helpful for understanding the historical context of the Old Testament.

A Survey of the Old Testament: Fourth Edition

Kindle Edition

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Explores the relevance of the Old Testament for contemporary Christians. It bridges the gap between the ancient text and modern life. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It helps students understand how the Old Testament informs Christian theology and practice.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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