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Dr. Jacob L. Wright
With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame. They consigned it to oblivion, opting instead to extol the golden ages of the past. The biblical authors in contrast reacted to loss by composing extensive writings that acknowledge collective failure, reflect deeply upon its causes, and discover thereby a ground for collective hope.
Read more
With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame. They consigned it to oblivion, opting instead to extol the golden ages of the past. The biblical authors in contrast reacted to loss by composing extensive writings that acknowledge collective failure, reflect deeply upon its causes, and discover thereby a ground for collective hope.
Read more
With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame. They consigned it to oblivion, opting instead to extol the golden ages of the past. The biblical authors in contrast reacted to loss by composing extensive writings that acknowledge collective failure, reflect deeply upon its causes, and discover thereby a ground for collective hope.
Working through colorful biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts, and drawing on an array of comparative examples, the course illustrates the thoroughgoing manner with which biblical authors responded to defeat by advancing a demotic agenda that places the community at the center. The aim of the biblical authors was to create a nation, and they sought to realize this goal via a shared text, which includes stories and songs, wisdom and laws. This corpus of writings belongs, without a doubt, to humanity’s greatest achievements. Whereas the great civilizations of the Near East invested their energies and resources into monuments of stone that could be destroyed by invading armies, the biblical authors left a literary legacy that has been intensively studied until the present day. More important, these authors’ visionary response to defeat brought to light a radical new wisdom: the notion that a people is greater than the state which governs it, and that a community can survive collapse when all of its members can claim a piece of the pie and therefore have a reason to take an active part in its collective life.
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Riddle That Has Yet to be Solved
Our larger goal is to understand why the Bible was written. So first we need to take a step back and form a larger view of the world in which the kingdoms of Israel and Judah emerged. This module sets the stage for all that follows. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Describe how Israel's geographical location, situated between two great civilizational centers, had a decisive impact on history, 2) Identify why Egypt was interested in Canaan (the land of the Bible), 3) Describe the context in which the oldest references to Israel and places in the land of Israel appear, and 4) Analyze how the withdrawal of Egyptian influence from Canaan made it possible for territorial states (such as Israel and Judah) to emerge in the first millennium BCE.
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Syllabus
The Riddle That Has Yet to be Solved
Our larger goal is to understand why the Bible was written. So first we need to take a step back and form a larger view of the world in which the kingdoms of Israel and Judah emerged. This module sets the stage for all that follows. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Describe how Israel's geographical location, situated between two great civilizational centers, had a decisive impact on history, 2) Identify why Egypt was interested in Canaan (the land of the Bible), 3) Describe the context in which the oldest references to Israel and places in the land of Israel appear, and 4) Analyze how the withdrawal of Egyptian influence from Canaan made it possible for territorial states (such as Israel and Judah) to emerge in the first millennium BCE.
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The Rise and Fall
In the last module, we studied the activity of the great cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia in the Levant. These major groups played a key role in forming the backdrop for the rise of Israel and Judah. After Egyptian and Mesopotamian rulers withdrew from the area, they left breathing room for smaller groups—such as Israel and Judah—to grow and extend their own power. In this module, we will explore the more modest cultures of Israel and Judah, from the rise and fall of their respective kingdoms. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Differentiate between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and describe the circumstances that led to the rise of both, 2) Identify key figures and causes in the downfall of Israel and Judah, respectively, and 3) Analyze how the biblical authors take creative liberties in their portrayal of historical events pertaining to Israel and Judah.
The Making of the Bible as a Response to Defeat
In this module, we dive into the question of why the biblical authors created the Bible. We begin by looking at various depictions of how Judahites were living after the fall of Judah. These depictions provide us with insight into what the biblical authors were facing after the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests. We then turn our attention to the biblical writings as we deconstruct and reconstruct the text in order to discover what drives the biblical project. By engaging the text critically, we begin to see how the biblical authors creatively combined sources to create a pan-Israelite history. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Differentiate between extrabiblical and biblical depictions of Judahite communities living in various locations after the fall of Judah, 2) Identify distinct traditions or sources within the biblical text and distinguish between core narratives and supplements or links, and 3) Compare and contrast the dominant theories concerned with the composition of the Bible.
Reinventing the Hero
In this module, we will begin by exploring a clue that adds further support to the general thesis of this course (i.e., that the Bible is a project of peoplehood in response to the defeat of the state). That clue is the absence of martyrdom and glorious death in the biblical narratives. We will see how the biblical authors reshape their history as they fashion narratives and law codes that promote “name-making” through procreation rather than heroic death. Through values that we take for granted today, the authors work to ensure the preservation of their people under conditions of foreign rule. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Identify narrative texts and law codes that relate to procreation, heroic death, and the expanded roles for both men and women, 2) Differentiate between the ideals of heroism found in the Bible and those found in non-biblical text, and 3) Understand that these values emerge out of pragmatic concerns related to corporate survival and the formation of a new kind of political community.
A Wise and Discerning People
As in most ancient societies, knowledge and education are reserved for elites. (The situation is not so different today.) This week we will see how the biblical authors depart radically from this principle. The Bible can be understood, Dr. Wright will suggest, as an educational curriculum for the nation. It fosters a broad national consciousness and mobilizes a people after the defeat of the state.Closely related to the Bible’s educational ideals, we will learn how the biblical authors promote a principle of “open access.” They make divine knowledge, rules, regulations publicly available so that the people as a whole can hold in check the power of their leaders. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Identify the distinctive qualities of biblical prophetic and priestly literature, 2) Explain how the Bible may be understood as an educational curriculum for the people as a whole, and 3) Compare the Bible to other pedagogical reforms.
Beyond Morality: The Bible as Political Model
This week, to wrap up our course, we turn back to the question of why with which we began. Why did the Bible originate in ancient Israel and Judah? We will begin by synthesizing what we’ve learned so far in order to bring it to bear on this fundamental question. Thereafter we will examine the most fascinating means by which the biblical authors reshape Israel’s identity. These means include matters that relate to theology, the covenant, and covenantal ethics. We will conclude the course by raising the question of what role the Bible may have to play in our futures. Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Answer the question of why the Bible emerged in Israel and Judah rather than in other societies of the ancient Near East, 2) Identify the distinct theological means by which the biblical authors reshape the identity of Israel in their grand project of peoplehood, 3) Discuss the future possibilities of "biblical" projects and of the Bible itself.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the ancient world, which is standard in Biblical studies
Develops critical analysis skills for engaging with religious texts, which are core skills for Biblical studies
Taught by Dr. Jacob L. Wright, who is recognized for their work in Biblical studies
Examines the Bible, which is highly relevant to religious studies
Uses a comparative approach to analyze biblical texts, which adds color to other subjects
Analyzes the history and culture of the ancient Near East, which provides context for understanding the Bible
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Reviews summary
Well-received bible study
Learners say that The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future is a well-received and engaging online course. This course challenges learners' long-held Biblical beliefs while providing a fresh perspective on them. The course content is well-paced and accessible for learners of all levels. Professor Jacob Wright is knowledgeable and engaging, and he actively participates in course discussions. Overall, learners highly recommend this course to students or learners interested in the Bible and its history.
Learners highly recommend this course to students or learners interested in the Bible and its history.
"Great class with great interaction and investment to the topic. Regardless of your religious views, you will find yourself digging and digging and digging into the Bible more and more because of Prof Wright's depth and knowledge of the topic. The greatest class I have seen online in Biblical prehistory. This class is a must take for all walks of life."
"This was the best MOOC I've taken so far."
"I was very impressed with the depth of the subject offered, but equally impressed by the user-friendly way in which it was delivered."
The course content is well-paced and accessible for learners of all levels.
"I felt that this was an excellent class from the lectures to the recommended material. I learned a lot that I never knew before."
"It is a fantastic course, I recommend this course. Have been a student of the Bible for years, but this course sheds new light and make you look at things differently"
"It says something about the importance if having a knowledgable figure leading the course, albeit in a modern ‘chalk and talk’ way — too often in education we are given pap when it is food for the heart, mind and soul that is needed."
The course challenges long-held Biblical beliefs while providing a fresh perspective.
"Taking the course broadened my vision for how to deal with the Biblical material, freed me from slavish adherence to and rebellion against the text, and got me to think about a lot of things."
"This course provides a fresh non-divinity approach to the Bible."
"This class was Fabulous! Prof Jacob L. Wright is brilliant, he was able to serve us the meat of the subject, yet keep it accessible for those of us accustomed to soft foods."
Professor Wright is a brilliant teacher who delivers accessible lectures.
"Prof Jacob L. Wright is brilliant, he was able to serve us the meat of the subject, yet keep it accessible for those of us accustomed to soft foods"
"Doctor Jacob L Wright is a very fine teacher and evokes enthusiasm in his students."
"Five stars. Fabulous class. Before taking it I had no appreciation or interest in the Bible, considering it barbaric theistic propaganda. Now I'm reading it. Good job and thank you Dr, Wright."
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 The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future with these
activities:
Review the history of the ancient Near East
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge by reviewing the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, which influenced the development of the Bible.
Browse courses on
Ancient Near East
Show steps
-
Review notes, textbooks, or online resources on the history of the ancient Near East.
-
Focus on key events, civilizations, and their impact on the development of Israel and Judah.
-
Complete practice questions or exercises to test understanding.
Read "The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts"
Show steps
Gain insights into the historical and archaeological background of the Bible by exploring the latest findings and perspectives.
View
David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key points.
-
Identify connections between the book's content and course discussions.
-
Participate in class discussions and share insights gained from the book.
Create a digital or annotated notebook
Show steps
Enhance note-taking and organization skills by creating a digital or annotated notebook that consolidates and expands upon course materials.
Show steps
-
Use digital tools or a physical notebook to organize notes, readings, and other materials.
-
Annotate notes with additional insights, explanations, and connections to course concepts.
-
Review and revise notes regularly to improve retention and understanding.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Engage in discussion boards
Show steps
Deepen understanding of course material through active participation in discussion boards, sharing insights and engaging in peer-to-peer learning.
Show steps
-
Read assigned readings and participate in online discussions.
-
Share perspectives, ask questions, and respond to peers' comments.
-
Reflect on discussions and apply insights to course assignments and understanding.
Use biblical exegetical tools
Show steps
Enhance understanding of biblical texts by learning and applying exegetical tools such as textual criticism, historical context analysis, and literary interpretation.
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials or resources that provide guidance on biblical exegesis.
-
Practice using exegetical tools on specific biblical passages.
-
Compare interpretations and insights gained through exegesis with class discussions and materials.
Create an annotated biblical timeline
Show steps
Develop a cohesive view of the historical and literary development of the Bible by creating a comprehensive timeline that includes key events, figures, and literary sources.
Show steps
-
Gather sources and information from the course modules and readings.
-
Identify key events, figures, and literary sources relevant to the biblical narrative.
-
Arrange events chronologically, considering their historical and literary significance.
-
Annotate the timeline with brief explanations and connections between events and sources.
-
Review and refine the timeline to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Review the history of the ancient Near East
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge by reviewing the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, which influenced the development of the Bible.
Browse courses on
Ancient Near East
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes, textbooks, or online resources on the history of the ancient Near East.
- Focus on key events, civilizations, and their impact on the development of Israel and Judah.
- Complete practice questions or exercises to test understanding.
Read "The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts"
Show steps
Gain insights into the historical and archaeological background of the Bible by exploring the latest findings and perspectives.
View
David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key points.
- Identify connections between the book's content and course discussions.
- Participate in class discussions and share insights gained from the book.
Create a digital or annotated notebook
Show steps
Enhance note-taking and organization skills by creating a digital or annotated notebook that consolidates and expands upon course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use digital tools or a physical notebook to organize notes, readings, and other materials.
- Annotate notes with additional insights, explanations, and connections to course concepts.
- Review and revise notes regularly to improve retention and understanding.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Engage in discussion boards
Show steps
Deepen understanding of course material through active participation in discussion boards, sharing insights and engaging in peer-to-peer learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read assigned readings and participate in online discussions.
- Share perspectives, ask questions, and respond to peers' comments.
- Reflect on discussions and apply insights to course assignments and understanding.
Use biblical exegetical tools
Show steps
Enhance understanding of biblical texts by learning and applying exegetical tools such as textual criticism, historical context analysis, and literary interpretation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials or resources that provide guidance on biblical exegesis.
- Practice using exegetical tools on specific biblical passages.
- Compare interpretations and insights gained through exegesis with class discussions and materials.
Create an annotated biblical timeline
Show steps
Develop a cohesive view of the historical and literary development of the Bible by creating a comprehensive timeline that includes key events, figures, and literary sources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather sources and information from the course modules and readings.
- Identify key events, figures, and literary sources relevant to the biblical narrative.
- Arrange events chronologically, considering their historical and literary significance.
- Annotate the timeline with brief explanations and connections between events and sources.
- Review and refine the timeline to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Career center
Learners who complete The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
Historians study and write about the past. They use their knowledge of the past to help us understand the present and prepare for the future. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful historian. You will learn how to research and analyze historical documents, and how to write clear and concise historical narratives. You will also gain a deep understanding of the Bible and its role in history.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical documents. They work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful archivist. You will learn how to organize and catalog historical documents, and how to make them accessible to researchers.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions. They work in a variety of settings, such as museums, art galleries, and historical sites. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful museum curator. You will learn how to research and develop exhibitions, and how to work with a variety of audiences.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and use information. They work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful librarian. You will learn how to organize and catalog library materials, and how to help people find the information they need.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers help students learn about a variety of subjects. They work in a variety of settings, such as public schools, private schools, and homeschools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher. You will learn how to develop lesson plans, teach effectively, and assess student learning.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news and current events. They work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful journalist. You will learn how to research and write news stories, and how to conduct interviews.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers help people solve legal problems. They work in a variety of settings, such as law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful lawyer. You will learn how to research and analyze legal issues, and how to write and argue legal briefs.
Politician
Politician
Politicians represent the interests of their constituents. They work in a variety of settings, such as local government, state government, and the federal government. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful politician. You will learn about the different branches of government, and how to develop and implement public policy.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers help people solve personal and social problems. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful social worker. You will learn about the different social problems that people face, and how to help them find solutions.
Counselor
Counselor
Counselors help people deal with personal and emotional problems. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful counselor. You will learn about the different types of counseling, and how to help people cope with their problems.
Minister
Minister
Ministers provide religious guidance and support to their congregations. They work in a variety of settings, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful minister. You will learn about the different religions and their beliefs, and how to provide guidance and support to people of all faiths.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work in a variety of settings, such as social service agencies, environmental organizations, and arts organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful nonprofit manager. You will learn about the different types of nonprofit organizations, and how to manage their finances, staff, and programs.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community organizers help people work together to solve community problems. They work in a variety of settings, such as neighborhoods, cities, and towns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful community organizer. You will learn about the different types of community problems, and how to help people work together to solve them.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political scientists study politics and government. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, think tanks, and government agencies. This course may be useful for political scientists who want to learn more about the Bible and its role in politics.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religion and its beliefs. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, seminaries, and churches. This course may be useful for theologians who want to learn more about the Bible and its history.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/t1jvjq/the
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Bible, its history, and its interpretation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of biblical studies, including the history of the Bible, its interpretation, and its relevance to contemporary issues.
Provides background on the ancient Near East and its relevance to the Bible.
Provides an introduction to the people and cultures of the Old Testament and early Judaism.
Provides a detailed overview of the political imagination of the Bible.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the Bible and politics.
Provides a detailed overview of the Bible and the nation.
Provides a detailed overview of the Bible and the land.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the rise of ancient Israel during the Iron Age.
Provides an introduction to the Bible and the poor.
Provides an introduction to the Bible and the city.
Save
Provides an introduction to the Bible and the state.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/t1jvjq/the
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Effort
6 weeks of study, 4-7 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Emory University
Instructor
Dr. Jacob L. Wright
Language
English
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Good to know
Explores the ancient world, which is standard in Biblical studies
Develops critical analysis skills for engaging with religious texts, which are core skills for Biblical studies
Taught by Dr. Jacob L. Wright, who is recognized for their work in Biblical studies
Examines the Bible, which is highly relevant to religious studies
Uses a comparative approach to analyze biblical texts, which adds color to other subjects
Analyzes the history and culture of the ancient Near East, which provides context for understanding the Bible
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