Introduction to Holy Scripture and the Pentateuch

OT-I February 28, 2009 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Location: Zoe Eden Hall Meeting Room at St James’ Cathedral, Fresno
Instructor: Fr Van McCalister
Contact: van[at]sjoaquin.net

Summary

In this course, the student will be introduced briefly to Holy Scripture as a whole. The course will focus on the first five books of the Old Testament in particular; the greatest emphasis will center on the books of Genesis and Exodus. Through the overview of the Pentateuch, the instructor will identify connections between God’s work through Moses and Israel, and the promises fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the Gospels. The course will also provide an overview of the sacrificial system and the major feast days of the Jewish Calendar, which continue to be prominent features within the Gospels.

The course is free. The books are not provided. Students are responsible for purchasing/borrowing their own books. Links to the books are located below.

If you are taking the course for credit, please contact Fr Van McCalister for the written assignment: van[at]sjoaquin.net or call the Diocese of San Joaquin at 559.244.4828

Required Texts

Inside the Bible by Kenneth Baker, Published by Ignatius Press, 1998

Old Testament Theology by Paul R. House, Published by IVP Academic, 1998

Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Walter A. Elwell and Philip W. Comfort, Published by Tyndale House Publishers, 2001

A Study Bible (such as the ESV Study Bible by Crossway or the NIV Study Bible by Zondervan)

Assignments

Read Inside the Bible Pages 17-54

Read Old Testament Theology along with the corresponding Old Testament Books:
Pages 58-86, Genesis
Pages 87-125, Exodus
Pages 126-152, Leviticus
Pages 153-168, Numbers
Pages 169-196, Deuteronomy

Recommended Reading: Tyndale Bible Dictionary, “Moses” pages 911-917