Sacred Narratives Course

Introduction

Purpose and Basic Concepts

· Enjoying the Bible more through literary interpretation

· The variety of genres in the Bible

· Describes story elements, including characters, settings, and dialogue

· The significance of figurative language, symbols, and imagery

Module 1

Old Testament Narratives

· The three narrative layers in the Bible

· Narrative structure relies on plots and subplots

· Understanding point of view (POV) of the narrator

· Storylines and character development explained

· Selected stories from the Torah and historical writings

Module 2

Poetry and Wisdom Literature

· Key differences between ancient and modern poetry

· Forms of figurative language and imagery

· Types of poetry, including imprecatory and lament

Wisdom literature offers guidance

Module 3

New Testament Narratives

· Ways the Gospels were alike and different

· Jesus’ ministry viewed through story and character arcs

· Tensions between Jesus and Roman and Jewish cultures

· How geography influenced the message’s content

· The role of parables in Jesus’ teaching

· Examining writers’ diverse techniques

· Jesus as the climax to the overall story arc of the Bible

Module 4

Acts and the Letters

· Genres in Acts of the Apostles

· Facing difficulties in comprehending the material

· Letters, epistles, and sermons showed diverse purposes

· Structured arrangement of letter components

· Approaches to supporting and illustrating writers’ viewpoints

Module 5

Visionary Literature

· Prophecy and apocalyptic literature (oracles) as a genre

· Role of the prophets in Israel

· Different prophetic styles communicate visions and dreams

· Significance of figurative language and symbolism

· Techniques for interpreting oracle pronouncements

· How Revelation concludes the overall story arc of the Bible