Understanding the Old Testament

The contexts of the Old Testament; the events of the first six days of creation; for each day, noting what is created and how God evaluates it; how the events establish an elaborate pattern and what that pattern means to ancient Israelites.

The creation of humanity according to Genesis Chapter 1; the idea that humans are made in the image and likeness of God; the unique seventh day and how the Sabbath is also a creation day; the authorship of the first five books of the Old Testament.

The story of the Garden of Eden; God's purpose in creating humans that are both material and spiritual; the god-like role given to Adam to name other creatures; how woman is created as a counterpart of man; a world that is not what God intends.

The story of Adam and Eve; how ancient Israelites understand the nature of sin; Adam and Eve's transgression in eating the forbidden fruit; how this act disrupts the relationship between humanity and nature; the consequence of the humans' actions.

Abraham, the spiritual father of three key religions; the features of the Covenant made between God and Abraham; Abraham embarks on his journey; the three promises God makes and what God asks of Abraham; God's command that Abraham sacrifice his son.

The Call of Moses to liberate the Israelites in Egypt; how it resonates with the call of other Biblical prophets; the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh; why Jews do not speak or write it; disputed interpretations of the Ten Plagues; the Exodus from Egypt.