Reading Biblical Literature: Genesis to Revelation

Course Overview

Get comprehensive, book-by-book analysis of the Bible from the fascinating perspective of literature and narrative, delivered by religion scholar and acclaimed professor, Dr. Craig R. Koester of Luther Seminary.

Rightly recognized as one of the world’s most important spiritual texts, the Bible has shaped thousands of years of faith, art, and human history. For all its significance to both believers and nonbelievers, we rarely engage the Bible in its own context: as a collection of unique narratives that were later united into what we now know as the Old and New Testaments. This course offers a book-by-book analysis of the Bible from a literary and narrative perspective.

Over the course of 36 lectures, Professor Koester will guide you through great ancient stories, opening new meanings and inspiring insights from these powerful texts. He examines not only the multiple perspectives of both the Old and New Testaments but also explores various cultural and historical forces that influenced the biblical narrative. This course appeals to Christians, philosophers, historians, literature lovers, and anyone seeking fresh insight into the complexities of our world.

Video Lecture List

1. The Bible as Dialogue

• 33 min
• Explore the context of the Old and New Testaments, considering the Bible as a dialogue that spans centuries.

1. Creation and Chaos in Genesis

• 31 min
• Critically analyze the creation narratives and their themes of divine order versus chaos.

1. Abraham, Sarah, and the Promise

• 31 min
• Investigate the themes of promises reflected in the relationships among Abraham, Sarah, and God.

1. Jacob, Joseph, and Reconciliation

• 29 min
• Examine familial conflict and reconciliation through the narratives of Jacob and Joseph.

1. Moses and the Drama of the Exodus

• 30 min
• Learn about the literary elements in the Exodus narrative and its significance in religious history.

1. Freedom and Law at Mount Sinai

• 30 min
• Explore the meaning of freedom as ancient laws begin to take shape after slavery.

1. Israel’s Wandering in the Wilderness

• 30 min
• Understand how Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy contribute to the narrative journey of Israel.

1. Violence and Kindness in the Promised Land

• 30 min
• Analyze the complexities of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth and their portrayals of conquest and compassion.

1. Saul, the Tragic King

• 30 min
• Investigate the Shakespearean tragedy of Saul’s rise and fall as Israel’s first king.

1. David and Nation Building

• 31 min
• Discover the complexities of David’s character and his impact on Israel’s history.

(…Continued through all 36 lectures)