INTRO TO HEBREW SCRIPTURES

The Importance of the Old Testament

Why do we call it ‘old’? We call it old because of the wisdom and

tradition it holds. Why do we have to understand the Old

Testament to fully understand the Christian faith?

They are the foundation of Christian faith and of Jesus’ teaching.

What is salvation history? SH is the saving action of God throughout

history. Examples: Noah, Moses, Jesus

Who are the patriarchs? They are the ancestors and faith leaders of

the Israelites. Examples: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

Why was there animosity between Jews and Christians in past centuries? There was animosity because some Christians

viewed Jews as ‘Christ-killers,’ despite the fact that Jesus himself was Jewish. Christians should view the Jewish community as extended family.

God’s Revelation to His People What is divine revelation?

DR is God’s revealing of himself and his plan of goodness throughout history.

What is a covenant? A covenant is a sacred agreement between

God and his people. What is biblical inspiration?

BI is the process by which God the Holy Spirit assisted human authors in writing the Bible.

What are your personal thoughts on biblical inspiration?

What is the canon? The canon is the official collection of

inspired books of sacred Scripture. OT=46, NT=27

Why do Catholics have seven extra books in their Bible? Around 100ce, some Jews took out

seven books of the Hebrew Scriptures because of their Greek overtones. Martin Luther rejected these books.

What beliefs set Jews apart from the surrounding culture? (1900bce and beyond) One God God as creator God made a covenant with the Chosen

People/Israelites/Jews/Hebrews What is natural moral law?

NML is the intrinsic ability of humans to discern between good and evil through the use of reason.

How is Jesus the New Covenant? He fulfilled the Law of Moses by giving a new law

of love, extending God’s covenant beyond the ‘Chosen People’ to people everywhere.

Recording Salvation History

Why does the story of the Old Testament have specific relevance for Christians as part of the history of their faith? It teaches values and lessons of

universal truths of human experience that apply today to all people.

Who are the matriarchs? Founding mothers of Israel

Extra points if you can name them…

(Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel)

What is polytheism? Belief in many Gods And monotheism

is…. Belief in one God!

Conquest of Canaan: Why was Israel at the height of its power under the reign of David’s son, Solomon? (We’ll get more into this history later in the semester.) Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem

after his father captured Jerusalem and brought the Ark of the Covenant there.

What is oral tradition? History that is passed down through

generations by word of mouth