Exploring the Bible From a Secular Perspective - Highschool Edition
Learn about the Biblical text in the historic context of the rising empires - Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, Greek and Romans.
Christy Knockleby
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(191)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students are given a reading assignment before class. Students will be encouraged to participate in discussion in the classroom between classes.Assessment
If assessment is needed, I would be happy to assign a short-essay question and provide a grade based 50% on discussion and participation and 50% based on the essay question.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
** Please note that this class will run every second week. *** In this class we'll be exploring the Bible from a secular perspective. We'll assume it was written by humans over a vast period of time and read it together to appreciate the poetry, humour, beauty and fascinating history. The class will involve lecture and discussion. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts. Some weeks will focus on a specific Bible passage. Others will focus on a Biblical theme. Often I will try to pair the Biblical passage with passages from other ancient texts, so in some sessions students will learn bits of ancient Sumerian, Canaanite, or Hittite mythology. Sometimes we'll draw connections with how the Bible stories were interpreted in later times and I will share bits of medieval literature or 19th century poetry. Topics are subject to change. Feel free to send me a message if you have a particular topic you'd like covered! These are tentative topics subject to change according to student interests. October 10th - Ezekiel The ideas and information for this class will be based on modern Biblical scholarship. Students will learn about different theories proposed by modern scholars such as Rainer Albertz, John Dominic Crossan, and Nadav Na'aman.
Learning Goals
Students will:
- gain familiarity with Bible stories, learning to recognize them in art and literature.
- learn to look at stories as an opportunity to learn both about the time the story is set and the time the story was written.
- participate in discussions about ancient politics and political theory.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Bible includes stories of violence, including sexual violence.
Supply List
It is recommended that all students have a Bible. I recommend a copy of the New Revised Standard Version or other study Bible.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2017
4.9
191reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I was raised within the United Church of Canada to view the Bible as a historical and literary document. (Historic document means that it was written long ago and has historical value, not that it contains a literally true history.) I attended a year of theological studies at McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, and then followed that up with years of reading everything I could find about the topic. I'm currently agnostic or even atheist, but fascinated by Biblical history.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 42 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-10 learners per class
