Introduction to Old Testament | Short Course

What will I be studying?

• An initial overview of the Old Testament.

• Exploration of selected genres and/or theological themes found in the Old Testament through representative texts which will include texts from the Pentateuch and a non-Pentateuch texts.

• Study of these texts against their broader historical, literary, theological and cultural backgrounds.

• Introduction of various tools, methods and approaches used in modern biblical scholarship to interpret these texts with evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles.

• Exploration of what might constitute appropriate interpretations and applications of these texts in the life, mission and ministry of the contemporary church in regard to various issues.

What are the details of the course?

This course will be taught over 8 Mondays:

5th, 12th*, 19th, 26th January

2nd, 9th, 23rd* February

2nd March

*Please note 12th January and 23rd February will be taught on Zoom.

You are welcome to join for breakfast from 8:30 and morning prayers with the college community at 9am. Teaching will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm (with a coffee break) and you are welcome to stay for lunch with students and staff.

You will be learning alongside students who are working towards Durham University qualifications, but as a Short Course participant you will not need to submit any wirtten work.

Taught by Dan Christian.

Dan read undergraduate theology at St John’s college, Durham University. Whilst training for ordination, he completed a Masters and Doctorate at University of Oxford in Old Testament Studies. He was supervised by Prof. John Day and wrote on a sacrificial understanding of Herem and Satire in the Old Testament. He served his curacy at St Mary and St Cuthbert’s, Chester le Street before moving to Sheffield in 2016 to be Associate Vicar at All Saints, Ecclesall. Currently he is Director of Vocations/DDO for the Diocese of Sheffield. Alongside ministry he has taught Old Testament theology and Biblical Hebrew at both Lindisfarne Training Partnership and St Hild College. He has a particular interest in bridging academic theology with the ongoing practice of church ministry.

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