I collected late HW’s today.

LW 2.1 is due on Wednesday for 1^st period and on Thursday for 11^th period.

Quiz on the Lectionary, Liturgical Year and Apocalyptic literature on Wednesday and Thursday.

Today we reviewed the Lectionary and our lectionary work (LW 2.1) and reviewed Apocalyptic Literature.

Lectionary Stuff.

The Liturgical Seasons are Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time I, Lent (Triduum), Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary Time II.

Each season has a color:

1.     Advent = Purple

2.     Christmas = White (Gold accent)

3.     Ordinary Time = Green (Life)  Does not mean mundane or "normal."

4.     Lent = Purple

5.     Easter = White and Gold

6.     Pentecost = Red.

Any celebrations of Martyrs will use red.

Apocalyptic Literature:

1.     Written at the same time as Wisdom Literature (Post Exilic)

2.     Similar themes as Wisdom

a.     However, approach is different

b.     Looks forward to what God will do.

                                                        i.     (Wisdom looks back on what God has done.)

3.     Apocalyptic literature speaks of a time in the future when all will be well.

a.     It assures the reader that God is in Control!

4.     Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature

a.     Tells a story ( narrative form)

b.     Revelation given to earth by an otherworldly being.

c.      Tells of an “ultimate reality:” How things really are.

5.     Two Models of Apocalyptic Literature

a.     Otherworldly journeys

b.     Historic symbolic  (this one is most often in the Bible)

                                                        i.     Characteristics of Historic symbolic writings

1.     Emphasize spiritual and social turmoil / sense of unrest

2.     Sense of urgency – changes are coming soon

3.     History as we know it will come to an end

4.     Present catastrophes will give way to a new paradise.

5.     Bizarre visions and reports by an otherworldly being

6.     Uses strange beasts.

7.     Images are consistent with other writings.

8.     Written under an pseudonym (to protect the author)

6.     Apocalyptic Literature in the Old Testament

a.     Daniel (Only pure source), Some of the prophets: Ezekiel, Joel, Zechariah

b.     Eschatology:  study of the last things (this is end of the world stuff!)

7.     What’s the appeal?

a.     Arose out of situations of oppression (social and political)

b.     Highly symbolic form protected the writers, and readers from the oppressors

c.      Times were bad. People were on the brink of falling into hopeless despair.

d.     Apocalyptic Literature inspired HOPE.

 

Welcome to Padua.  Make it a GREAT year.

What we did today.

·      1. I distributed your textbooks and recorded their numbers. (11^th period must cover their books by Friday.

·      2. I distributed and review the OT Class Instruction Sheet.

o   One person speaks at a time.

o   Take this time to be quite and restful

·      3. Be sure to check this website every day.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

What did we do today?

1. We looked over the website for this class. Review it every night.

2. We assigned seats and student numbers for this class.

3. We had a prayer service that included everyone receiving their Bibles. Your name should be in the Bible. It is yours to keep.

4. We had a free flowing discussion to “warm us up” and to get a feel for where we are in terms of studying the Old Testament.

REMINDERS

A. Bring your Bible to class every day

B. Bring your OT textbook to class every day.

C. Check Website every night.

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Friday, August 28, 2009

You received your first Homework assignment today, HW 1.1.

·      You must read the four goldenrod sheets entitled, “A Sprint Through Salvation History.”  Ok, I was able to get this on the webpage.  It’s a bit awkward, it is in 4 separate downloads. You must fill in the worksheet for this reading. It is due on Tuesday, September 1.

·      This “Sprint Through Salvation History” will be our starting point.  This way everyone will be responsible for the same material. Get to understand this sheet and you are on your way to a successful year.

·       

There will be a quiz on Monday. Know the first 5 books of the bible, in order with correct spelling.

For first period we covered the following

We discovered that the word “Eucharist” is Greek, meaning “Thank You,” or “To Give Thanks.”  Hence, Catholics go to Mass to say thank you.

·      Catholics do not go to Mass “to get something out of it.” We go to Mass to put ourselves INTO it!

·      Catholics read from the Lectionary at Mass. The Lectionary is NOT the Bible. Rather, Bible passages are “cut” from the Bible and pasted into a Lectionary.”  Hence a person who reads at Mass is called a “Lector.”

·      You may find the Readings for any day by logging on to         

o   www.usccb.org.

o    

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Monday August 31, 2009

Today we had a quiz on the first 5 books of the Bible.  (Q 1.1)

We learned a few things about these books.

·      1. The Hebrew word for these 5 books is “Torah” 

o   Torah means “The Law”

·      2. The Greek word for the first five books is Pentateuch.

o   Pentateuch = “penta” = five,  “teuch” = vessel or instrument

·      3. Hence we may refer to Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as the “Torah” (Hebrew), the “Pentateuch” or in English, “The Law.”

·      The above was not discussed in 11^th period. We’ll do it tomorrow.

I distributed the syllabus for this course to you.  The signed portion is due on Wednesday. It is HW 1.2.

From the Syllabus we learned that the “Old Testament” and the “Hebrew Scriptures” refer to the same thing.  However, a person of the Jewish faith would not refer to the Hebrew Scriptures as the “Old Testament.”  Why not?

The Syllabus reminds you that the course is being taught from a Catholic perspective.  There are other ways in which to study the bible.  We will be sensitive to these methods.

For the most part, Catholics know of the bible by going to Mass on Sunday.  Many do not know that the readings at Mass are contained in a book called the Lectionary.  Catholics as well as mainline protestants use the lectionary. 

A mainline protestant would be Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, etc.  Non mainline groups usually do not use the Lectionary, but select readings individually for their services.

Remember, HW 1.1 is due tomorrow. Good Luck.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009.

We began class with a prayer asking for God’s Blessing.

·      Upon discussing “blessing” we discovered that we may not have a complete understanding of what “blessing” is.

·      Some of us said the following

o   A blessing is a gift

o   A blessing makes something/one holy.

o   A blessing is forgiveness/mercy/ special favor

o   A blessing makes something sacred.

·      The above responses prompted questions such as:  what is holy? What is sacred? And so on.

·       

A blessing is a recognition of God’s presence in the world.  When we recognize a blessing we recognize God.

We then began our discussion about Salvation History: God’s actions in the world and people’s responses to that activity.

The Bible is a the primary source for us to begin. That is why it is important to have an overview of what it is we are speaking about.

I did not collect HW 1.1 Be sure to study it tonight.  There MAY be a quiz tomorrow.

We began drawing a timeline of Salvation history by looking at our Bibles on page 1806.

Biblical History begins with Abraham and continues today.

Ok. be sure to be able to whip up a quick timeline at any time. For example.

God Speaks         Exodus              Monarchy               Exile

2000 BC             1290 BC             1000 BC                    587 BC               0

Abraham            Moses              Saul, David, Solomon                       Jesus  

You should be able to take your “Sprint Through Salvation History page and outline it easily.  For example.

·      1. Founders and the Promise

o   God Speaks to Abraham a nomad

o   God makes a covenant with Abraham:  make descendents a blessing and give them a home (Canaan)

o   This promise is fulfilled in Christ.

o   Abraham’s descendants:  Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

·      2. Exodus of the Israelites and the Covenant.

o   Abraham’s descendents move to Egypt because of a famine

o   Eventually they are enslaved and call to God to get them out of Egypt.

o   Moses is selected to free the Israeltes!

o   Moses receives 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai à The People of God.    

o   Wondered 40 years in the desert.

·      3. Taking Over the Promised Land

o   Joshua led battles to take over Canaan

o   Organized selves into 12 tribes (12 sons of Jacob)

o   Judges were their leaders.

o   Became settled and agricultural

·      4. Nation and the Temple.

o   David the most famous king, (But Saul was first)

o   Solomon (David’s son built the Temple)

o   Jerusalem = capital of Judah

·      5. Kings and Prophets

o   Solomon dies/ nation splits in two.  North = Israel   South = Judah.

o   Kings practiced Idolatry (ouch!) 

o   Prophets challenge kings and comfort people who were being oppressed

o   Assyrians conquer the Northern Kingdom (Israel)

o   Babylonians conquer Southern Kingdom (Judah, Jerusalem is capital)

o   Temple is destroyed by Babylonians.

·      6. Babylonian Exile and Jewish Dispersion

o   While in Exile prophets encourage people to be faithful to God

o   Second Isaiah = God was the only God = monotheism

o   Exile = 50 years

o   Persians (under King Cyrus) conquer Babylonians.

o   Persians allow Exiles to return to Judah (now called Jews)

o   Not all Jews went back, but settled elsewhere. They are called the Jews of the Dispersion or the Diaspora.  Jerusalem is their capital.

o   IMPORTANT: during the time of the Exile is when the Hebrew Scriptures began to be collected and recorded as we know them today!

·      7. More Oppressors

o   Greek (Alexander the Great) conquers Persians

§  Overlords of Jews for over 300 years

o   Romans defeated Greeks and captured Jerusalem in 63 BC.

§  Tolerant yet very oppressive.

o   Jews hope and pray for God to save them with a messiah. . . . 

o    

·      8. Jesus the Savior:

·                   Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise

·                   Story of Jesus and growth of early Church is found in the New Testament.          

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009 OT

Hopefully you studied last night as if we were going to have a quiz. If you did, then today’s review for you was really helpful. If not, then you might have felt lost.  Hence, the lesson is this, study EVERY night before you come to class. You will learn more and it will be less stressful!

I put together a Slideshow with possible quiz/test questions about salvation history.

There will be a quiz on Salvation History on Friday.

You may look at the notes for yesterday. These notes outline the entire History. 

I posted the slide show we looked at today. It is on the download section of the website under

"salvation history Q and A."

QUIZ on FRIDAY!

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Thursday, September 3, 2009 OT

Remember, there is quiz on Salvation History tomorrow.

First period did not meet today because of Freshmen encounter.

11^th period finished up Salvation History.

Check notes for the last two day for narrative.

Go over your HW 1.1 or re-read the golden rod sheets.

Download the Slideshow Salvation History Q&A from my website.

Good Luck.

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Friday, September 4, 2009

Today we took our second quiz, Q 1.2, on Salvation History. Grades should be online as of NOW.

I assigned your first project, P1.1.

You are to illustrate “A Sprint Through Salvation History.”

·      Make a movie, a poster, a slideshow, a puppet show, whatever it is you want to do, just do it.

·      If you want to make a movie with a group. Go ahead. You must use lots of props and costumes if you pick this option an you must clear it with me!

·      Instructions are posted on the Website.

I collected parent signatures for the syllabus.

Have a good weekend. Br. Mike

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I returned your Q1.2 today. Most did well. Be sure to keep this quiz as a study guide for future tests and for the final.

We began to take a closer look at our Bible itself.

Here’s what we learned

1. The official Catholic translation of the Bible is the New American Bible (NAB)

·      There are many other translations, but the NAB is approved by the Catholic Church to be used in Catholic celebrations and study.

·      For the most part, the New Kings James Version (NKJV) is the “standard” protestant translation.

2. Why is translation important?

·      When translating any word into another language one runs the risk of not capturing the exact meaning of the word.

·      For example.   In English, we use the word “love” in a variety of contexts:  “I love my wife.” Or “I love my dog.”  Or “I love meatloaf!”

·      In Greek there are three words for “love.”  “eros,” for sexual love, “philos” for friendship love and “agape” for a deep binding forever type of love.

3. The bible for this class is the Catholic Youth Bible, Revised Edition. It was edited with Catholic youth in mind.  You will notice the words, “revised.” This revision refers to editorial comments such as text boxes, the biblical text is NOT revised.

4. So what language was the bible originally?

·      The original language of the Old Testament is Hebrew.

·      The original language of the New Testament is Greek.

·      St. Jerome translated both into Latin in the 4^th cen A.D.  Latin IS NOT one of the ORIGINAL languages of the Bible.  Hence, Latin is a translation from the Hebrew and Greek.

To get to the exact meaning, at times it is necessary to turn to the original language of the text.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

Tomorrow we will meet in the Padua Chapel for class. Bring your bibles.

I assigned HW 1.3. It is due Friday, September 11.

·      Read pp 14-21 in your textbook

·      Answer Reflection and Review Questions on page 17 and 21.

·      You answers must be typed and written in complete sentences.

I gave you a study guide for Chapter One of the Textbook. This will NOT be graded. However, your test questions will come from this sheet. Do NOT simply fill in the blanks. Read the text and try to answer the questions WITHOUT looking! Then you will learn.  This is posted on the website.  

Today we continued our discussion about the CYB (Catholic Youth Bible)

Here’s what we discovered.

1. The NAB is the official Catholic translation of the Bible.

2. The editors of the CYB have included articles and commentaries geared toward Catholic Youth.  However, anyone will find this Bible helpful.

3. The bible is not simply on continuous book or narrative.

·      There are four sections to the Old Testament in our Bible.

o   1. Pentateuch

o   2. Historical Books

o   3. Wisdom and Poetry

o   4. Prophets

4.We learned that the Catholic Old Testament contains 7 more books than does the Hebrew Scriptures or Protestant Bibles.

·      These 7 additional books as a whole are referred to as either, the apocrypha,  or the deuterocanonical books.

·      Apocrypha, means “hidden”  Protestants use this terminology

·      Deuterocanonical means “second canon”  Usually this term is used when speaking of the seven “additional books in terms of the Hebrew Scriptures.

·      The word canon means “official list.”  Hence the bible is a canon because it contains a listing of books, it cannot be changed.

·      So what are these 7 books?

o   They are listed on page 14 of your textbook. I asked to asterisk these books in the table of contents of your CYB.

§  Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees (Historical Books)

§  Wisdom, Sirach  (Wisdom and Poetry Section)

§  Baruch (Prophets)

·      Hence Catholic Bibles contain 46 books, whereas Protestant Bibles and the Hebrew Scripture contain 39 books.

o    

5. The Bible is NOT a single book with may chapters. Rather, the bible is a collection of books arranged in four sections.  Think of a library or a bookstore.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Today we met in the chapel and discussed your Service Hours Project.  You were given a parental signature contract to sign.   This signature is due on Tuesday, September 15.  It will count as a homework assignment.  Label this from  HW 1.4

Remember, HW 1.3 is due tomorrow.  Good Luck

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Today we met in the chapel and discussed your Service Hours Project.  You were given a parental signature contract to sign.   This signature is due on Tuesday, September 15.  It will count as a homework assignment.  Label this form  HW 1.4. It is due Sept 15.

You received a folder with all the information you need to completer your 20 hours of service.

I will post a sign up sheet in my room. I need all kinds of help! (mostly cleaning and organizing papaers.)

Remember, HW 1.3 is due tomorrow.  Good Luck

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Friday, September 11, 2009.

We remember and pray in a special way for the people directly involved in the attacks are affected by them. And we pray for all people of the world to live in peace.  How do we become “instruments of peace?”

Today I collected HW 1.3.

I assigned HW 1.5 and HW 1.6

For HW 1.5:  Read pages 22-29. Answer R&R Questions on page 26 (#’s 1,2) and on page 29, #’s 1,2,3.  HW 1.5 is due on Tuesday, Sept 15.

For HW 1.6:  Find some sort of memorial for 9/11.  It can be a prayer, a picture, a Youtube, a song or anything.  Make a copy of it or give me the website to access it.  Then write a one page double spaced essay on what your think about and how you feel towards what you found.   You may choose something you like or dislike.  Follow the directions on your Student Instruction Sheet.

For our class discussion.  We used a PowerPoint to help us understand the biblical text as presented in your text book. This PowerPoint is on the download section of  the website. It is in PDF format. 

You should know the following by now:

Apocrypha, Deuterocanonical, Bible, # of Books in the OT.

What makes a Catholic Bible “Catholic?”   What are the “additional books?”

What is up with the names for God?  Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim?

I gave you a handout today that has two sides. Side one is the books of the Old Testament listed as though they are on a library shelf.  Be sure to note that this diagram lists the books of the bible “right to left.” This is because the Hebrew People read from “right to left.” Also notice that there is a shelf for the “additional books” of the bible.  In class you discovered which part of the OT these books belong. They are not set aside separate from the other books.

Be sure to be working on your Salvation History projects.

If you are using technology. Be sure your work is submitted on a DVD or a CD.  USB flash drives are cumbersome and easily lost.  Be as creative as possible, but be sure you are tasteful.  Have fun with this….

And….Go…..Bruins!!!!

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Monday, September 14, 2009.

I returned HW 1.3

HW 1.4 is due tomorrow (parent form for Frosh Service . . . Go to Campus Ministry if you were absent on the day everyone receive their folder about this.)

HW 1.5 is due on tomorrow. (Textbook pp 26 and 29.)

I moved HW 1.6 to next week, 9/23

Remember, your Salvation History Projects are due on Monday, 9/21.

TEST ON FRIDAY: Chapter One and Salvation History.

Today we took up where we left off with our discussion concerning Chapter 1.

Ok, so Catholics have “7 additional”  books in their bibles.  As a group they are referred to as either the Deuteroncanonical (second canon) Books, or the Apocrypha.

We asked the question, Why? 

To answer the question we needed to review Salvation History.

When we reviewed Salvation History we took a close look at the foreign powers that affected the history and writing of the Hebrew people. 

Here’s what we found.  The following peoples were very significant in Israel’s ancient history:  Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans.

After the Persians defeated the Babylonians, many Jews returned to Judah, (Hence the name “Jews.”) yet many did NOT.  The Jews who did not return to Judah, but settled throughout the empire were called the Jews of the Dispersion.   Another name for this is the Jewish Diaspora.  Actually, this term “Diaspora” is still used today!  Jews living outside of Israel are “Jews of the Diaspora.”

Ok, now back to history.  The Greeks eventually defeated the Persians and formed one of the greatest empires in history, The Greek Empire.  In an attempt to “unify” this vast empire, the Greeks made the Greek language very accessible to everyone.  Hence, just about everyone could speak and read a basic form of Greek called “koine” or “common” Greek. 

The Greeks dominated the Mediterranean area for about 300 years!  Well, many Jewish pwople, living outside of Judah started to know Greek better than Hebrew! So around 70 Hebrew Scholars decided to translate the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek!  The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures is called the “Septuagint.”  Yes, “septa” is seven/seventy!   A common legend about these translators is that all of their translations were very common!

Ok, here’s a little sidetrack.  There is an easy way to remember the foreign powers that affected Israel’s history:  (11^th period did not get this, sorry!)

·      Eat At Bob’s Parma’s Greatest Restaurant.

·      Do you see that the first letter of this acronym corresponds to the powerful nation affecting Israel’s history?  If this is helpful, use it! If not, well, do whatever with it.

·       

Ok, back to the Septuagint.  When the translators were working on the Hebrew Scriptures, it seems as though this is when the “7 additional” books were “added.”    This is why they are called “deuterocanonical,” in reference to the Hebrew Scriptures.

Ok, now let’s move on to the 16^th cen AD (the 1500’s) to find out why Protestants  do not  consider the “7 additional”  as part of "their canon."

Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, challenged the Church’s traditions and even began the process of translating the Bible into German. (At this time the Latin text by St. Jerome was widely used.)  Well, when Martin Luther worked on this translation, he decided to use the original Hebrew Scriptures for the Old Testament, rather than using the Septuagint.  (St. Jerome used the Septuagint and the Hebrew Scriptures!)  Hence, our Protestant brothers and sisters refer to these 7 additional books as the “apocrypha.”  This word means hidden or “to be revealed.”   Whew…  more tomorrow.  Take this piece by piece, you’ll be fine.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I collected HW 1.4 and HW 1.6

Test in on Friday.  Be sure to be working on the Reading/Study Guide.

Today you learned more Hebrew.

We learned the “Shema.”

In Hebrew, the word shema, means , “Listen Up!, Pay Attention!”  In many translations you will simply see “hear.”  

The word “Shema” is also used to refer to a prayer that faithful Jews will pray often every day.  It is based on Dt 6:4. 

Be sure to re-read Dt 6:4.  “Hear, O Israel!  The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.  Verse 5 continues:  “Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength.”

We also read the Text box on page 203 of your CYB that corresponds with Dt 6:4.

The Shema reminds Jewish people to put God first and to love God always. By doing so, they won’t forget the “hesed” of God.  By not forgetting God’s faithfulness, more often than not, the people will do good things and be better able to survive tragedies!  REALLY!!!!

The Shema is the at the heart of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Testament.     In Dt 6:8-9 we see that the people are told to “wear it on their bodies” and post it on their homes.  I showed pictures of an Orthodox Jew wearing a phiylactery (Tefillin). This is a leather cube with straps that contains the shema. It is worn by some Jews. I also showed a picture of mezuzah.  The mezuzah is a small container that hold the shema. It is usually placed on a doorpost.  Both are meant to be reminders of one’s faith.

As a note of reference we noticed that the CYB uses the following biblical notation: Dt 6,4.  We will not be using that form of notation. Rather we will use the industry standard biblical notation in which a “:” is used in place of the “,” after the chapter number. 

We also reviewed that the Catholic Old Testament is divided into four sections: Pentateuch (Law) / Historical Books / Wisdom and Poetry / Prophets. 

Jewish Bibles classify their bible differently. In Jewish Bibles you will find 3 sections.

1.   The Law  (Torah)

2.   The Prophets  (Neviim)

3.   The Writings  (Ktuviim)

NOTE:  The books of the bible are NOT arranged in chronological order!!!!

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

Today we used the Shema as our prayer! We prayed for the well being of our classmate, Ann Printy who was hurt yesterday!  Our prayers are with you Ann!

Do you know why the Shema is so important to the Jewish people?

·      Be able to explain the above for your test on Friday.

·      Incorporate, remembering and forgetting. What are the Jews remembering? Why?

·       

We then continued our conversation about chapter one. I put a brand new PowerPoint on line for you in PDF format.  Use it to help you with the test.

Be sure to be working on your study guide.  Good Luck.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Thursday, September 17, 2009 OT

Today we finished Chapter ONE!!!!

Test on Salvation History and Chapter one is tomorrow!!!!!

Remember, Project on Salvation Histor is due on Monday, 9/21. And the 9/11 reflection homework is due on Wednesday, 9/23/09.

Be sure to check out the power point presentation in the download section of my website. I saved it in “pdf” so you should be ok.

Be sure you don’t simply “gaze” at your study guides, and notes.  Read, them, ask yourself questions about what you are reading. Good Luck   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   Friday, September 22, 2009
We took Test 1.1 today. Remember your projects are due on Monday. NEATNESS IS A BIG CONCERN of mine. Have fun, be respectful, be creative.   Also, don't forget your 9/11 reflections are due on Wednesday, 9/22/09.
Go Bruins.  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, September 21, 2009 OT

- I collected your Salvation History Projects today.

-       Today we took some time to write sympathy letters to the family and friends of Dan Murphy.  Dan, a St. Ignatius Sophomore died over the weekend in an ATV accident.

-       You received back your first test. Most did well. Be sure to save this and others as a study guide for the final exam.

-       We began to talk about the bible and its context. It is significant to remember that the Hebrew Scriptures began to take shape during the Babylonian Exile. The event of the Exile were instrumental in shaping the writings.

Don’t forget, your 9/11 reflection papers are due on Wednesday.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 OT

Remember: HW 1.6, the 9/11 reflections are due tomorrow.

We began a discussion about “context.”

In order to know where we are going, it is helpful to have a map.  A map will help guide our way.

Most of think of a road map consisting of streets and geographical settings.

I gave the example of Chicago. It is very easy to get around Chicago because the city is designed using a grid system. The address of place will tell you where you are.  Everything is rather orderly and is consistent.  If by chance someone does get “lost” in Chicago, all one needs to do is locate an address and an intersection. With that information, most people will be able to find their way.   Hence the person “lost” needs to identify the context in which they find themselves. That is,  the person needs to take into consideration that which is around them.

Hence, with the stories of the Old Testament. If we put them in their proper context we can understand them better. With a better understanding of the text, we are thus able to understand how it is God loves us.

We used Gen 1 and 2 as an example.  

Genesis One is the familiar story of the Creation of the World. God created everything by simply speaking.  The “ruah” of God, or the breath of God is a word set aside in Hebrew for God’s breath.  God recognizes how good it all is and rests on the seventh day.  

As a narrative, this prose is very organize and rhythmic.  When one reads it, a sense of calm is present. God is in control and all is well.

Ok, we know that this creation story took its final shape during and around the Babylonian Exile. During this time, the Israelite world was in CHAOS. Their Temple was destroyed and the enemy had them in Exile. Worse yet, the enemy was trying to convince them that the Babylonian gods were stronger and more powerful than their God!  So, by praying Gen 1, the reader remembers that it is GOD who is in control, not the Babylonian gods.  Even though the Temple is destroyed, GOD is the almighty and the most powerful and is in full control.

Also, we looked at our diagram of the ancient world. Here we discovered that  the writers of Gen 1 thought the world was like a giant dome.  (Think of a the Dome in Dallas.)   Hence the world they are describing is not as it really is. The point of course is that all of this was created by God.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Wednesday, September 23, 2009  OT

I collected HW 1.6: 9/11 Reflections.

We continued our discussion on “context” and the bible.

Historical context is when we take into consideration the society that produced the written text.

- We ask: “Who wrote this?”  “When was it written?”  “What was going on in the world when it was written?”

An example would be when we discovered that the Genesis I took its final form during Babylon exile.  Yet, Genesis II was written probably during the time of the monarchy, nearly 500 years previous!  During the Exile, the people of Israel were held captive and needed a sense of order in their lives.  During the monarchy, the people of Israel were “top dogs” and in control of their world. Hence the stories both agree that God is in control, but the understanding of that control is understood through their culture and events.

Literary context is when we take into consideration the piece of literature itself, as a piece of written work.

We ask: “Why is this “story” in this place in the book?”  “How does this story fit in with the rest?”   “What is up with particular words and phrases?”

An example:  In Gen I we notice that when referring to God, the creator, the author uses the world “God.”  (In Hebrew the word is “El.”)   In Genesis II we see the words, LORD GOD.  (In Hebrew, the word is what we refer to as “Yahweh.”)   Hence there is a good chance that these two chapters were written by different authors, living at different times, living with different historical circumstances.  And, indeed, this is what discover about them.

So are Genesis I and II “true?”   YES, YES, YES, They most certainly are true.

Both these stories tell us that God loves us! God gave us everything and we are to take care of the gift God has given us.  These stories are not science books as we understand them.  Yet, they are theological truths of God’s love and care (hesed) for us.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Today we continued our discussion on Context.

We did this by introducing a more formal “diagram”

The PowerPoint for this discussion is on my website, on the download page.

A written document, no matter what it is, gives us “a world”  to participate in. Think of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.”  Belle loved to read. He nose was “always” in a book. Why? In that book she was introduced to a whole NEW world.  Through her imagination, she was able to be part of that world.   Although she was physically present in her village (her world) she could imagine herself in the world that the book, the written words, provided to her by the author of the book (text) she was reading.

So the characters, the plot, the type of literature (narrative, poem, song etc) is the LITERARY CONTEXT, or THE WORLD OF THE TEXT.

Ok, now the author of the text, is probably living in a totally different world. A world with various concerns and situations.   The author’s world is much like the Historical Context. Hence, “The WORLD BEHIND THE TEXT.”  Think of Harry Potter. The writer of the novel is JK Rowlings.  She lives in England in the 21^st century.  She was unemployed, living in England.   Her historical context will affect what she writes!  One can only write from experience and imagination. The WORLD IN FRONT OF THE TEXT IS OUR WORLD.

We use the bible as a both a  window to the ancient world and a mirror, reflecting back on our world.

Re-read Psalm 137.

The World of the Text information

·      It is a poem/psalm

·      It has 9 verses.

·      It is the 137^th psalm out of 150.

·      The poet says he is weeping by the rivers of Babylon.

·      The poet says that he will not forget Zion (Jerusalem)

·      The Poet is seeking revenge on his enemies by asking God to smashing the head of the enemy’s children.

·       

World Behind the Text Information

·      The poet was living during the Babylonian Exile

·      The poet seems to have experienced the destruction first hand

·      The poet is very sad

·      The poet is very angry.

·      The poet believes that revenge through God will make things right again.

·       

By understanding the context of Psalm 137 we can better understand it and interpret it. Remember, when reading Scripture, our first question is always, “How is God telling us that God loves us?”

Psalm 137 should not be taken as an excuse for revenge. Rather, reading it in its proper historical and literary context, the reader (World in FRONT of the Text) can understand that the poet is extremely angry after crying about the loss of Jerusalem.  The poet is letting out his feelings towards the situation. He  is also expressing his understanding of how God works in these situations.  However, his emotion MUST NOT be translated into a formula to justify revenge.

The Old Testament is a journey of faith.  At the time of the writing of Ps 137, people believed that the gods were in constant battle.  If “your” god won, then your temple and your land and your people would be great.  The whole thing was based on warfare.  However, it we look at the Bible as a whole we see that God is not a Being that seeks revenge on enemies.  Rather, as Christ tells us, we are to LOVE our enemies.  Hence Ps137 reminds us that we can let out our emotions on God. God can take all our pain, sorrow and anger.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Friday, September 25, 2009 OT
You worked on BW 1.1 in class. complete at home if you did not finish.  You will need your bibles.
I assigned BW 1.2 due on Tuesday.    9/29
I assigned BW 1.3 due on Wednesday, 9/30  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 OT

I returned HW 1.6

I gave you your grades for your projects

I collected BW 1.2.

BW 1.3 is due tomorrow.

Test may be Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

Today we reviewed BW 1.1, the First Story of Creation.

It is important to note that Gen I is not a statement of science. It is a statement of belief, a faith document.  Catholics are to look at the spiritual meaning of the text.  Do not only take the text literally.

A few comments:

·      Water in the ancient world was a symbol of life as well as a symbol for chaos and death.

·      Why?

o   Not enough water, you die / too much water, you die

o   Water is very unpredictable and difficult to control.  God is so powerful that God is able to control water, that is give order to chaos!

Gen I was written during the Babylonian Exile.  A time when a sense of order and control was needed by  God’s people.  Gen I fit the bill!  God is mighty and powerful and controls all.  God does not change, yet our perceptions of who is, certainly do change.  God celebrated and enjoyed the goodness of Creation on the 7th day.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Today I collected BW 1.3

We finished up BW 1.1 and finished half of BW 1.2.

Part of the discussion today was emphasizing that much of this class is NOT about learning all the stories of the OT.  The major part of this class is to learn how to read a biblical text.  We are using Gen I and Gen II to discover how important it is to read the “World of the Text” and balance it with the “World Behind the Text.”  

Be sure to be reviewing your Bible Worksheets and your notes.  Our test will be either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thursday, October 1, 2009 I returned BW1.3. I gave you a study guide/reading guide for pages 60-65 in your text book. You'll need this for the test on Tuesday. We covered JEPD. Review your bible worksheets.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, October 5, 2009  OT

Today we reviewed for the Test.

Yes, the Test is cumulative. So it is always wise to review past Tests!

Here’s what to expect.  50 question test.

20 questions involve picking the one item that does NOT belong with the others.  For example.   Look at the following grouping.

Egypt                        Slavery                        Moses                        Abraham.

Now, which ONE of the four does not belong with the others?  Yes, Abraham does not belong.  Yet, Egypt, Slavery and Moses all go together.

We did a number of these in class.  Good luck.  To study for this part of the exam.  Go over your Salvation History Notes. 

10 questions will assess your understanding of the “Three Worlds of Interpretation.”  I will use Ps 137, Genesis I and Genesis II to formulate questions.  For example:  Which “world” is Ps 137:1-6.  Yes, the “World of the Text.”   The World of the Text is the LITERARY CONTEXT.   Now what about The Exile?  Yes, that would be the “World Behind the Text.”  The Exile is the historical context of Psalm 137.   Now, if a we were to sing this Psalm in church, that would be the “World in Front of the Text.”  Be sure to review the historical (World Behind the Text) information about Genesis I and II.

9 question matching: Know the Following terms:  Ruah, Hesed, Yahweh, El Hadahama, Yahwist, Elohist, Priestly Source, Deuteronomistic Source.

4 Questions concerning the truths of Gn I and II. 

7 True of False Questions about  Divine Inspiration, historical vs literary context, and life in the ancient world.   Remember, water in the ancient world was a symbol of both life and chaos.   How did the ancient people view the world?

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tuesday, October 6, 2009 OT You took Test 1.2 today. Grades are posted.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday, October 7, 2009  OT

Test scores for T1.2 are posted on the grading system.

Today you received a pamphlet, Catholic Update. The article is titled, “Creationism: What’s a Catholic to do?  I gave you class time to read this article.  I gave you a study guide to fill in for homework this evening.   I assigned HW 1.7.  HW 1.7 iinvolves answering the three questions on the last page of the Catholic Update article on “Creationism.”  Your answers are to be typed and in complete sentences.  A one sentence answer will receive no more than a “C” grade.  HW 1.7 is due on Friday, October 9, 2009.

The article, “Creationism: What’s a Catholic to do?” can be found in the “links” page of the website. The study guide for the article can be found in the download page of the website.

We will have a quiz on this article on Friday, October 9, 2009. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, October 8, 2009 OT

Quiz tomorrow on Creationism.  HW 1.7 is due tomorrow.

Today we began our class by reading Wisdom 7: 7-11. This happens to be the First Reading for this coming Sunday’s Mass. 

Here’s what we learned.

1.     Wisdom is the ability to both think and feel about something and then to make good decisions.

2.     Wisdom is more valuable than material objects, yet a wise person seems to do quite well financially!

3.     It’s all about perspective!

We also prayed Ps 90. Here’s what we learned.

1.     Ps 90 is the only psalm attributed to Moses.

2.     Ps 90 will be the basis for the Responsorial Psalm for Sunday, October 11.

3.     Ps 90 is speaks of God and God’s creation.  It compares the greatness of God with the frailty of humans.  Yet recognizes humanity’s goodness.

We tied these two discussion together with the article we read about Creationism from Catholic Update, “Creationism: What’s a Catholic to do?”

Creationism and Intelligent Design are the same thing!

Creationists take the Bible LITERALLY, Catholics look at the spiritual meaning along with the literal text.

Catholic belief sees NO contradiction between science and religion.

Catholics are NOT to read the Bible as a Science Textbook. The truth of the bible does not reside in actual historical truth. Rather the truth of the bible is grounded in religious truth.   Genesis I is a religious statement, not a scientific one!

Other books in the bible speak of creation: Wisdom, Prophets and Psalms.

Don’t limit God to words on a page. We can only speak of God metaphorically. Thank goodness! Otherwise, God would be really dull.

Other creative metaphors for God: King, artisan, warrior, and parents giving birth.

New scientific discoveries should not be feared! Rather they challenge us to DEEPEN our understanding God.

Both John Paul II and Benedict XVI encourage Catholics to see the beauty of evolution as part of God’s work.  We should not be frightened by it.

The whole creation debate is rather new.  It is a “hot topic” at the moment, due to the building of the “Creation Museum” in Kentucky.

Extra credit:  Find two articles about the Creation Museum: 1 for it and 1 against it. Read the articles and write a report  on what you think and feel about it based on these two articles and what we discussed in class.  The report must be at least 300 words. You must cite your sources appropriately. DO NOT simply copy something from the Internet.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Friday, October 9, 2009  OT

Today we took Quiz 1.3.  

I assigned HW 1.8:  Due on Monday, 10/11/09.   Read pages 202-205 in your TEXTBOOK. Answer the review questions on pages 203 and 205. These must be typewritten and clearly written.

We learned the song “Bambelela.”  Bambelela is an African phrase meaning  “never give up.”   It is a good mantra to learn.

In the Catholic tradition, the Rosary is type of mantra.   We pray certain words, over and over.  The rosary is a circle, representing the circle of life, or the mystery of life and God’s love.  By praying the rosary we reconnect with God, so as to restore a sense of order in our lives.  Repetition is calming, and good for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

Hence the song “bambelela” is meant to help us gain a sense of order when we may have failed at something. The song reminds us to move ahead and don’t let the failure prevent us from living life to its fullest.

Another good mantra is to review and study your coursework EVERY evening!   Seriously! It may sound like a lot of work, but it really is not.  Try it!

We started to review your Test 1.2.   If you wish, you may show me that you really do know the material, in spite of your grade.   You have to prove this to me!  Showing me the correct answers means nothing!  Remember, it is the process that is important.   Hard work and effort does pay off.   This work is due on Monday, October 12. It must be typed.  

Here’s is an example of low effort.  Number 1 is “a.”  It is “a” because Exile does not belong with Moses, slavery and Exodus.

Here is commendable effort:   #1.  Moses led the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt. This event is called the Exodus.  This event occurred around 1250 BC.  The Exile, on the other hand occurred around 587 AD. The Exile was when the Babylonians destroyed Judah, Jerusalem and the Temple. After this destruction, the Babylonians exiled the Jews to Babylon and held them in captivity.  The Exile and Exodus are two entirely different biblical events. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, October 12, 2009 OT

I returned Q1.3. 

I collected any work on your T1.2.  Refer to Friday, Oct 9 to see how to receive any credit.

I returned HW 1.8.  Add ½ point to your total.

I assigned HW 1.9.  Read pp. 206-210. Answer questions on page 10.

Be sure to re-read the Creationism article by Catholic Update.

Creationism is NOT Catholicism!  Intelligent Design is NOT Catholicism!

Remember, don’t look at the scientific method as a means to disprove God.  NO!  The scientific method helps us to understand how GREAT God is.

We have fallen into the trap of crediting the unexplainable to God.  Then when science is able to explain that which was thought to be “unexplainable,” people think that God is disproven!  NO!   Credit God with all things and you will avoid this trap of thinking!

We began a very short discussion on Wisdom. We did not get very far. We’ll review it tomorrow.  Wisdom literature is somewhat “scientific!”   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday, October 13, 2009  OT

Today we continued our discussion on Wisdom Literature via a PowerPoint Slide Show  using your homework assignments and the text book to guide us.  (Available in PDF on the Website)

I collected HW 1.9 and Assigned BW 1.4: Lesson 44 Ecclesiastes (Due on Thursday 10/15) and BW 1.5:  Book of Sirach (Due on Friday 10/16)

Note that Books of Sirach and Wisdom are part of the “Apocrypha”

What makes Jewish Wisdom Literature unique from other Middle Eastern Cultures is that Jewish Wisdom understands wisdom as being in RELATIONSHIP with God.  You will see “fear the Lord,” of have “fear of the Lord” often in Wisdom Literature. This does not mean to be afraid of God. Rather in the Biblical sense, “fear of the Lord” means to have AWESOME RESPECT for God and God’s creation.

FEAR = False  Evidence   Appearing    Real

Having wisdom means approaching the world with attitude of Truth, Moderation, Prudence and Kindness!    Try it!

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, October 15, 2009  OT

Today we reviewed BW 1.4 (Ecclesiastes) in class together. 

I returned HW 1.9

Tomorrow, BW 1.5 (Sirach) is due.  We will continue our discussion on Wisdom Literature tomorrow.

Reminder! If you are absent, you are EXPECTED to check the website BEFORE returning back to class.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, October 16, 2009  OT

Today was a shortened class. We covered most of the Sirach bible Worksheet.

Be sure to be studying the Ecclesiastes and Sirach Worksheets over the weekend. We’ll have a text on Wednesday or Thursday.

Be sure to be reviewing your notes, bible workshseets, Homework assignments and reading guides.

Test will be on Wednesday, maybe Thursday.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, October 19, 2009 OT

We continued our discussion on Wisdom Literature.

The presentation is online.

Review your study guide and your Bible worksheets.

Test on Wednesday.

Study.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Tuesday, October 20, 2009  OT

We discussed a brief outline of the books in the Wisdom section of the Catholic Old testament.  See the PPt presentation online.

We saw a video clip of Solomon and the baby.  In this story, based on 1 Kings 3:16-28, Solomon is faced with a tough decision. Two women claim a baby is theirs. The facts are clear, yet with no paternity testing, there is no “scientific” way of determining who is the baby’s biological mother.  Solomon, relying on his wisdom, gives the impression that he will slice the baby in two. This way, both women would have their “fair” share.  Solomon knew the real mother would put herself in danger to save her child. This she did.  You may review the video clip at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpDjR2Jtao0

Test will be on Thursday. You should be studying NOW.

Any BW that  has not been turned in will be due on the Test day.

If you are absent on Thursday. Plan on taking the test on Friday.

If you are absent, you should be checking the website daily so as to not fall behind.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday, October 21, 2009  OT

Today we read the stories of Solomon asking God for wisdom and then being a wise person by solving the dispute between the two women and the baby.

We then took a closer look at Wisdom 6.

Here we found that wisdom is usually referred to as “she” or “her.”  In Greek, the word for wisdom is “Sophia.”

We used the analogy of the Wisdom of Oz to understand the "elusive" aspect of wisdom.  Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, is like a wisdom figure.  She comes when Dorothy needs her, helps her along, then disappears. She does not give Dorothy all the answers, but enough so that Dorothy is able to discover wisdom on her own.

In first period,  we also learned the meaning of the word “holocaust.”    In its biblical sense, it means a complete and total burning.  Hence when Solomon offers a holocaust he is sure that the animal that he is sacrificing is completely burned. The thought was that the smoke would carry the animal to the gods.  The common thought of the time was IN that humans were to keep the gods happy.   A good way to keep the gods happy was to offer them the best of the best of what we have here on earth.

About the test.

Know the definition of each of the books of Wisdom.

Know the definition of wisdom and apocalyptic literature.

What are the common themes of wisdom and apocalyptic literature?

Apocalyptic writing in the OT.

Wisdom in the OT.

What is wisdom?

What makes wisdom literature unique among other cultures?

What makes wisdom literature unique among the OT writings?

What is “fear of the Lord” in the OT?

Hebrew word for wisdom?

Who in today’s world would find wisdom literature “attractive?”

Why use someone else’s name for your writings?

How many Psalms are in the book of Psalms?

Why is the Book of Job unique?

What is the message of Job?

What 3 types of wisdom does Proverbs teach?

What does Ecclesiastes teach us?

How does Sirach refer to the earth?

According to Sirach, if we live well now, what don’t we have to fear?

World Behind the Text, World of the Text and World in Front of the Text.

What did the Hebrew wisdom authors have to resist?

From what class of society did wisdom arise?

What is Hellenism?

What doe Ecclesiasticus mean?

Creationism:

Name of the first Intelligent Design textbook?           

How do Creationists view the world?

Catholic church does NOT support Creationism/Intelligent Design

Catholic’s believe that biblical statements reflect the culture of their time.

There are many images of God as creator in the Bible.

We cannot express our deepest personal experiences simply by facts, numbers and data.

  _++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, October 23, 2009  OT

Today we did a short introduction to the Song of Songs.

Before hand I gave you each a copy of your “Progress Report” for this class.

You should be checking your grades on line at least once a week. Why not?

Your grades are ultimately YOUR responsibilities.

If you are turning work in on Monday, you must be sure that the work is clearly marked and tell me why the work was not handed in on time. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Back the Song of Songs: The following is a good review.

We learned the following in a General Overview

·      1. Sex Sells:  Modern advertisers take this “common knowledge” to entice us to buy their products.

·      2. Our sexual drives are powerful

·      3. Our sexuality, who we are as sexual beings, is a GIFT from God.

·      4.  This powerful aspect of our lives has the potential to be both incredibly beautiful and  incredibly damaging.

·       

We discovered the following about the “Song of Songs.”

·      1.  It is a love poem

·      2. We don’t know who wrote it, but Solomon is traditionally attached to this book.

·      3. It was probably written AFTER the Exile.

·      4.  The meaning of the Book takes on many levels

o   Could it be a symbol of the love between God and Israel?

o   Could it be a symbol of the love of Christ for the Church?

·      5. Song of Songs affirms the goodness of human sexuality

·      6. Human sexual attraction is a reflection of the passion and beauty of God’s love for us.

·       

- We read part of the Song of Songs.

·      There are “three speakers” in the book.

o   1. Bride

o   2. Groom

o   3. Daughters of Jerusalem (a chorus of supportive voices)

·      Both the bride and groom express their love for each other using terms and images they are familiar with.  Some of these images may seem strange to us. Remember, we must always consider the ‘World Behind the Text” when reading Scripture.   I don’t think a man would tell a women that “her eyes are like doves,” or “your hair is like a flock of goats,” today!