Understanding the Old Testament -- Fact, Fantasy and Myth

Description:  The Old Testament is the foundation of western culture and the Christian faith.  Yet its teachings are often contradictory -- both within itself and with the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.  While many still believe that the Old Testament was written by the hand of God (through the persons of Moses and the other "writing prophets"), significant and substantial evidence points to the Old Testament being the work of many writers and editors from the tenth century before the common era (950 BCE) through the inter-testamental period (200 BCE to 100 CE).

Does this invalidate the teachings of the Old Testament?  Definitely not.  It was the scriptural authority of Jesus to which he often referred or alluded.  And it is still a valuable tool for our understanding of our relationship with each other and with God.  Yet to interpret the Old Testament literally is to ignore the Semite tradition of those times that accurate history was less important than the message the story was designed to convey and that allegory and metaphor were common literary tools.

Understanding the Old Testament considers the culture and the politics from which the authors wrote these accounts.  It provides an overview of the historical, cultural and political evolution of the Semite people and the Jewish and pre-Christian traditions.  Metaphysical interpretation of these accounts will be used to help each participant apply these stories to his/her life today.

Fulfills voting membership class prerequisites.

Scheduled to Begin:  Schedule Pending

Duration:  6 weeks, one two-hour session each week.

Tuition:  $35

Materials Required:  The Bible is required.  Any translation with which you are comfortable is appropriate.  The New Revised Standard Version is used by the instructor. Mysteries of Genesis by Charles Fillmore (cost $14.95) is also recommended.  Let There Be Light by Elizabeth Sand Turner (cost $14.95) will be a valuable additional resource.  The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary (cost $29.95 plus tax) and The Revealing Word (cost $13.95 plus tax), both by Charles Fillmore, will be provided for your use during the class.  If you are a serious student of New Thought, both of these make excellent additions to your library.  Each of these may be purchased at the time of registration.