Freshman Academic Seminar
FAS 1310: The Christian Scriptures
with a writing component
exploring
Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist perspectives of biblical themes
TR 11:00-12:15
“[Jesus] belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and
people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine
they may work, profess a faith, or worship . . .”
Mahatma Gandhi
Marc Chagall “White Crucifixion”
I.
Blake W. Burleson, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer in Religion
Office: Burleson 100
Office Hours: 2:00-5:00 PM (M-F)
Office Phone: 710-3940
Home Phone: 756-5950
E-mail: Blake_Burleson@baylor.edu
Jesus in Yogi pose
Stephanie Peek
Graduate Assistant
Stephanie_Peek@baylor.edu
II.
Course Description: This is an introductory course on the Bible, the sacred scripture of
Christians, taught in a liberal arts context. As a Freshman Academic Seminar the class is limited
to 19 freshmen and has a writing component in the area of the professor’s specialization (World
Religions). FAS 1310 substitutes for REL 1310.
III.
Course Goals: to read the biblical text with an awareness of three complimentary paths
which a modern reader uses in serious study of the Bible: historical, literary, and contemporary.
1. historical goals: to introduce the student (a) to the original setting of the ancient Near
East during the biblical period and (b) to the origin, development, and canonization of
biblical literature.
2. literary goals: to introduce the student to the basic types of literature, themes,
contents, and structures found in the Bible.
3. contemporary goals: to introduce the student to contemporary methods of biblical
study which focus on the role of the reader in interpreting the text. An emphasis will
be placed on interreligious dialogue through the study of Jewish, Christian,
Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist interpretations of the Christian scriptures.
IV.
Course Objectives:
1. demonstrate comprehension of the history of the biblical text and of the cultural
context of the Bible (TESTS).
2. identify key concepts, people, places, and events in the biblical writings (QUIZZES &
TESTS).
3. identify major literary types, biblical themes, and theological characteristics of the
Bible. (TESTS).
4. recognize the books and authors of the Old and New Testaments. (TESTS)
5. gain familiarity with the major historical, literary, and contemporary methods of
biblical study. (TESTS)
5. provide a written and oral book review on a Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or
Buddhist perspective of a biblical theme. (BOOK REPORT)
V.
I expect you to
1. study about 4 to 6 hours outside of this class during a typical week,
2. read the assignments from the Bible and from the text before class,
3. take good notes during class,
4. participate in class discussion,
5. attend every class meeting unless ill
6. turn in your completed work on-time, and
7. make a 30-minute appointment with me during the first 6 weeks of the semester.
VI.
Required Textbooks:
The Bible. While any translation is acceptable, I recommend that you use the Oxford
Annotated New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
Hauer, Christian E. and William A. Young. An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into
Three Worlds. Eighth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.
VII.
Grading Scale:
A
92.0-100
A90.0-91.9
B+
88-89.9
B
82-87.9
B80.0-81.9
C+
78-79.9
C
72-77.9
C70.0-71.9
D
60.0-69.9
F
0.0-59.9
VIII.
Course Requirements
1. Tests (30%): There will be 8 on-line tests in Blackboard over class lectures and
Hauer and Young’s An Introduction to the Bible. These timed tests will be multiplechoice and T/F. Students who miss the deadline for completing the tests (for any
reason) or who wish to retake tests, may take make-up tests at the final exam time at
semester end.
2. Bible Quizzes (30%). There will be approximately 15 unannounced quizzes during
the semester. The quizzes will be based on your assigned reading from the Bible. A
study guide for quizzes is available on Blackboard to assist the student in preparation.
The 3 lowest grades on the quizzes will be dropped. No make-ups are given for
students who are absent or tardy, no matter what the reason. Students who leave class
after taking a quiz (for whatever reason) will receive a zero on the quiz.
3. Book Report, Presentation, & Book Report Critique (40%). (See guidelines)
4. Extra Credit: The student may receive extra credit for attending special events during
the semester. TBA
IX.
Policy Requirements:
Class Attendance: The College of Arts and Sciences has a formal policy governing
maximum absences. You may not miss more than 25% of the scheduled classes (no
matter what the reason) and pass the course. There are no excused or unexcused
absences. If you miss more than 25%, the grade is an automatic “F.” The maximum
allowable number of absences for a TR class is 7. Roll is taken at the beginning of class;
students who are tardy should report to the instructor at the end of the hour to remove the
absence. Students who leave during the class, for whatever reason, will be counted as
absent for the entire period.
Dropping: The University has posted dates for dropping courses during the semester (see
dates on the University calendar on-line).
X.
Getting Help: It is my experience that many students struggle academically in at
least one or two courses during any given semester. If this occurs, consider the
resources of the campus that are available to you. Set up an appointment with your
professor or your graduate assistant. Contact the Success Center at 710-8212 or
the Counseling Center at 710-2467. I have posted an Open Letter in Blackboard
which gives some rules of thumb for success at Baylor.
XI.
A Word about the Course:
This is a religion course taught at a Baptist University by an ordained Baptist minister
and member of an ecumenical monastic order. Your teacher has served as missionary,
pastor, chaplain, and adviser at Baptist institutions. As such, he views the study of
religion not only from the perspective of REASON demanded by the academy but also
from the perspective of the SPIRIT expected from the community of faith. While the
class presentations are similar to those of other introductory classes in the Humanities,
your teacher is committed to offer support and encouragement for those who journey
along their spiritual pathways. During the semester, the student may incur doubts,
questions, complexes, disturbances, inspirations, callings, etc. that are of a personal
nature. The teacher is interested in assisting students in their academic and spiritual
pilgrimage. He offers himself as a resource person. Students may set up appointments
for personal sessions by calling 710-3940 or emailing.
These facts, however, can lead to a misunderstanding as to the nature of the course.
Please note that this is not an indoctrination session, and the approach is not intended to
be sectarian or denominational. We will not study “Baptist” doctrine; we will study the
Bible, the Holy Scripture for all Christians and respected by people from other religious
traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. (And, of course, we recognize that
the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible is also the Holy Scripture for Judaism.) The teacher
readily acknowledges and appreciates the fact that there are many valid religious and
secular approaches to the Bible. This class is also not a devotional time or a chapel
service. It is an academic course in the College of Arts and Sciences; you should
approach it as you would any other course as regards to your preparation and study.
I have posted an article in Blackboard which I wrote titled “From a Burleson Window:
Required: Six Hours of Religion” which explains the purpose of requiring religion at
Baylor University.
X.
A Word about Baylor University
Mission Statement (adopted October 28, 1994): The mission of Baylor University is to
educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic
excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
TENTATIVE TR SCHEDULE
PART ONE
INTRODUCTION
8/22
Dinner at the Burlesons
8/26
Introduction to the Course
8/28
The Three Worlds of the Bible: An Orientation
(Hauer/Young, 1-25)
9/02
An Orientation to the Methods of Biblical Study
On-line Test Demonstration—Stephanie Peek
(Hauer/Young, 26-48)
9/03
Test 1 due, 1-48.
PART TWO THE TORAH
9/04
Cosmic Origins
Genesis 1-4; 5:21-27; 6:1-9:19; 10: 8-10; 11:1-9
(Hauer/Young, 49-60)
9/09
Origins of the People of God: Abraham
Genesis 11:31-12:19; 15:1-21; 21:1-21; Genesis 22:1-19
(Hauer/Young, 60-71)
9/11
Origins of the People of God: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
Genesis 24:1-25:34; 27:1-33:20; 37:1-36; 39:1-43:34
9/16
Covenant: Moses and Exodus
Exodus 1:8-4:20; 5:1-6:9; 7:14-24; 11:1-12:36; 13:1-10; 13:19-14:31;
15:1-27
(Hauer/Young, 72-87)
Student Presentation: Ellen Frankel’s: The Five Books of Miriam
9/18
Covenant and Law
Exodus 16:1-17:16; 19:1-20:22; 31:18-34:29
Deut. 31:14-18; 34:1-12
(Hauer/Young, 87-96)
Student Presentation: Abraham Heschel: The Sabbath
9/19
Test 2 Due, 49-96.
PART THREE PROPHETS
9/23
The Occupation of Canaan
Joshua 2:1-24; 3:14-4:24; 5:13-6:27;7:1-8:35
Judges 2:6-23; 4:1-5:8; 5:19-7:25; 11:1-12:1; 13:1-5; 13:24-16:31
(Hauer/Young, 97-103)
Student Presentation: Susan Ackerman: Women in Judges
9/25
From Tribes to State
I Samuel 9:1-11:15; 15:1-25; 16:1-18:16; 28:3-25; 31:1-13
(Hauer/Young, 104-107)
9/30
From State to Exile
II Samuel 1:1-2:4a; 5:1-10; 6:1-23; 11:1-12:25; 13; 14:25-26;
15:1-37; 16:15-17:23; 18:1-19; 23:1-7;
I Kings 1:5-8, 11-14; 2:6-31, 47-53: 3:3-9, 16-28; 4:20-25; 6:1, 17-22.
(Hauer/Young, 107-123)
Student Presentation: Marc Ellis: Judaism does not equal Israel
10/02
Prophets
II Kings 19-25
Isaiah 40; 45; 53; Jeremiah 1-5; Ezekiel 1-3
(Hauer/Young, 124-146)
Student Presentation: Karen Armstrong: The Great Transformation
10/06
Test 3 Due, 97-146.
PART FOUR THE WRITINGS
10/07
part I: Israel’s Sacred Songs
Psalms 22-23; 25; 30; 39; 88; 90
(Hauer/Young, 147-161)
Student Presentation: Martin Marty: A Cry of Absence
10/09
part II: The Way of Wisdom
Job 1:1-3:4; 11:1-6; 12:1-4; 13:1-28; 38:1-42:17.
(Hauer/Young, 162-178)
10/14
part II: The Way of Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22; 4:4-17; 5:9-19; 7:1-16; 8:9-13; 10:1-3; 11:78; 12:9-14.
Student Presentation: Rami Shapiro: The Way of Solomon
10/16
part III: The Rest of the Writings
Jonah 1-4
(Hauer/Young, 142 [Jonah], 179-193)
Student Presentation: Lacocque & Lacoque: The Jonah Complex
10/20
Test 4 Due, 147-193.
PART FIVE AFTER THE TANAK
10/21
Jewish Life and Literature (200 BC-AD 100)
Daniel 3; 7-12; Bel and the Dragon (Chapter 14 of the Greek
Version of Daniel)
(Hauer/Young, 194-214)
Student Presentation: Rami Shapiro: The Angelic Way
10/22
Test 5 Due, 194-214.
PART SIX THE GOSPELS
10/23
The Gospels
(Hauer/Young, 215-238)
Student Presentation: Amy Levine: The Misunderstood Jew
10/28
The Gospels
(Hauer/Young, 239-265)
Student Presentation: Mohandas Gandhi: The Message of Jesus
Christ
10/30
The Gospels
Student Presentation: Thich Nhat Hahn: Living Buddha, Living
Christ
11/04
The Birth Stories
Matt 1-2; Luke 1-2
Student Presentation: Ann Ulanov: The Female Ancestors of
Christ
11/06
The Baptism & Temptation
Matt 3: 13-17; 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3:21-22; 4:1-13
Student Presentation: Elaine Pagels The Origin of Satan
11/11
Sermon on the Mount
Matt. 5-7; Luke 6:17-49
Student Presentation: The Dalai Lama: The Good Heart: A
Buddhist Perspective on the Teaching of Jesus
11/13
Crucifixion
Matthew 21-27; Mark 11-14; Luke 19:28-23:56; John 12-19
Student Presentation: John Dominic Crossan: Who killed Jesus?
11/18
Resurrection
Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21
Student Presentation: Pinchas Lapide: The Resurrection of Jesus
11/20
The Gospel of Thomas
Thomas, Logion 1-114
Student Presentation: Elaine Pagels: Beyond Belief
11/24
Test 6 Due, 215-265.
PART SEVEN THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
11/25
The Birth of Christianity
Acts 1:1-2:15; 2:29-42; 6:1-7:2a;
7:51-8:24; 9:1-18; 10:1-11:3; 15:1-29; 28:11-31.
(Hauer/Young, 266-283)
Student Presentation: Jeffery Butz: The Brother of Jesus
11/27
THANKSGIVING
12/01
Test 7 Due, 266-283.
PART EIGHT LETTERS
12/02
Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles: The Letters of Paul
Galatians 3:24-29; 5:1-6:10; Romans 1:1-7; 2:12-16, 27-29; 3:1931; 5:1-11; 6:15-23; 13:1-4, 8-10; I Corinthians 13
(Hauer/Young, 284-304)
12/04
The Pastoral and General Epistles and the Revelation to John
I Timothy 1:1-2; 3:1-7; 6:1-10; Hebrews 1:1; 11:1-40;
James 1:1, 12-25; 2:14-26; 5:7-11; Revelation 1:1-20; 4:1-6:8; 7:14, 9-17; 12:1-17; 20:1-22:21
(Hauer/Young, 305-344)
12/08
Test 8 Due, 284-344.
12/9-12/10
STUDY DAYS
12/10
Book Review Revisions Due
12/12
2:00-4:00 PM
Re-take of Tests 1-8 (optional)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ackerman, Susan. (1998) Women in Judges and Biblical Israel: Warrior, Dancer, Seductress,
Queen. New York: Doubleday.
Armstrong, Karen. (2006) The Great Transformation: The Beginning of our Religious
Traditions. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Butz, Jeffrey J. ( 2005) The Brother of Jesus and the Lost Teachings of Christianity. Rochester,
Vermont: Inner Traditions.
Crossan, John Dominic. (1996) Who Killed Jesus? Exposing the Roots of Anti-Semitism in the
Gospel Story of the Death of Jesus. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
Dalai Lama, His Holiness the 14th (1996) The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the
Teaching of Jesus, edited by Robert Kiely, Boston, Wisdom Publications.
Ellis, Marc. (2009) Judaism Does Not Equal Israel. New York: The New Press.
Frankel, Ellen. (1996) The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman’s Commentary on the Torah. New
York: G. P. Putman’s Sons.
Gandhi, Mohandas K. (1940) The Message of Jesus Christ, Bombay, Bharitiya Vidya Bhavan.
Hahn, Thich Nhat. (1995) Living Buddha, Living Christ, New York Riverhead Books.
Heschel, Abraham Joshua. (1951) The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man. New York:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Lacocque, Andre and Pierre-Emmanuel Lacocque. (1981) The Jonah Complex. Foreword by
Mircea Eliade. Atlanta: John Knox Press.
Lapide, Pinchas (1983) The Resurrection of Jesus, translated by Wilhelm C. Linss, Minneapolis,
Ausburg Publishing House. First published 1979.
Levine, Amy. (2006) The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus.
San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
Marty, Martin. (1983) A Cry of Absence: Reflections for the Winter of the Heart. San
Francisco: Harper and Row, Publishers.
Pagels, Elaine. (1995) The Origin of Satan. New York: Random House.
Pagels, Elaine. (2003) Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, Vintage Books,
Shapiro, Rami. (2009) The Angelic Way: Angels through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us.
New York: BlueBridge.
Shapiro, Rami. (2000) The Way of Solomon: Finding Joy and Contentment in the Wisdom of
Ecclesiastes. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
Ulanov, Ann. (2006) The Female Ancestors of Christ. Schweiz: Daimon Verlag.