Wisdom and Worship

The books of Proverbs and Psalms are two of the most well-known and loved texts within the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. In addition to Proverbs, the books of Job and Ecclesiastes comprise what is known as Wisdom Literature, a genre of writings from the ancient Near East comprised of sayings and teachings by sages and the wise about the breadth of the human experience. Psalms is an anthology of Hebrew hymns to be used either in collective liturgical settings or for personal expression. Throughout this course, we will engage with tools of exegesis to reflect on how to read the Wisdom and Psalms text, as well as the Song of Songs, which is neither part of Psalms or Wisdom Literature, yet is Hebrew poetry and considers wisdom in relationships.

Awards offering Wisdom and Worship

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Associate Degree in Ministry
• Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Theology

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit explores Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs to consider how the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible engages with wisdom and worship texts. It will explore the literary and cultural context of Wisdom Literature and Hebrew poetry, draw out key themes these books address, and consider practical applications today.

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the content and message of the OT poetic books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon);
2. Assess the literary and social context of “wisdom” and “worship” within Israel as well as the ancient Near Eastern wisdom and poetic traditions;
3. Exegete critically one passage of Wisdom Literature or Psalms, which will engage with a wide variety of primary and secondary sources;
4. Explain the background, content, composition and theological motifs of OT Wisdom Books and Psalms;
5. Evaluate the place of Wisdom Literature and Psalms within the context of the contemporary church

Subject Content

1. Hebrew Poetry
2. Worship in Context
3. Wisdom in Context
4. Work and Stewardship
5. Personal and Corporate Responsibility
6. Wisdom for Relationships Part 1 (Attraction, Dating and Marriage)
7. Wisdom for Relationships Part 2 (Conflict and Lasting Love)
8. Lament Part 1 (Facing Grief)
9. Lament Part 2 (Finding Hope)
10. Praise, Petition and Thanksgiving
11. Sin, Temptation, Righteousness and Justice
12. Covenant and Creation
13. Wisdom and Worship in Scripture and Tradition

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to Face (onsite)
• Distance/E-learning (online)
• Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx. 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Reading Responses (20%)

2. Major Exegesis (50%)

3. Contemporary Presentation (30%)

Prescribed Text

• Primary readings provided