Chapters from the Bible's Story

Lots of folks know a bit about the Bible, perhaps a favorite story, or a saying from this book that they love or hate. But what do we know about how this book, which is really a library, came to be? This course traces the journey from early sagas to copied scrolls, from ancient languages to modern translations, and from collected traditions to a series of books held together between two covers. The course will also open a conversation about ways that humans have described and argued over how to interpret this collection and its claim to record divine-human interactions. As part of hearing the story, we will read together and comment on primary texts from those who were engaged in the story that we seek to understand from a contemporary vantage point.

NANCY HEISEY is professor emerita of Biblical Studies, having taught at Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary for more than 20 years. Her research interests include early Christian history, the history of the Bible, and the history of biblical interpretation. In addition, she has worked for many years in international ecumenical settings, including with Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite World Conference. Heisey received a PhD in religion at Temple University, taught in a high school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and grew up near the Navajo Nation in New Mexico.

Please contact our office regarding availability of this course:

540-568-4253
pce@jmu.edu