Introduction to the Bible : methodology [ LTHEO1110A ]

This introductory course consists of four parts:
- presentation of the working instruments for biblical exegesis (synopsis, concordances and dictionaries),
- presentation of the textual witnesses of the Bible and the methodology of textual criticism,
- a concise status quaestionis of contemporary critical exegesis
- initiation to narrative analysis of the Bible

At the end of this module, the student will reach:
- the ability to use the basic working instruments with regard to biblical exegesis (synopsis, concordances and dictionaries),
- acquaintance with the discipline and methodology of textual criticism
- knowledge of the recent history of biblical research
- the ability to explain a biblical text by means of the methodology of 'narrative analysis'.

Written exam (together with the part 'Initiation into textual criticism').
 

1. Initiation to textual criticism (H. Ausloos)
Often, one is confronted with the remark: 'The bible says...' However, 'the' bible does factually not exist. There are many manuscripts of biblical texts. Although these textual witnesses are generally quite identical, there are plenty of variants between the hundreds of biblical manuscripts. This introduction into textual criticism aims at initiating into the different textual witnesses and at indicating the importance and the methodology of textual criticism.
Evaluation: written exam with written preparation (together with the part 'Initiation into historical-critical exegesis').
2. Initiation to narrative analysis (A. Wénin)
This initiation will be offered by the presentation of the main narrative techniques, illustrated by an analysis of several Biblical pericopes and by practical exercises on biblical narratives. Other methods will equally be presented concisely by way of an analysis of these texts.
Evaluation : a brief personal written paper (4-5 pages) on a particular biblical narrative, that will be prepared in group during the classes (with comments by the professor).
3. Presentation of the basic tools of biblical exegesis (A. Wénin)
In order to help student to read and study the Bible, several tools have been published : introductions to the Bible, encyclopedic and theological dictionaries, concordances, etc. A first initiation to these tools will be offered (presentation, exercises).
Evaluation : the paper on narrative analysis (see above) will be complemented by an exercise in using dictionaries and a concordance.
4. Initiation into historical-critical exegesis (H. Ausloos)
During many centuries, biblical books have been accepted as being written by important persons (Moses, David, Luke, John, ...), who have been considered as eye witnesses of the events they have reported. From the 17th century on, however, everything has been changed due to the development of historical-critical exegesis. This part of the course will initiate into this approach of biblical texts, which considers them as the result of a long and complicate process of writing and editing.

R. ALTER, L'art du récit biblique (Le livre et le rouleau, 4), Bruxelles : Lessius, 1999.
M. BAUKS & C. NIHAN (éds), Manuel d'exégèse de l'Ancien Testament (Le monde de la bible, 61), Genève : Labor et fides, 2008 ;
R. DUPONT-ROC & P. MERCIER, Les Manuscrits de la Bible et la critique textuelle (Cahier Évangile, 102), Paris : Cerf, 1997 ;
D. MARGUERAT (éd.), Introduction au Nouveau Testament (Le monde de la bible, 41), Genève : Labor et fides,(4e éd.) 2008 ;
D. MARGUERAT & Y. BOURQUIN, Pour lire les récits bibliques, Paris-Genève : Cerf-Labor et Fides, 2009 (4e éd.) ;
A. SCHENKER & P. HUGO (éds), L'enfance de la Bible hébraïque. Histoire du texte de l'Ancien Testament (Le monde de la bible, 52), Genève : Labor et fides, 2005.
Collectif, 1000 livres sur la Bible (Cahiers évangile, 124), Paris : Cerf, 2003.
J.-L. SKA, 'Nos pères nous ont raconté'. Introduction à l'analyse des récits de l'Ancien Testament (Cahiers évangile 155), Paris : Cerf, 2011.