Course Synopsis (The Amateur Experts)

All interpretive approaches begin with the debate surrounding the structure, writing, and compilation of the Bible. Perspectives color our perceptions of texts; the Bible is not excluded in this regard. Text on its own has no meaning–people bring meaning to the text. Our interpretations may even diverge as a result of the different nuances from chunks of the Bible that are suspected to be authored by different people. There are many misconceptions about the formation of the Pentateuch and Judaism/Christianity. It is important to consider early interpretations alongside modern ones as a means of understanding more holistically the meaning of the Bible and to trace its evolution.