Overview
Historical and ideological context of early Judaism, critical analysis of Ezra-Nehemiah and other second temple texts, the transition from prophetic to textual authority, temple, prayer, identity, colonialism, return migration.
The study of ancient texts dealing with modern issues: identity, colonialism, return migration, and religious authority. Focusing on Ezra-Nehemiah, this paper examines the issues that gave birth to the Judaism of the New Testament.
About this paper
| Paper title | Special Topic: Israel's Return from Exile |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level BIBS paper
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Notes
- May not be credited with BIBS412 when taken with the same content.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Dr Don Moffat, Sir Paul Reeves Lecturer in Biblical Studies
- Paper Structure
Ezra-Nehemiah
Haggai, Zechariah & Temple reconstruction
Penitential prayer
Marriage, identity and religious authority
Return migration and Community identity (Chronicles)
Revelation and authority
Governors and High Priests
Malachi & Isaiah 56-66 community and leadership- Teaching Arrangements
The paper will be taught by videoconference to cater to on-campus and distance students. A teaching day will be held in Dunedin and Auckland.
- Textbooks
A Course book with readings will be available through Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship & Lifelong learning, critical thinking, research, communication, ethics, cultural understanding, team work, informational literacy
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Identify and assess the challenges Israel's return from Babylon presented and the resultant evolution of Judaism as a religious and cultural expression;
- Exegete biblical texts using critical skills and assess them as literary texts and historical records by drawing on appropriate disciplines; and
- Discuss and analyse a range of topics addressed by scholars in regard to the early second temple studies, including: penitential prayer, return migration, community identity, the "myth of the empty land", and political and religious structure and authority.