The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Wright C. K. Benedict Professor of Old Testament, Sewanee School of Theology
This class will explore several passages of the Old Testament that have been misunderstood because of changes in word meaning, differences in historical or cultural context, or simple mistranslations from the Hebrew into English. For example, what did the angel promise Hagar about her as-yet-unborn son? Is there really unending conflict in view for him?
Quite the contrary: the Hebrew of Genesis 16:12 says he will be strong, free, and a coalition builder. And in Genesis 22:8, when questioned by Isaac, Abraham doesn’t actually tell him that “God will provide a lamb for the sacrifice.” Come and find out what the Hebrew really says! Most of the texts chosen are ones for which our misunderstandings have substantial theological ramifications, while others se lections will be just for fun. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite Bible; the more translations the better! Rebecca Wright is the C.K. Benedict Professor of Old testament and Biblical Hebrew at the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South. She is an ordained United Methodist minister who loves to teach. Her teaching style not only helps students understand the Old Testament in its historical context, but also how it is relevant to the church today.