Why the Old Testament Feels Daunting

Joshua Sears earned his BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brigham Young University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on biblical polygamy, the book of Isaiah, and Latter-day Saint Bible editions. He has presented at numerous academic and Church-related conferences and is the author of A Modern Guide to an Old Testament.





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Links

A Modern Guide to an Old Testament
BYU Religious Studies Center: rsc.byu.edu
Kerry Muhlestein: “A Savior with a Sword”
Blue Letter Bible
BibleHub
NetBible.org
NRSVUE Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Key Insights

Understanding Genres: The Old Testament contains various literary genres, including poetry, narrative, and prophecy. Recognizing these genres is crucial for proper interpretation and enhances the reading experience.

Challenges of the Old Testament: The text is lengthy and covers a vast historical period, which can be overwhelming. It also includes complex themes such as violence and cultural practices that may challenge modern readers.

Christ in the Old Testament: Jehovah, the Lord in the Old Testament, is identified as the premortal Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection allows readers to see Christ’s active role throughout the text, not just in prophecies of His mortal ministry.

Resources for Study: Utilizing various resources, including the Come Follow Me manual, podcasts, and online tools, can enhance understanding and provide context for difficult passages.

Addressing Difficult Questions: It is acceptable for teachers to admit when they do not know the answer to a question. This honesty fosters a learning environment and encourages further exploration of the scriptures.

Leadership Applications

Encouraging Engagement: Leaders can promote a deeper understanding of the Old Testament by encouraging members to explore its genres and themes, helping them to appreciate its relevance to their faith.

Creating a Supportive Environment: By modeling humility and openness about not having all the answers, leaders can create a safe space for discussion and inquiry, allowing members to feel comfortable asking questions.

Utilizing Resources: Leaders should leverage available resources, such as the new institute manuals and online tools, to prepare lessons that are informative and engaging, ensuring that the focus remains on the scriptures themselves.

Timestamps

00:03:02 – Overview of “A Modern Guide to an Old Testament”
00:04:18 – Challenges of the Old Testament
00:05:33 – The Complexity of Old Testament Genres
00:06:43 – Teaching Strategies for the Old Testament
00:08:10 – Shifting Mindsets for Old Testament Study
00:09:48 – Importance of Understanding Context
00:11:06 – Balancing Content Mastery and Teaching
00:12:28 – Keeping Jesus Christ at the Center
00:14:10 – Resources for Hebrew Words and Translations
00:15:46 – Using Podcasts for Study
00:17:27 – Navigating Difficult Questions in Class
00:19:19 – Emphasizing Conversion in Teaching
00:20:30 – The Role of AI in Biblical Study
00:22:04 – Addressing Tough Issues in the Old Testament

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