The Bible for Dummies – Week 3

This week’s discussion centered around the different kinds of literary styles found in the Bible.   We started by discussing the difference between literal truth and poetic truth.   Then we shared a variety of readings from the Bible and discovered that there are at least 10 different styles of writing and that each needs to be read/interpreted in a different way.  The writing styles included:

Myths, legends, law, history, poetry, love poetry, prophecy,apocalyptic writings, gospel writings and letters.

This week’s homework:

Read:   Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Judges 6-8, 10, 11, 13-16
2 Samuel 1-12

Recommended books:
James Michener – “The Source”
Marcus Borg – “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time”
Marcus Borg – “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time”