IMPACT OF HEBREW BIBLE

Purpose of Class

The purpose of this class is to illustrate how the Hebrew Bible and its profound messages inspired the Protestants who founded this country to create a new nation.

This class takes you through history accompanied by the words of historians, theologians, the Puritans and the leaders of the founding period, illuminating for participants the colonists' emphasis on the Hebrew Bible.

Class includes

The Hebrew Bible, a revolutionary text

This brief section gives an overview of the most important ideas from the Hebrew Bible that created a major shift in ancient thought and inspired others later.

Puritans’ love of the Hebrew Bible

Here we will explore how the English Protestants focused on the Hebrew Bible as they crafted their theology and their communities.

The Exodus story, the Puritans, and the Founding Fathers. 

We will explore how the Exodus story’s message of human dignity, that every person has the right to live with freedom from tyranny, resonated with the early Americans. 

The Hebrew Bible’s influence on American icons 

We will look at original American documents to illustrate how their ideals echo the teachings from the Hebrew Bible. These values can be seen in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. 

Class includes

•        Slides of primary sources, quotes, photos, and illustrations.

•        Handouts for participants’ future readings.

Class options:

You can choose either 

• 1 hour lecture
•  1 ½ hour lecture

Each lecture is followed by questions and discussion (this second option is for groups interested in more in-depth exploration)