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The module aims to explore ways in which the Old Testament may be brought to bear on ethical issues. To do this it develops the student’s ability to read texts critically; to interpret texts in relation to each other and in the light of modern approaches to biblical interpretation; and to nurture ways of thinking about Old Testament interpretation in relation to contemporary ethical issues. It builds upon skills and understanding acquired in the Level 5 compulsory module, The Bible: Text, Interpretation and Culture.

The Old Testament portrays human behaviour in a great variety of ways.  Large parts of it, directly or indirectly, aim to regulate that behaviour and consequently may be called ethical. The module therefore begins by identifying a range of Old Testament texts, representing different genres of the literature, especially law, narrative and prophecy. The selected texts are examined in turn, proceeding in each case from their interpretation in the context of their world, through issues of their potential relevance to the modern world, to a consideration of them in relation to specific ethical topics. Contemporary models for understanding Old Testament ethics will be analysed and evaluated. The selected Old Testament texts will include laws from Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, poetry from Amos, Hosea and Isaiah, and draw from narratives from Genesis, Joshua and Samuel. Ethical issues addressed will be in the areas of sexuality, the natural environment, social ethics, politics and economics.

A student passing this module should be able to:

 1. demonstrate a systematic understanding of issues in the critical interpretation of specified parts of the Old Testament in their world;

2. demonstrate an understanding of how claims to normativity may be implied in texts of different genres;

3. understand and evaluate critically the respective or competing claims of texts to normativity;

4. demonstrate a systematic knowledge of specific issues in Old Testament ethics;

5. understand and evaluate critically competing ethical claims in respect of some modern issues;

6. analyse and synthesise ideas and theories in modern studies of Old Testament ethics.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.