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Back to The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future

Learner Reviews & Feedback for The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future by Emory University

4.7
stars
290 ratings

About the Course

With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame. They consigned it to oblivion, opting instead to extol the golden ages of the past. The biblical authors in contrast reacted to loss by composing extensive writings that acknowledge collective failure, reflect deeply upon its causes, and discover thereby a ground for collective hope. Working through colorful biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts, and drawing on an array of comparative examples, the course illustrates the thoroughgoing manner with which biblical authors responded to defeat by advancing a demotic agenda that places the community at the center. The aim of the biblical authors was to create a nation, and they sought to realize this goal via a shared text, which includes stories and songs, wisdom and laws. This corpus of writings belongs, without a doubt, to humanity’s greatest achievements. Whereas the great civilizations of the Near East invested their energies and resources into monuments of stone that could be destroyed by invading armies, the biblical authors left a literary legacy that has been intensively studied until the present day. More important, these authors’ visionary response to defeat brought to light a radical new wisdom: the notion that a people is greater than the state which governs it, and that a community can survive collapse when all of its members can claim a piece of the pie and therefore have a reason to take an active part in its collective life....

Top reviews

MR

Apr 30, 2021

This is a fascinating course. I needed an approach to the Bible and this was key. Of all the interviews I like Prof. O'Connor's the best. She's a fabulous teacher.

DT

Jun 26, 2022

E​xcellent course. Professor Wright integrated alot of material. The discussions with other professors were an amazing reference point, and uniquely valuable when reflecting on the course.

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51 - 75 of 99 Reviews for The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future

By JOHN Q

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Mar 26, 2016

Great course! As a non christian I learn a lot about western culture and history

By Macx S

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Dec 6, 2016

Very great course for believers and non belivers, packed with useful information

By jorge e j d

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Feb 1, 2018

Muy Bueno. Gracias por este excelente curso. un abrazo desde Bogotá , Colombia

By Russil A

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Dec 11, 2016

Excellent course! Professor Wright is passionate, warm and engaging. Loved it!

By Edi d

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Aug 31, 2016

This course has mad me look at the Bible in a completely new and exciting way.

By Nikhil P L

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Jun 22, 2023

Excellent Course, Loved every part of it. Jacob Wright is the best teacher.

By Karen J

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Sep 13, 2025

I really enjoyed this class, great instructor, excellent course content

By Gustavo O

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Sep 14, 2018

Very good teacher and the course is amazing! Thank you for share!!

By Saleh M

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Nov 4, 2016

it would be better if we could do exams without buying certificate

By Naokichi D

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Mar 9, 2018

Enriching historical knowledge in every course material.

By Rosalee C

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Aug 8, 2016

This is a very enlightening course. I loved it.

By Sven S

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Nov 30, 2018

Great course, very interesting and good lecturer

By David H

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May 17, 2018

Great course, it gave me plenty to think about.

By Brigette M

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May 27, 2021

Very enjoyable and insightful class Thank you

By Hadar Z

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Nov 7, 2021

very interesting, from many different angles.

By HEPHZIBAH P F

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Aug 1, 2020

Amazing insight into the Biblical world.

By Jereesh E

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Oct 11, 2018

Very much interesting information

By Marco S d P

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May 17, 2016

Grest course! I do recommend!

By Pamela m k

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Aug 15, 2016

Outstanding in every way.

By Winston A W

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Nov 30, 2020

Excellent, thank you.

By Guillermo

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Jul 18, 2017

Un curso excepcional

By Maria C B

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Mar 11, 2020

EXCELENTE MATERIAL!

By Federico C

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Jun 7, 2018

Great teacher

By Lloyd H

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Apr 1, 2021

Excellent!

By Shannon M

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Jan 28, 2021

love it!!!