Biblical Foundations 211

Tuesday 9/12/06

2006-09-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been particularly interested in Frye this week. I really like the idea of the "u" shaped narrative: the beginning, the fall, and the restoration. It helps give the bible some structure. Also, the "water of life" is a concept that I was unfamiliar with. Though, I suppose, in a nation that does not have an abundance of water, I suppose it is apt. All sorts of religions note the sanctity of life-giving water. I always think of the bible as being so far removed from nature that it always strikes me when it parallels pagan mythology. I suppose that is also why I enjoyed the Book of J. Yahweh has such temper tantrums. It reminds me of the vengeful and hot tempered Roman gods. I thought it was a bit entertaining when Moses has to talk Yahweh down when he is getting a little carried away. J is certainly more fun than P.

Class on Thursday 9-7-06

2006-09-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

This week we covered some pretty interesting things in class. I particularly enjoyed the definition of a myth: A collection of stories, symbols or images that tell a culture who they are and what they are expected to do. We have also spent a fair amount of time covering the different writers of the bible, being P,J,E, D, and R. I certainly don't doubt that many different people contributed to the bible's development. I do, though, wish we knew more about those writers. I would love to know what sort of political climates they were in and what their own agendas added to their writings. I imagine it will always be a mystery. I also thought it was interesting that the "key events" in Greek and Hebrew mythology (the Trojan War and the Exodus, respectively) happened at about the same time. We covered so many neat little tidbits, but it would, I think, be rather tiresome to relate them all again on this blog. So I will try to stick to the main points, even though Aristotle, Fiddler on the Roof, Roman translations, Greek gods, and the sound of wind are all pretty fun. Anyway, enough for today. Time to read some more Frye.

Biblical Foundations 211

2006-08-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
This is my first blog, so I apologize in advance. I'm Lindsey and I'm from Billings. I am an English Lit. major with intentions to get my masters in Library Science/Media. So far this class is far better than I had anticipated. I am currently really enjoying The Book Of J. I love the idea of Yahweh as impish, emotional and quite human. "J" seems to take out the bore from traditional bible reading. Frye's book is equally interesting but, admittedly, not as much fun.