The Old Testament

By: Amy-Jill Levine, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Amy-Jill Levine

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The Old Testament - written in ancient Israel by many different authors over the course of a thousand years - has had more meaning to more people than any other book the world has known. Its influence, whether you consider it scripture or literature, is evident everywhere in our culture, from medieval mystery plays to modern novels, art, music, theater, film, and dance. What can this work teach us about those who wrote it? About the people we once were? And can new academic understanding also speak to faith? As Professor Levine observes: "The Old Testament is endlessly fascinating because it offers everything to explore: myth, saga, and history; tragedy, comedy, and farce; economics and politics; literature and poetry of surpassing beauty; court intrigue and prophetic morality; heavenly miracles and sometimes heavenly silence; questions of theodicy; answers that satisfy and answers that may not; destruction and rebuilding; despair and hope."

In a series of 24 lively lectures, she takes you down all of these avenues, exploring selected passages from the texts known as the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible, and the Tanakh, revealing how fresh research and findings from scholars of archaeology, cross-cultural studies, and comparative religion can deepen your understanding.

And though the focus of her lectures is on historical and literary issues, Professor Levine does not shy away from issues of religious concern, maintaining that the goal of an academic course is not to undermine religious faith, but to use that academic knowledge as a new source of insight into the writings that form a believer's spiritual bedrock.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses

Not a beginner course

The professor is very good, but she assumes that you have a prior knowledge about the Bible and the stories in it.

Narration

This is my second and probably last attempt to listen to great courses. This person albeit extremely knowledgeable makes a ticking sound at the end of her sentences. The first day it was annoying and I stopped listening after an hour. The second day it was so distracting I could follow the lesson. Why have people speak when they have these weird habits. I’ve listened to ten other books and never had a problem. How can you get to the position of giving a great cause and have this kind of maddening habit. Really disappointed

A good review of the OT

Given the time available, a decent synopsis. Strong on portraying the people of the OT, but light on God and his role throughout, as well as any development of the theology of the Israelites.

Awesome lecture series

The author is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, has tons of great insight and lots of perspective from a broad range of cultural studies and academic fields

Fascinating

A lot of details, insight, and research into the Bible from a knowledgeable academic. well done.

An Incredible Perspective

This work is vast in both scope and insight and offers a perspective from which I can only hope I hear more. Amy-Jill has become a common name in our house as I am on my second (my wife her fifth) time through this course, as well as two of her books. Amy-Jill’s perspective both as a scholar and a Jew give life to the Old Testament scriptures that in the Christian realm lie dying and nearly meaningless.

Great info and insight.

I thought this was very well done. The archeological history and cultural context were very eye opening, and I thought the material was approached with a great respect for the importance of the material in the context of various religious beliefs and the impact thereof.

I want to learn more!

New Perspective on Old Testament

Professor Amy-Jill Levine has impeccable academic credentials - AND she brings the First Testament to life with her skill as a consummate story teller! Whether you are familiar with the First Testament or a beginner - she will make it come alive and you will learn more than you ever thought you would want to. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to understand the three most prevalent Faith paths in North America.

Awesome

Loved it. Listened on my morning walks and my evening elliptical workouts on Audible. Great company!

Enjoyable and Educational

Enjoyed hearing the words pronounced properly and the humor interjected with the the facts. The performance and story were excellent