Biblical Wisdom Literature

By: The Great Courses, Father Joseph Koterski S.J.

Narrated by: Father Joseph Koterski S.J.

Length: 18 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In 36 thought-provoking lectures, you'll explore enlightening teachings that have inspired the world and that continue to speak to life's most important questions. Throughout, you'll benefit from Father Koterski's ecumenical perspective, as he presents these teachings within the Jewish and Christian traditions and compares the varying versions of these texts. What do these writings have to say about the great philosophical problems people seek to understand? You'll find out as you contend with the literal and figurative meanings behind some of the Bible's most essential books and parts (as well as some that many of us overlook). Among them: the book of Job, which contends with some of the most enduring philosophical and theological questions; the book of Proverbs, with its moral exhortation to live according to God's covenant; the book of Sirach, which contains advice on friendship and fidelity to God's law; the Song of Songs, a sublime piece of biblical poetry; and the Wisdom of Solomon, with its stirring contemplation of wisdom in civic and private life.

Each of these and the other books in these lectures is placed in its historical and cultural context, but is also examines in the context of today's world. Father Koterski takes care to describe how these ancient teachings can be applied to everyday dilemmas we all face. The result is an enriching journey that is as rewarding for members of the Jewish and Christian faiths as it is to those

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

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

A breadth of knowledge (and wisdom)

Amazing lecture, will have to listen again and again! So recommended for anyone who is seeking deeper things. Narration, presentation clear & cohesive. Kudos!

Good information wrong format

The information provided is very good but some serious limitations make it less helpful in the way I use it. I listen while walking every day and the author persists in referencing verses or sections of the scripture without quoting them, expecting the reader to refer to them themselves which is not practical on a brisk walk or run! Had he read the relevant verses it would have been vastly improved but he did not.

Biblical Wisdom Literature

This course promoted thought and intellectual growth. It encouraged listeners to grapple with tough issues.

Biblical Wisdom Lecture

A very profound and intellectual Biblical perspective on Wisdom. I enjoyed all lectures. The lectures were interesting and informative!

Wonderful transition course between OT and NT

Absolutely wonderful Great Course, and I really can't say enough good about Fr. Koterski's entire lesson plan. I am not sure what I was expecting when I purchased it, but I was quickly drawn into his philosophical treatment style of the sapiential literature. This is probably the most accessible comprehensive treatment I have found regarding the wisdom books/Kethuvim and it gives a really fair treatment to those works from the standpoint of all the major religions. Very complete (and entertaining) treatment of Job/Qoheleth contrasts and, if you've never been in love with the Book of Sirach, Fr. K makes it easy...

This is a niche course and I would suggest it fits well for those who have already completed a review of the Hebrew Bible/OT and are looking to dive more into the philosophy at play in, "those books at the end." Some really unique perspectives make this totally worth the investment.

Punctuated by psalm interludes (and some of that wonderful Ignatian spirituality!), this was just really easy to focus on, understand and complete. I feel Jesuits have such an absolute gift of clear and succinct theological instruction and this is no exception. I ended up absolutely loving this course. It's one to go back to and ponder again after you spend some time re-reading after considering the insights. Fabulous written material. Thank you, Fr. Koterski. God bless, sir.

Easy Listen

Fr Koterski is delightful to listen to in a variety of ways. His lectures are well planned and presented. The book that comes with it makes following along easy as well as looking back at what was just taught or looking ahead to what the next lecture will consider. He has an excellent speaking voice, well paced, easy to hear and understand.

I would certainly consider purchasing more of his audiobooks in the future.

Really great course

I love the Biblical Wisdom Liturature, especially Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, plus he gets some material in there like Sirach and Jesus that might typically be left out, and weaves it all together nicely. Wisdom is precious and begins with a healthy fear of the Lord.

Excellent Work!

What did you love best about Biblical Wisdom Literature?

The lecturer's intimate knowledge of the subject matter combined with a life of devotionally interacting with these texts.

Any additional comments?

The Great Courses Series often employs biblical scholars who are erudite and professional, but uncommonly do they employ one whose expertise is colored by a life of meeting God in and through the analyzed texts. Critical but also devotional, this treatment on the biblical wisdom literature has just the right synchrony of features to impart a holistic treatment to the audience.

Surprised by wisdom!

I am a lay person who has enjoyed
Many different great courses. This course was helpful in explanation of the background of texts both historically and theologically. He approaches theodicy in the biblical wisdom tradition very artfully and really tied the diverse biblical cannon nicely together. I’d recommend this to others looking for an academic introduction to biblical wisdom literature and philosophy.

New insights

I found these lectures extremely well done. They made me curious to read the ancients more closely and provided helpful insights. In short, I learned a lot and strongly recommend this book to wisdom seekers whether or not they are believers.