Activity 11
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School
Concordia University *
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Course
301
Subject
Religion
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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1
Uploaded by MajorCrabPerson111
What do you find most interesting about the book of Ruth or the book of Esther?
The course revealed new interpretations of female characters in these books, especially from a
Jewish feminist perspective. Vashti in Esther is now seen as a strong figure, contrasting with
previous, more dismissive portrayals. Eunuchs in Esther were highlighted for their crucial roles,
adding to discussions on queerness. Additionally, a movie adaptation of Ruth offered a unique
portrayal of the Kingdom of Moab, emphasizing its negative aspects and Ruth's break from it.
The course also encouraged exploring queer interpretations in these texts, focusing on non-
traditional relationships and families.
What is the thing that stood out for you that you learned in class 21, taught by our TA,
Jordan?
The main takeaway was the emphasis on supporting arguments with evidence and maintaining
academic rigor. Jordan stressed the importance of backing up statements with solid evidence, a
key skill in academic work.
What are three things you learned in class 22, ancient biblical interpretations (the shared
assumptions are not separate things!)
Historical Context: Biblical interpretation, particularly between the sixth and third centuries
BCE, grew in importance due to historical events like the Babylonian exile and Persian period in
Yehud. This era marked the development of both oral tradition and written Torah in rabbinic
ideology.
Reasons for Interpretation: James Kugel argued that biblical interpretation arose from textual
ambiguities, historical context, and evolving cultural and linguistic landscapes, necessitating a
deeper examination of texts.
Common Assumptions: Kugel identified four key assumptions among ancient interpreters: the
Bible's cryptic nature, its relevance to contemporary times, its perceived perfection and
harmony, and its divine origin.
What are two things that were interesting in class 22 that you'd like to learn more about?
Cultural and Linguistic Influence: Exploring how historical and cultural shifts impacted biblical
interpretations seems particularly intriguing.
Uncovering Hidden Meanings: The methodology used by ancient interpreters to reveal and
explain hidden messages in the Bible warrants further exploration.
What is one question you still have about any of the material this week?
No specific question remains about this week's material.
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