The nature of Biblical text

It is important for pupils to understand the nature of biblical text. Additions to a lot of biblical material were made at later stages, and parts rewritten by editors, for a variety of reasons (religious, historical, political etc.). In this passage we have very ancient material which has been worked over, probably several times, to produce the present version. e.g. possibly, as the sanctuary at Bethel became increasingly important for the Israelites, its origins needed clarification.

Such expansion or rewriting of records does not invalidate them but requires us to approach them with the help of scholarship to discover how they come to be as they are. Much worldwide scholarship has gone into researching the biblical text. This research still continues with the help of increased historical and linguistic knowledge and the discovery of new manuscripts and archaeological finds.

It is very important to introduce pupils to the fact that the Bible is an extraordinary historical document and deserves their respect for that reason alone. It also requires their analytical and evaluative skills in order to assess its nature and value.

Questions

1. Some people dismiss the Bible easily, but without any understanding of its composition and message. Why might this be? Is it a justifiable approach?
   
   
2. In an age obsessed with all types of do-it-yourself manuals exploiting the term 'Bible', e.g. the Bible of Make-Up, the Bible of Pop Stars etc., why should a Bible about 'Living' and 'God' be considered out of vogue by some?

Human nature and behaviour

Motivated by jealousy and power, Jacob had been deceitful and was running away from the consequences. This occurred in his own family and highlights the rivalry and divisions which can be found in human relationships, even - or especially - in families!

Although the Bible contains narratives from centuries ago about 'old-fashioned' people, nevertheless they are relevant to people today because they highlight human personality, which does not change with time. People today can therefore identify with the characters and situations presented in the Bible.

Questions

1. Why is it that human nature appears not to have changed very much over the centuries? Identify ways in which it might have changed.
   
   
2. Is favouritism harmful? Give reasons for your answer.
   
   
3. Rather than face up to his situation, Jacob runs away. What does this tell us about human beings and the way they sometimes deal with situations and behave towards each other? What forms of escape do people use nowadays to avoid their problems?

A changed life

A large number of people, even today, claim to have experienced an encounter of some sort with God which they describe as having totally changed their lives. In a scientific age, personal experience is not considered very reliable and accounts of experiences of God often lead to ridicule rather than respect and awe.

Questions

1. In a scientific age, what can we make of personal experiences of God?
2. Identify and describe one such personal experience and the consequences for the person/people involved. How did others react to it? What are the implications of finding 'evidence'?

Continuing presence

Religious people believe that God's presence is always with them. They regard God as, for example, comforter, guide, protector and inspirer. They believe this allows them to live life at a deeper level, by being open to God's purpose for them, tuning into it and acquiring the strength to carry it out, however tough this might be to do.

Questions

1. Is it courageous or cowardly for someone to believe that God's presence is always with them?
2. What difference might such a belief make to someone?

God as Holy

'Holy' means 'set apart' or 'very special'. In the past God was regarded with great respect and reverence. Today, it is sometimes more usual to hear the word 'God' used in swearing and cursing than in any reverential way.

Questions

1. How might 'holiness' be defined?
2. Can 'holiness' exist without God?
3. Does 'holiness' figure in some / most / all people's agendas? Why? Why not?
4. What might humans miss by putting themselves at the centre of everything?
5. Why does the word 'God' figure in so much bad language?

Awe and Wonder

The religious response to God in the Bible is one of awe and wonder from the believer. Some claim that modern life has taken the special or extraordinary out of everything and reduced it all to the ordinary.

Questions

1. Think of some things that you take for granted, but which are in fact extraordinary. Why do you think you take them for granted?
2. What purpose does awe and wonder serve in people's lives? Why might it be essential to hold on to awe and wonder in life? What difference might a greater sense of 'wonder' make to people's lives?

Choosing the least likely

One of the most challenging features of the Bible is the realisation that God often chooses the least likely characters to carry out his purposes. People assume that God is only concerned with the 'good' people and sometimes religious believers are even mocked because they are not considered 'good enough' to be religious. In the story of Jacob, however, we have the deceitful, cowardly and cunning son being made the father of Israel - given the highest honour.

Questions

1. What does God's choice of people tell us about God's nature?
2. Why might God be interested in using less than perfect people for important jobs?
3. Why do we expect 'religious' people to be 'goody goodies'?
4. 'People who are perfect don't need God, but people who go to synagogue or church know their need of God.' What is being said here?

God's interventions

In the Bible God has a habit of intervening just at the moment of real need and desperation. Sometimes God's help has been called for, but sometimes it has not been requested - as in this narrative. Jacob is in a terrible position: lonely, scared, guilty. God's appearance changes him. It gives him reassurance and a sense of purpose, which then affects the history of the Jewish faith.

Questions

1. Why might God choose to intervene at such a dreadful time? Why not just stop the situation arising?
2. What do you think it says about God that he is seen to intervene at a time when people are most at need?
3. In modern times when people are materially less vulnerable, what leads people to despair and desolation?
4. Where do people find support in a time when people reject God? Has God been replaced by other things like therapy and counselling?

Dedication

People who take God seriously don't just acknowledge his existence but dedicate themselves to participating in his purposes for his creation. This involves complete commitment and not a casual, carefree acquaintance. Jacob pledges himself to God. This isn't an easy option and ends up with his struggling with God. In fact his new name, Israel, means 'one who struggles with God'.

Questions

1. Some people identify today's world as one where there is little commitment to anything. Do you agree?
2. Why do you think some people are prepared to dedicate themselves to God's purposes? How do they know they are God's purposes?
3. What demands dedication from people nowadays? Identify some examples. How might people be affected by one or more of these?
4. What does it mean to say that a relationship with God can involve a 'struggle'? Why might people still want to enter into such a relationship?