The Importance of Oral tradition in understanding biblical text

Literature is a complex medium and cannot be reduced to literally true or not. But pupils can easily dismiss the Bible as 'untrue'. It is essential that they are introduced to the variety of genres of writing that are found in the Bible as young as possible. In relation to Miriam, very ancient material from over three thousand years ago presents her story. While it would be easy for pupils to dismiss this as too old to hold any truth, it is important to help them understand:

1. The biblical written text derives from very old material passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth.
2. In the telling, this material will have been pruned or added to depending on what the narrator /editor considered to be important to pass on.
3. This means that what might be regarded as 'only legends' and therefore unreliable is in fact very valuable because it not only includes the events but also the effect of those events on the people who experienced them. So insight into the meaning of life as they lived it has been passed on in these early narratives.

Questions

1. What is the difference between a highly regarded and priced antique artefact and the Bible?
2. Why is it important for people to understand that when they ask if the Bible is true, it is not just a quick yes or no answer that can be given? Literature is far more complicated than that. What extra layers of complication might there be in the Bible?
3. Why might people be reluctant to apply their analytical, evaluative and research skills to biblical material in the same way as they would to other old material?

God's purpose

Jews and Christians (and Muslims) believe that God, as Creator and Sustainer, has a purpose for creation which He will accomplish in cooperation with people. In order to achieve this goal, God is not a passive observer but is fully engaged in the trials and tribulations of the world and working directly with individuals.

Questions

1. A materialistic society seems to depend on short-term goals. Why is it important to keep an eye on long-term goals as well?
2. Is it easier to believe life has a purpose or that it is a mere accident of chance?
3. What difference might it make if a person believes their purpose is linked to an overall master plan?
4. What might transform the world for the better? How could that be accomplished?
5. If God does intervene in history, where might his presence be at work nowadays?

Prophecy

God's gift of prophecy to individuals enabled them to remind Israel about the standards God expected of them and warned them of trouble ahead if they failed to meet them and to trust God rather than their neighbouring nations. The prophets had the insight to see where the present would lead and had the courage to proclaim their unpopular message to their people. (Islam has a different understanding of prophecy, but still sees the prophets as the servants and sometimes messengers of God). Each generation needs its watchdogs to alert nations and individuals of the dangers ahead.

Questions

1. Who might be described nowadays as modern day prophets?
2. What are their messages about?
3. What reactions do they encounter?
4. God's judgement doesn't feature much in modern discourse. In what ways could that be good or bad for society?
5. In a secular society who decides what the standards and values are to be? Who assesses whether they are achieved? Who can be regarded as the watchdogs?

Status of Women

While it is surprising to realise that women held key positions in even the early days of Jewish history, this narrative highlights the secondary importance given to women leaders as well as the limited reporting of their contributions. Moses and Aaron play major roles, whereas Miriam has a minor one. This is partly because she has almost been edited out of the story, with just a mention here and there. Miriam also gets the punishment from God while Aaron escapes! Perhaps like Eve she can be conveniently blamed when things go wrong! But would Moses have been saved as a baby for later stardom without his sister's support?

The movement to 'liberate' women and advances in science, technology and education have changed women's lifestyle and expectations. Culture has to be disentangled from religion in trying to produce changed attitudes and progress - sometimes the suppression of women has owed more to cultural factors than to religious principles. But religious beliefs and practices depend a great deal on traditions which have developed over a long period of time and these are deeply entrenched. The Bible does not attack slavery, but its spirit can be said to oppose it. The Bible does not seek to make women 'equal', but its spirit can be said to demand equality. Equality is one of the contemporary moral issues that Religious Education needs to take on board and address.

Questions

1. Why do some groups of people get treated unfairly by others?
2. Which groups might be identified specifically e.g. travellers, the elderly? Why?
3. What does this say about the oppressor(s)?
4. If people are created 'in the image of God' what difference should this make to the way they are to be treated? If, on the other hand, people are only 'chance bundles of star-dust' does it matter how they are treated?
5. What qualities contribute to someone gaining status in society?
6. Do you think that men and women are ascribed (or experience) equal status in today's society? Are there differences in different cultures? What would be the implications of their being seen as absolutely equal in every culture?

Human Relationships

Miriam highlights the problems that rivalry and jealousy bring to relationships. She feels hard done by and tries to change things. The details are unclear but it appears she was unhappy about her status and had the courage to speak out. However, she was deemed wrong and punished. In contrast to her behaviour, both brothers supported her and her punishment was lightened.

Questions

1. What signs could be identified to support or refute the view that human relationships are breaking down in modern society?
2. Why is jealousy such an unpleasant vice?
3. In what ways might society be encouraging rivalry and competition?
4. What are the dangers for a society which believes that your opinion is as good as mine and there are no absolute standards?
5. In what ways might freedom for individuals be enslaving?

Grasping Spiritual Truth

In an age of knowledge explosion and easy 'aids' to understanding, religious understanding appears difficult for many people. Religious truth requires understanding at a different level and in a new way. The mystery of life remains, however much scientific progress is made.

Questions

1. Why might God choose to work through 'riddles' rather than more directly?
2. Is there any evidence that God still communicates through visions and dreams or have these methods been updated?
3. Are some people more disposed to spiritual understanding? If so, why might that be the case?
4. How important might it be for 'mystery' to remain in peoples' lives?