The Boundless Bible

…also known as “The Bible Unbound” and “Torah with a Twist.” Not your usual bible study! Over the course of a FULL YEAR, this online class takes a look at the entire Torah, or Pentateuch, from “let there be light” to the Promised Land. The goal of this class is never to tell you what the Bible means; instead we explore what is has meant to centuries of interpreters. The emphasis is on the varied – and sometimes wacky – way these stories have been understood in Jewish, Christian and Muslim circles.

Remember when Abraham passed off Sarah as his sister because he knew that Pharaoh would want her, even at such an advanced age? We’ll read an ancient text describing her ravishing beauty – in terms that would probably have made her blush!

Was Isaac merely bound on Mount Moriah, or was he actually killed in the process? Or was it Ishmael, and not Isaac after all?

These sorts of questions guide our study. Join us! The class will be conducted in a blog-like format. Each week there is an assigned reading from the Bible, and I will post an Instructor Commentary discussing some interpretations of interest. Your job is simply to read, reflect and RESPOND! Comment! Argue! Let others know what you think. The first lesson will be posted on October 20th, 2008. Its subject? B’reishit: Genesis 1:1-6:8.