An Online Continuing Education Class
Instructor: Steven Tuell, James A. Kelso Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, PTS
Dates: May 2-27, 2016 NOTE: NEW DATES - CLASS WAS POSTPONED FROM JANUARY
Ezekiel is strange book, about a strange prophet: a bizarre figure who shaves his head with a sword, refuses to mourn the death of his wife, and sees visions of wheels, fire, and impossible four-faced creatures. Yet, on the other hand, Ezekiel is also a book of piercing beauty: Jesus’ image of the Good Shepherd, and John’s vision of the river of life and the new Jerusalem, have their roots in this odd, ancient book. Indeed, Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones, and its promise for Israel’s resurrection, has become the root metaphor for Jewish and Christian conceptions of the afterlife. In this class, we will explore the message of this prophet, who on the one hand pronounced that God had removed Godself from Jerusalem, and on the other declared God's presence among the exiles. We will discuss both the historical and social setting out of which Ezekiel's message first emerged, and the process by which book which bears his name came to be. In the end, we will consider the theological impact of this book, and its continuing relevance for Christian readers today.
Suggested text (not required for participation in the class): S. Tuell (2012). Ezekiel (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
This class will be offered in asynchronous fashion meaning that there are no set times that students need to be at their computers; all of the material and work will be available for participation at the student's convenience.
Fee: $75 CEUs: 1.5
Like Online Learning? Check out our class on Leadership through Conflict with professor Leanna Fuller being offered in April 2016.