The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch
by Gary E. Schnittjer
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gary E. SchnittjerEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-11-14
ISBN: 0310248612
Number of pages: 592
Publisher: Zondervan
Book Reviews of The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch
Book Review: A highly recommended first step for Pentateuch study
Summary: 5 Stars
While certainly profitable to others who do not fit this category, "The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch" is a textbook written with the undergraduate Bible student in mind. Its purpose is not to give an in-depth, verse by verse explanation of the Five Books of Moses (for which one should seek a commentary), but is meant instead to give the reader an understanding of how the Torah functions as a self-contained, five-part instructional story which lays a foundation for the rest of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) as well as the New Testament. It is written from the perspective of one who is a Christian and who is committed to the Torah as scripture (see p. 13). While this perspective should be obvious, a reading of this textbook will also show that Schnittjer is not afraid to raise difficult issues that come with studying the Torah, even issues he has no intention of answering for the student, nor necessarily always believing there to be such answers at our disposal ("For an apprentice of the scriptures to become skilled at her or his craft, it is necessary to know when to say, 'I do not know.'" p. 68).
As the back-cover description admits, "The Torah Story" only briefly touches on certain matters of debate such as dating and authorship (matters which the Torah apprentice will certainly encounter with further study). Rather, its chief concern is helping the student simply read the text as we have it. For this reason, the first chapter serves not only as an introduction to the textbook, but also as a sort of crash-course in reading biblical narrative. The apprentice will become familiar with older literary terms (cause to effect, climax, contrast, foreshadowing, etc.), be introduced to entirely new ones ("narralogic"), as well as come to appreciate better the relationship which exists (or is meant to exist) between the story and the reader.
After this and a second chapter which introduces the Torah itself, "The Torah Story" is divided into five parts, each part corresponding with the five books which make up the Pentateuch. Part One is comprised of 8 chapters which discuss the book of Genesis, Part Two is 5 chapters on Exodus, Part Three is 4 chapters on Leviticus, Part Four is 4 chapters on Numbers, and Part Five is 5 chapters on Deuteronomy. Following these, a concluding twenty-ninth chapter reintroduces the Torah by giving a broad summary of the entire story (having examined the trees, the forest is then looked at for what it is worth). This chapter also looks at the way the Torah is not only used by later biblical writers, but how it shapes the entire biblical story. In essence, here we have demonstrated how both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament can only be properly understood when placed within the context of the Torah story.
Each chapter assists the reader by opening with a "Getting Started" box including focus questions and terms which relate to that chapter, and an outline of the portion of the biblical text the chapter is concerned with. Each chapter also closes with an "Interactive Workshop" consisting of a chapter summary and questions for the beginning and advanced student, as well as suggested research project ideas and a select bibliography for those who wish to take "the next step" toward a deeper study of the things only touched on in the chapter. In addition, certain chapters also provide opportunity for the student to compare stories and themes found within the Torah with similar stories and themes found in our own culture, particularly in film. For example, following a look at the perspective of God's creation as found in Genesis 1, the reader is invited to compare this perspective with that found in the 1997 film "Contact" (see pp. 63, 71). These aides and opportunities for further study are what set "The Torah Story" apart from other introductions to the Pentateuch, making it a textbook ideal for today's undergraduate class and individual student.
Summary of The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch
Working knowledge of the Torah is essential for every serious student of the Scriptures. Written in an engaging and accessible voice, even while digging into difficult and complicated matters at a sophisticated level, The Torah Story emphasizes the content of the text itself, moving beyond debating dates and theories of authorship into understanding how these five key books of the Bible help us understand the story of salvation. Providing flexible options for further study, each chapter includes the following: * Tips and tools for getting started * Questions that focus on key issues Key terms to look for * Outlines and summaries of the material * An interactive workshop designed for students, individuals, or study groups * Challenge questions drawn from the chapter and biblical text * Advanced questions for those who want deeper exploration of biblical contexts, language, and exegetical or theological issues * Research project suggestions * Discussion activities using films to engage the biblical narrative (selected chapters) A refreshingly new approach to the Torah---neither an introduction nor a commentary---The Torah Story provides a model of how to read Scripture intertextually. It leaves no doubt as to the overarching unity of the message and composition of the Pentateuch.Christian Living Books
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