An Introductory Course for those Who Wish to Know More, and those Unsure Where to Begin...
It is no small understatement to say that the Bible is one of the most significant set of texts ever compiled. Yet, for many—believers and non-believers alike—it remains a mystery. Many have heard key stories from its many rich narratives, but little else. Nevertheless, as with most mysteries, many find themselves curious about the Bible, its content, and origins... but where to begin in a set of texts so vast and a history so long?
This course is aimed at those who want to take that extra step and ask: what is it all really about?
While that question is far too broad to answer in one course (or several!), we hope that the six presentations below will help you open the Bible and begin reading in your own time.
A General Overview
In this first presentation, Seán Goan provides a general overview of the Bible, answering questions such as "What books are in the Bible?" and "How did the Bible come to be?"
At the end of this presentation, you will have a sense of the Bible's origin, the languages it was originally written in, and why it is still important in the world today.
The Old Testament
Exodus and Exile
In this first of two presentations on the topic of the Old Testament, Jessie Rogers explores some of the foundational stories of the Hebrew Bible (which, with some exceptions, generally equates to the Christian Old Testament).
By the conclusion of this presentation, you will know more about the key biblical themes of covenant, liberation, and God journeying with God's people.
Poets and Prophets
In the second of the two presentations on the Old Testament, Jessie touches upon the prophets, the sages, the poets and storytellers, and finally a word on the Psalms.
While this is more than can be covered in one presentation, by the end you will have a sense of some of the key texts associated with these four types of literature in the Old Testament.
Click for the Exodus and Exile Reading Plan
Click on any of the references below to open up an online Bible. All reading plans can be found together in the PDF under "Additional Resources" at the bottom of this page.
Click for the Poets and Prophets Reading Plan
Click on any of the references below to open up an online Bible. All reading plans can be found together in the PDF under "Additional Resources" at the bottom of this page.
The New Testament
St. Paul
In this first of two presentations on the topic of the New Testament, Kieran O'Mahony introduces St. Paul: who he was, why he wrote letters to various early Christian communities, and his significance.
By the conclusion of this presentation, you will have a sense of St. Paul's life, journeys, and the core teaching of his letters.
The Gospels
In the second presentation on the topic of the New Testament, Kieran turns towards the four Gospels, providing an overview of the background and key concerns of each.
By the end of this presentation, you will know something about the structure and origins of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, in addition to the various 'questions' the Gospels sought to address in their theology.
Click for the St. Paul Reading Plan
Click on any of the references below to open up an online Bible. All reading plans can be found together in the PDF under "Additional Resources" at the bottom of this page.
Click for the Gospels Reading Plan
Click on any of the references below to open up an online Bible. All reading plans can be found together in the PDF under "Additional Resources" at the bottom of this page.
Mark Luke
Prologue Prologue
Galilee Galilee
Judea To Jerusalem
Epilogue Judea
Epilogue
Matthew John
Prologue Prologue
Beginnings Book of Signs
Book One Book of Glory
Book Two Epilogue
Book Three
Book Four
Book Five
Passion
Epilogue
The Bible in the Life of the Church
In this final presentation of the program, Seán will look broadly at how the Bible emerged and how it has been understood throughout history up until today.
While there is not enough time to cover everything in detail, by the end of this presentation you will have a sense of key figures and events which shaped the role of the Bible in the life of the church.
Where To Go From Here?
"Take Up and Read!"
First and foremost, simply read! Despite its significance, many people only experience Scripture when it is read at Mass.
While this program, and the recommendations below, may help you understand more about the Bible, they are only guides.
There is nothing which can further your knowledge of Bible more than reading the text itself.
The Casual Approach
If you are interested in learning more about the Bible at your own pace, there are several resources available to you. Our own website here has numerous video courses similar to this one which are free to access, all of which you can find on here. Like ourselves, the Dominican Lumen Centre and Glenstal Abbey often run programs on the Bible (and more) throughout the year, and often at key liturgical celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Finally, Kieran O'Mahony's own website—Hearers of the Word—also posts weekly videos and reflections on the liturgical readings (www.tarsus.ie).
The Academic Approach
If you are serious about furthering your knowledge about the Bible, you might consider taking a third level course such as "The Diploma in Bible and Spirituality" offered by the Centre for Mission and Ministries in SPPU Maynooth.
Courses in Theology and the Bible are also available at several other institutions around Ireland, such as St. Patrick's, Thurles; DCU All Hallows; Trinity College Dublin; Union Theological College, Belfast.