Hebrew Scripture Theology

As we saw in our discussion of human nature, in the OT, the problem of “sin” is inextricably bound up with the human condition. And just as reflection on “what does it mean to be human?” tends to revolve around questions of origins, essence, and end, so too does discussion of “sin”: where does it come from (e.g., Genesis 2-4)? what is its essence (e.g., Psalm 51)? and how is it dealt with (many, many passages!)? Or sin, guilt, and punishment.

Of course, there is another facet in turn to this discussion that will be difficult to separate out and hold distinct: and that is the aspect of future restoration. But since that will be our focus in Week 10 (“Hope”), we should do our best to stick to the central theme of this week’s study.

Theologians for millennia have attempted to characterize the nature of sin and its impact on human existence and the possibility of a relationship with God. This “background” forms an important, even crucial, context for our discussion.

As ever, these themes are widely diffused throughout the Hebrew Bible: they infuse many narratives; they lie at the heart of the laws and sacrifices; they motivate prophetic oracles; they trouble Israel’s poets and sages. However, for discussion this week, try to spend somet time on one of the central passages (listed in the Topics pages). This might help to promote more fruitful discussion than simply bringing a variety of texts to the table.